Our Insights - Another Concept: Digital Marketing Agency

Google Ads' August Smart Bidding Update: What It Means for Advertisers

On 17 August, Google Ads will be rolling out a Smart Bidding update - one that will automatically happen, so if you’re not paying attention, it may catch you off guard. Here's everything you need to know about the update so you can get prepared.

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One Month on From Croatia SEO Summit: What Changes Have We Actually Implemented?

A month ago, I headed off to Croatia SEO Summit for some ‘Sun, Sea and Serious SEO’ alongside Sam and Marcus. So, what lessons did we learn and what changes have we made as an agency? Here’s a recap…

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Where we stand on AI in search

Search has changed but the fundamentals remain the same. Our thoughts on SEO, GEO, Agentic Commerce, AI Content, efficiencies and attribution in 2026.

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The June 2026 Spam Update is Complete

The June 2026 spam update is complete. Here's everything we know about its impact.

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AI Citation Ranking Factors: What Really Improves AI Visibility?

SEO consultant Cryus Shepard analysed 54 published studies to identify which factors actually influence AI citations. Here's what it tells us about AI visibility.

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The May 2026 Core Update is Complete

The May 2026 core update is complete as of 2 June, and it was a big one. Here's everything we know about the update and the affect it's had.

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Agentic Commerce is Heading to the UK: What Does it Mean For Shopify Store Owners?

Shopify recently rolled out a major set of agentic commerce features and is now starting to auto-generate new files designed to help AI agents understand and interact with your store. But what does this mean for Shopify store owners?

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Google’s AI Optimisation Guide: What it Really Means

Google’s newly released AI Optimisation Guide offers some helpful insights and relief for a lot of anxious marketers, but it may not be best practice for all agentic search.

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Do Backlinks Hold the Same Weight as They Did Nearly a Decade Ago? A New Study Uncovers the Truth

In 2018, Backlinko conducted a study that revealed position one results had 3.8x more backlinks than positions two through ten. Eight years later, does the value of a backlink still hold up?

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What People Really Want From AI (And What it Reveals About Shifting Customer Expectations)

Recently, Anthropic surveyed over 80,000 people across 159 countries using an AI interviewer, to gather their thoughts on AI. This extensive study has revealed what people really want and expect from AI, and it’s given us a lot of insight into how customer expectations are shifting.

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Human-Written Content Ranks 8x Better Than AI-Generated Content

Recently, Semrush ran a study to find out how AI-generated content actually performs in the search results. Here are the findings and what they mean for you.

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The March 2026 Core Update is Complete

After 12 days, the March 2026 core update is complete. Here's how the update has affected sites across the world.

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Updating Content Reduces Decay By 87%: New Study Reveals All

For years, the standard advice to combat decaying content has been a vague suggestion to ‘refresh’ your old and outdated content. But what does a refresh actually mean? Thanks to a new study, we finally have some solid data on the matter.

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The March 2026 Spam Update is Complete

Yesterday, Google released the March 2026 spam update, which is expected to take just a few days to complete. Here's everything we know so far.

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ChatGPT Sources Carousel Products From Google Shopping

A recent study has revealed that ChatGPT’s shopping recommendations largely depend on Google Shopping rankings, with around 83% of products shown in ChatGPT shopping carousels also appearing in the top 40 results of Google Shopping.

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AI Overviews Are Affecting Paid Search

AI Overviews have had an impact on paid search and new research from Adthena has revealed more about their influence on both visibility and revenue. Let's take a look at their findings and what it means for your paid advertising strategy going forward.

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AI and Search: A Roundup of Recent Events

There's no doubt you’ll be familiar with headlines declaring the death of search. However, when you look at the actual data, it tells a different story. Here, we take a look at some of the most recent stories and events, and what they actually mean for your digital strategy.

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AI Brand Mentions are Unreliable: How Can Visibility be Quantified?

Thanks to a new investigation from SparkToro, we’ve been given a much needed deeper insight into AI brand mentions and whether or not AI visibility tracking tools are worth your time and money.

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Google’s 2025 Year-End Report: What Were Their Biggest Crawling Challenges and What Does it Mean For You?

Google recently revealed the biggest challenges they faced with crawling in 2025. The results aren’t necessarily groundbreaking but they are interesting. Here’s a breakdown of Google’s main crawling difficulties.

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The February 2026 Discover Core Update is Complete

The February 2026 Discover core update, which was designed to improve the Google Discover experience for users, is officially complete. Here's everything we know.

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ChatGPT Ads Are Here

On January 16, OpenAI officially announced that they would be rolling out ad tests in the US over the coming weeks. So, let’s take a look at how ChatGPT ads will work and what it means for you.

