Google may now hold your review replies for approval before showing them in Google Maps or Google Search. Previously, those replies were immediately shown but that may have changed.

I know it has been a while since I covered the Google Search ranking volatility and algorithm twitches but I am now seeing signs of the volatility heating up. These signs are mostly coming from the tools; the community seems busier with other things.

Google is experimenting with the new tab view in Chrome. This view brings more Gemini features to the forefront, such as Deep Search and Create Images.

Google recently posted a new job listing for a GEO Partner Manager. The position calls for you to be responsible for the “transition Google’s engagement model from Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) discovery to formal ecosystem advocacy.”

Google posted a GEO Partner Manager role in its ads sales organization, using “Generative Engine Optimization” terminology in an ads-side job description.

Here is a recap of what happened in the search forums today…

AI search is caught in a self-reinforcing loop, where synthetic content feeds retrieval systems that present it back as fact.

We keep reading that high quality content is important, but what actually is it? Research suggests the answer is not so clear cut.

Google and WooCommerce announced today that the Google for WooCommerce extension now enables merchants to sell products directly through YouTube. The update connects WooCommerce stores to YouTube channels enabling them to tap into 2.7 billion shoppers. Merchants can tag products in videos and Shorts, where they appear as shoppable cards during playback and in a dedicated shopping tab on the channel.

We’ve been keeping track of the bots, spiders, OpenAI has been releasing.