Bring It On!!! The way we are recommended search results on Google’s is currently changing. On the 25th of August Google announced it was launching a ‘Helpful Content’ Google update and in the next 2 weeks (10 days to be exact) it will be up and running fully. This week we unpack how to get the most out of your Google algorithm visibility, what Instagram is doing to keep up with BeReal, Twitter’s move into the podcast space, and much more.
Helpful Google Algorithm Update
The new update affects all of us. This is a site wide change intended to inject more “original, helpful content written by people, for people, rather than content made primary for search engine traffic” says Google. The update is automated. It will introduce a new ranking signal. This will negatively impact websites that publish a large amount of little value and low value adding content. Google is advising users remove unhelpful content from their websites. Although they remain positive that helpful content will still perform well even if it ranks a website to be “less helpful”.
Nearby Tab Is Coming To Your For You Page
TikTok is trialing a new feed called Nearby. This will sit beside our For You Feed and Following Feed when we open the app. The move is to promote locally relevant content that is specific to our area. Whilst our For You Page will continue to cater to broader and further recommendations. The move is prompted by research showing that 40% of young people now prefer to use TikTok or Instagram over google to research where to eat. TikTok’s user base is expected to climb to 1.5 billion users by the end of 2022 which means they have a big market to catch.
TikTok Insights
TikTok eCommerce update!!! Fresh Data released by TikTok shows 48% of users are open to making a purchase on TikTok or because of TikTok in the next 3 months. Why? Well, the data shows audiences are more entertained by the ads offered on the platform. TikTok users are also twice as likely to make a same-day buying decision in the app than in a traditional retail space. We’ve provided some figures below to help you understand all of us.
Twitter Launches Podcast Space In-App
Last week twitter renamed its Spaces tab to Audio. This will be the centre tab at the bottom of the screen and will highlight podcasts, live chats, pre-recorded Twitter content and stations. The update will allow users to browse relevant audio content, and trending conversations and view calendar events for upcoming live conversations. Based on your interactions (thumbs up or down) and app use, it will tailor content towards you.
IG vs. BeReal
From TikTok to Reels it comes as no shock that Instagram is diversifying again this time to compete with its newest competitor BeReal. Users will be prompted when the photo window opens and will have a few minutes to capture their shot. Although IG developed this function for its app years ago. We can’t help but wonder why now they are choosing to pursue the addition?
LinkedIn Adds Pinned Comments
LinkedIn is joining in the fun of pinned comments. The new update will allow us to pin relevant and insightful responses. Allowing us to engage with our network and highlight responses we want to share with others.
Meta Adds a Customer Support Division Finally!!!
Meta has finally listened to our cries for help. An independent body in 2020 was set up at Meta to influence change. After a million appeals were logged @ Meta (Facebook and IG) will now receive a Customer Support Division. This division will likely provide live chats to users and real people to talk to. This change will help with account suspensions, content removal and ad issues. Finally an update we need and you definitely asked for.
That concludes a big week for the internet. Let us know if you’ll be using TikTok over the Google algorithm to find your latest day off inspiration or if Google is still your tried and true. We’ll see you next week.
XOXO OMD SQUAD