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Google Announces Universal Commerce Protocol: What Does This Mean For You?

Google recently announced that they have partnered with a number of eCommerce platforms to build a new open shared technology standard known as the Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP).

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GEO in 2026

The rise of answer engines has caused a shift in the industry, known as Generative Engine Optimisation, and it represents a fairly important change in how your brand exists online. The traditional digital marketing playbook hasn't been torn up. It's simply evolving. Here's how you can progress with it.

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The December 2025 Core Update is Complete

The December 2025 core update has completed its rollout after 18 days. Here's everything we know so far about the effects of the update.

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Younger Users Prefer TikTok and Instagram Over Traditional Search Engines

According to the Senior Vice President of Google, Prabhakar Raghavan, 40% of young users (18 - 24) prefer to begin their searches on TikTok or Instagram. What does this mean for your strategy going forward?

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The Secret to AI SEO Looks Suspiciously Like a Good Content Strategy

Rodrigo Stockebrand recently posted a breakdown on LinkedIn about one of the most cited sources on the web by LLMs. Let's take a look at why bots love this page so much and what it means for your content strategy going forward.

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Google’s 2025 Holiday Shopping Strategy Exposed: A Study From BrightEdge Reveals All

The last few months of the year are critical for eCommerce businesses. Thanks to a recent study from BrightEdge, we have a clearer idea of Google’s holiday shopping strategy for 2025, which could be invaluable to eCommerce businesses.

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An Ahrefs Study Has Revealed That AI-Generated Content Won’t Hurt Your Rankings

A recent study from Ahrefs, which analysed 600,000 pages, found no evidence that Google penalises AI-generated content. Here are the key findings from the study.

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The Google Content Warehouse Leak: Understanding Google’s E-E-A-T Algorithm

In 2024, over 2,500 pages with information on Google’s ranking systems were exposed. The documents can’t be used as confirmation of Google’s ranking secret, but they have allowed some industry professionals to create a more structured model of what E-E-A-T could mean in algorithmic terms. Let's take a look.

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How People Use ChatGPT: A Recent Study Reveals All

OpenAI has released a substantial research paper that offers in-depth insights into how people are using ChatGPT. Here's everything the report tells us.

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OpenAI Launches Instant Checkout

OpenAI recently announced the launch of its eCommerce integration feature, Instant Checkout. Here's everything we know so far.

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Google is Removing the &num=100 Parameter

Google recently confirmed that it does not formally support the &num=100 parameter after many in the SEO community noticed a reduction in the ability to pull 100 results. Here's the full story.

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Google’s Algorithms Exposed: What Google’s Trial Docs Tell Us

Google’s algorithms have always been somewhat of a mystery. However, thanks to Google's recent antitrust case, documents provided in court have given us a rare insight into its internal ranking systems.

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Google’s Antitrust Ruling: Everything You Need to Know

Find out more about Google's monopoly case and the recent ruling that has allowed Google to keep Chrome but is forcing them to end their exclusive search agreements.

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The August 2025 Spam Update is Complete

Google has finished rolling out the first spam update of the year - the August 2025 spam update. Here's everything we know.

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Web Guide: What is Google’s New Experimental Feature?

Last month, Google announced the launch of a new Search Labs experiment, Web Guide. This bold new feature will alter the way Google presents information.

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ChatGPT is Expanding Search, Not Diminishing it

Concerns over ChatGPT taking people away from traditional search habits have been apparent for quite some time. However, Semrush recently ran a study to determine whether ChatGPT adoption has changed traditional search behaviour, aligned with it, or even elevated search activity.

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Google Claims AI Features Are Improving Click Quality

Despite numerous studies that show AI in search has significantly reduced click-through rates, Google claims that it is driving more queries and improving the quality of clicks coming through to websites.

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AI Mode is Now Available in the UK

AI Mode is coming to the UK! Here's a refresh of what AI Mode is and what it means for you.

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The Adoption of AI Tools is Growing Rapidly

Recent reports by Yext show a shift in consumer habits due to the rapid adoption of AI search. So let’s dive into the key findings of their reports.

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OpenAI Set to Release Rival Web Browser

OpenAI is reportedly preparing to launch an AI-powered web browser in the coming weeks which is set to shake the landscape that is currently dominated by Google Chrome.

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AI Traffic is Due to Overtake Human Traffic Online

AI has seemingly begun to take over the internet so it’s not surprising to hear that AI traffic could soon overtake human traffic online, in fact some sources say it already has.

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The June 2025 Core Update is Now Complete

The June 2025 core update has completed its rollout after 16 days. Here is everything we know about the update.

