In September 2019, Google rolled out a series of updates aimed at enhancing the user experience for webmasters, publishers, and SEOs through improvements in the Google Search Console (GSC), changes to nofollow link attributes, and the introduction of new meta tags. Hosted by John Mueller from Google Zurich, these improvements signal significant advancements in how Google Search interacts with websites and represents their content.
Enhancements in Google Search Console
One of the most prominent updates is the overhaul of the Google Search Console, a critical tool for webmasters and site owners to monitor their site’s performance in Google Search. The redesigned interface features a new homepage and dashboard, greatly enhancing usability and allowing for a more streamlined focus on emerging features. Although some legacy features still exist, the Google Search team is dedicated to evolving the platform and providing additional tools in the future.
Moreover, the changes to the GSC interface come alongside revamped engagement opportunities. Google plans to further interact with webmasters through office hours, which allow users to discuss their websites directly with Google employees. These sessions will be announced in advance on YouTube and dedicated event calendars, enabling participants to submit and vote on questions for discussion before the event. This move emphasizes Google’s commitment to community engagement and provides an avenue for webmasters to receive direct feedback from the company.
Changes to Nofollow Links
The concept of link attributes has also been modernized. Originally introduced fifteen years prior, the rel=nofollow attribute has now been expanded with two new attributes: rel=sponsored and rel=ugc (user-generated content). The rel=sponsored attribute is intended for links related to advertisement sponsorships, while rel=ugc is applicable to links found in user-generated content. Notably, these attributes are treated as suggestions rather than directives for how Google should rank these pages in search results.
As of March 2020, Google plans to treat all three attributes (nofollow, sponsored, and user-generated content) as hints to better discover new pages and to improve overall understanding of the web. Website owners are not required to adjust existing links, but they are encouraged to implement the new attributes for clarity on their link types.
Introduction of New Meta Tags
September also marked the introduction of new meta tags that provide publishers with more control over how their content appears in search results. These meta tags allow for the specification of details such as the preferred length of text snippets, image previews, and even video previews. In addition, a new HTML attribute, known as "data-nosnippet," enables publishers to restrict portions of text from being shown in search results entirely.
These enhancements give publishers the capability to manage their content display proactively, ensuring that the previews shown in search results align with their intended messaging. The new directives are particularly useful as they offer a way to improve user engagement and encourage clicks, as well as reducing the chances of misleading snippets appearing in search outcomes.
Conclusion
In summary, the updates introduced by Google in September 2019 are critical for anyone involved in website management or digital marketing. The changes to the Google Search Console interface improve user experience and engagement, while the modifications to nofollow link attributes reflect the evolving nature of the web. Finally, the new meta tags provide publishers with the tools they need to craft their content’s presentation in search results. As Google continues to evolve its tools and guidelines, staying informed and adaptable will be key for successfully navigating the landscape of search engine optimization.
