SEO
Google - August core update summary
Google has released its August 2024 core update, which aims to boost high-quality content and demote SEO-first content in search results.
With that, Google has also updated its core algorithm guidance, which has added instructions on using Search Console to measure traffic changes and guides to enhance content.
The biggest change includes two new sections: Check if there’s a traffic drop in Seach Console and “Assessing a large drop in position”, which offers guidance for websites that experience significant ranking decline following a core update.
“Things to keep in mind when making changes” is another section in the updated document, which in short, encourages website owners to make larger changes that help the user, instead of small, and quicker fixes. They also touch on that deleting content should be a ‘last resort’ and only be considered if you think the content can’t be salvaged.
Check out our recent blog for tips on creating high-quality helpful content.
Social Media
YouTube
The merger of short and long form video content
YouTube is testing merging its long form ‘classic’ video content with its Shorts into a single feed. While shorts seem like the opposite of what users would log onto YouTube for, they generate 70 billion views daily!
YouTube explained:
“To try to help viewers better discover content across channels, formats, and lengths on YouTube, we’re running a few small experiments on the Watch Page and with Shorts. If you’re a viewer in the experiment, these new discovery experiences could include a mix of video formats including long-form videos where you’d usually see Shorts (example: the Shorts Feed) or new feeds of long-form videos.”
Longer ad breaks on ctv
YouTube is looking to add in more long ad breaks, on Connected TV Experiences.
This is thanks to research they carried out, which showed that 79% of YouTube viewers prefer ads to be grouped together, instead of shorter ad slots distributed throughout a video.
YouTube explained the change in more detail here:
“With the expansion of fewer, longer ad breaks on CTV, YouTube [CTV viewers] can experience 50% longer viewing sessions before their next ad break. Viewers on connected TVs still have the choice to skip to the next ad in an ad pod, and within this improved experience, viewers can still skip an ad after the first five seconds if it’s not right for them. Further, advertisers have more opportunities to connect with their target viewers while minimising interruptions to viewing sessions.”
Perhaps viewers prefer this thanks to its familiarity with watching adverts between regular TV, which run comparably.
If you’re currently running ads on YouTube, keep an eye on your results as you’ll likely see some fluctuations in performance, even if YouTube does work better for awareness.
Agency partner program
Reddit has announced updates to its agency partner program, which will see approved partners awarded with new badges, much like Meta’s, that you can use in your communications.
Reddit explained:
“Today, we’re introducing Reddit’s Official Partner Badging Program, a program for agency partners to earn exclusive badges on their path of becoming Reddit certified experts. Reddit Ads Formula initially launched in June 2022 and then in October 2023 we launched a second module, the “Boost 2.0 Certification Program.” This new program is rolling out as a pilot, but we’ve already seen partners such as Just Global, Aleph, Omni Advertising, GroupM, Tinuiti, BVK, Furman Roth, and InHouse Agency dive in and continue deepening their knowledge of Reddit Ads.”
threads
Desktop analytics for Threads
Threads have finally released an analytics dashboard available for desktop view.
You’ll be able to access highlights for “views” (aka impressions), “interactions”, “followers” and more.
There’s not much more to say about this, except that analytics are always helpful, and having a bigger, detailed view of your performance is only a good thing if you’re trying to grow your Threads presence.
Native scheduling and drafting for Threads
You’ll now be able to schedule natively in the app, which is a welcome addition, especially for users who may be just using Meta platforms or don’t need a third-party app. Finally, you’ll also be able to draft up to 100 posts, which is up from the earlier, single draft.
Threads is continuing to grow, whilst X’s growth has become stagnant, and hasn’t seen an increase in its 250 million daily users, so it’s a platform to take seriously if you’re not already.