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Significant Updates to UK’s Data Protection Laws Reduces the Need For Cookie Consent Banners

There has been a significant update to the UK's data protection framework and it's good news for business owners.

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The Average Top-Ranking Page is Five Years Old: How Long Does SEO Really Take?

A recent study by Ahrefs revealed that the average page ranking #1 in the search results is five years old and 72.9% of pages in the top 10 are more than three years old.

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Younger Users Are Relying on Pinterest as a Search Engine

39% of consumers use Pinterest as a search engine. Could you be missing out on the power of this underrated platform?

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Google is Testing AI Overviews on YouTube

Google has begun testing AI Overviews on YouTube - here's everything we know.

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AI Overviews Have Significantly Reduced Click Through Rates

A recent study, which looked at 300,000 keywords, has revealed that AI Overviews reduce CTR by 34.5%.

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The Future of the Internet: A Recent Study Reveals All

With revolutionary technology like AI reshaping the way we perceive the internet and human connection, it begs the question - what will the future of the internet look like?

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Google Expands AI Overviews and Launches AI Mode Experiment

Google recently exapnded the accessiblity of AI overviews, they have now enhanced this further by enabling the tool to answer more complex queries relating to a number of topics.

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The March 2025 Core Update Has Completed its Rollout

Following the numerous updates completed in 2024, Google announced the first update of 2025, on the 13th March. Two weeks later, the first update of 2025 has finished rolling out.

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All Caps Title Tags Improve Organic Traffic

Title tags have significant impact on SEO, but there has been discussion of whether capitalisation has any influence. SearchPilot recently completed a study, let's see what they found.

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Google’s Search Quality Rater Guidelines Explained

A look into how Google Search Quality Rater Guidelines affect your marketing strategy.

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Google Adds Highly Requested Feature to Google Business Profiles

Following the numerous requests from business owners, it was announced that Google is making it easier for customers to contact you.

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What Does the Digital PR Industry Look Like Today?

Interest in digital PR has grown and with this extra attention on digital PR, we thought it would be a good time to take an in-depth look at the industry as it is today.

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Google Has Finished Rolling Out the December 2024 Spam Update

One whole calendar day since the completion of the December core update and Google released the December spam update. The December 2024 spam update was the latest in Google’s attempts to fight unhelpful content, spam content, and spam links.

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2024 Digital Roundup

The start of 2025 is approaching, we thought it would be great to take a look at the major events of 2024. From core updates to AI, this year has been very busy.

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Google Has Finished Rolling Out the December 2024 Core Update

Following the completion of the November Core update, we wouldn't have guessed the next update would be rolled out a week later. Let's explore the potential impacts.

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Black Friday 2024: Our Predictions Reviewed

With Black Friday falling on payday for many people, it was predicted that the results would be bigger than ever. Prior to the biggest sale of the year, we made our predictions. We have now reviewed the outcome of the day.

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4 Predictions for Black Friday 2024

Black Friday is just around the corner, and has been quite unpredictable in recent years. Here are our four predictions for 2024.

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Google’s November 2024 Core Update is Now Complete

The November core update took a week longer than expected to roll out, but continues the theme of Google's aim to provide quality search results for their users.

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Google’s Search Web Creator Conversion Event: Everything You Need to Know

Google recently held a Web Creator Conversion Event at the GooglePlex. Many of the creators in attendance were those negatively affected by the helpful content update in 2023.

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Google Business Profiles Will Soon Be a Requirement for Local Service Ads

As of 21st November, to prevent Local Service Ads from being paused, you will need to connect an up to date, matching Google Business Profile.

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Google Has Begun Testing a ‘Quick View’ Button Feature

Google is testing a ‘Quick View’ button feature, prioritising the user experience over content creators. Good news for recipe bloggers.

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The AC Team Scoop Two Major Trophies at the 2024 Global Search Awards

the Another Concept team are absolutely delighted to have been awarded the gongs for the ‘Best Use of Content Marketing: Small’ and ‘Best Use of PR in a Search Campaign: Small’ – in recognition of our campaign work with RugbyPass for the 2023 Rugby World Cup – at the recent Global Search Awards in Kraków.

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Google has Updated its Spam Policy Document: Here’s Everything You Need to Know

Recently, Google has made a new addition to its spam policies for Google web search document.

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Pages with Informational Intent Prioritised by Google in AI Overviews

Since Google launched the ‘AI Overview’ feature in May, which takes up a large proportion of space in the SERP’s. It is becoming increasingly important to have spot.

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Google August 2024 Core Update: What We’ve Seen So Far

On 15th August, Google launched its algorithm update. Despite the hype surrounding its release, the rollout process has been far from smooth. Here’s what we know.

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Major News Sites Block SearchGPT

OpenAI’s new search engine, Search GPT has been blocked by several major news outlets. Here we investigate why this has occurred.

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Landmark Lawsuit Rules ‘Google Is a Monopolist’

On Monday 5 August, District Judge Amit Mehta ruled that Google was in violation of antitrust law. Here’s what we know.

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Reddit is Blocking Non-Google Search Engines and AI Bots – But Why?

Back in February, Reddit struck a lucrative deal with Google, they are now the only mainstream search engine that provides results from Reddit.

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Google Reverses Plan to Remove Third-Party Cookies

Google is no longer phasing out third-party cookies and is instead opting for a ‘user-first approach’. Here’s what the move means.

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A New Google Core Update is Expected ‘Within the Coming Weeks’ – Are You Ready?

Google’s Search Liaison has announced that the next core update will take place ‘within weeks’. Here’s what the news means…

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60% of Searches End Without a Click – Here’s What This Means for You

For every Google search, only 40% of people reach the Open Web – find out exactly what this means for marketers.

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Google Shuts Down UA: Everything You Need to Know

Google Analytics 4 (GA4) has now officially replaced Universal Analytics (UA). Here’s why the change has taken place and what it means for you and your website.

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How We Gained a DA95 Do-Follow Backlink on the BBC

We recently built a do-follow backlink for one of our clients on the BBC – here’s a step-by-step guide to how we did it.

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Google Search Leak: Actionable Items to Implement in your SEO Strategy

The leak of hundreds of Google Search documents has created a great deal of debate in the SEO community: here are some actionable items you can implement in your SEO strategy today.

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Google Has No Solution For Misleading AI Overviews

Google says it has no solution for the ‘hallucinations’ we’re seeing in AI Overviews. So, should we be worried?

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Google’s CEO Says AI Isn’t Making Search Quality Worse – But Is He Right?

Speaking to Bloomberg, Google CEO Sundar Pichai stated his belief that Google Search is still providing quality results. But, is he right?

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The Biggest Announcements from Google I/O

Google announced a number of new products, features and tech at its annual I/O developer conference. Here are the most important.

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Google Rolls Out AI-Powered Overviews in US Search Results

Google is rolling out AI Overviews to all US searchers. Here’s what it means.

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Google’s Site Reputation Abuse Policy Rolls Out: Manual Actions Hit Big Sites

Google’s Site Reputation Abuse policy is now rolling out. Here’s everything we know so far.

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Google’s March 2024 Core Update Completed

Google’s latest Core Algorithm update is now complete. Here’s everything you need to know.

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Google Expands SGE to Users Who Haven’t Signed Up – What Does It Mean for Brands & Marketers?

Google is expanding the SGE rollout – here’s what we know so far.

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The March 2024 Spam Update has Finished Rolling Out: Here’s What We Know

Google’s March 2024 spam update is complete. Here’s what happened and what the company is taking action against.

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Google Has Introduced INP to Core Web Vitals

Google has replaced First Input Delay (FID) with Interaction to Next Paint (INP) in the Core Web Vitals report. Here’s what this means for you.

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Google is Finally Downranking Spammy and AI-Generated Content

Google is tackling AI-written and spammy content. Here, we explain exactly what’s happening.

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Google’s March 2024 Core Update & Spam Policies Explained

Google’s latest Core Algorithm updates aims to tackle spam and improve Search Results.

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Google is Banning Impersonation and Fake Endorsements in Ads

Google is changing its Misinterpretation policy. We outline what the changes mean for you.

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Google Launches New Search Features in Europe

Google has launched new search features in the EEA. Find out what this means for you.

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Google ‘Removes’ Web Stories From Images

On 8 February 2024, Google announced a major update on the availability of Web Stories. It has since clarified its position.

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The Future of Search: The Role of AI in Search Engines

From image and voice search to Chat GPT, artificial intelligence (AI) has already revolutionised our lives.

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The Privacy Sandbox: Google Phasing Out Third-Party Cookies in 2024

Google is phasing out third-party cookies but what does this mean for your site?

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What did we Learn from the November 2023 Core Update?

We review everything we’ve learnt from the latest core update and discuss how it has affected websites.

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Why We’ve Started Another Concept

Find out why we’ve started Another Concept and what sets us apart from the crowd.

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Google Rolls Out October 2023 Spam Update

Find out all about the October 2023 Spam Update and what it means for you.

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The Google Ads Design is Changing

The Google Ads design has changed. Find out what this means for you.

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