Search Engine Recap - Week 39 (2024)

This week saw updates to Google’s spam documentation, the removal of cache documentation, and clarifications on the use of noindex and canonical tags. Here is an overview.

Google Updates Its Spam Documentation

Google recently updated its documentation on spam policies, introducing several key changes.

Notably, it added more detailed information about site reputation abuse and the consequences of manual actions.

The concept of "thin affiliate pages" has been expanded to "thin affiliation," with clearer definitions.

Google also emphasized the importance of accurate communication and introduced the concept of "spam abuse."

These updates are designed to clarify guidelines and ensure better adherence to best practices, helping businesses align their content with Google’s standards.

Google Removes "Cache:" Documentation

Google has removed the documentation for the "cache:" search operator, marking the end of its functionality in Google Search.

The "cache:" operator previously allowed users to view a cached version of a website, which was useful for checking older versions or accessing content when websites were down.

Google decided to phase out the function due to improved domain reliability and faster load times.

This removal may lead to increased use of the Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine to view historical pages, a feature Google is now integrating into search results.

Google Clarifies the Use of "Noindex" and "Canonical" Tags

Lastly, Google’s John Mueller clarified the use of "noindex" and "canonical" tags together, suggesting that it's generally better to choose one over the other.

While using both simultaneously can work, Mueller explained that it’s not guaranteed Google will transfer signals from noindex pages to the canonical version.

He stressed that SEO is often about making clear, definitive choices rather than relying on "maybe" scenarios.

A well-structured website is more beneficial than focusing solely on individual elements like links or tags.

Takeaways and Recommendations

Week 39 highlighted important updates to Google’s documentation, particularly regarding cache and spam.

The spam updates are especially worth paying attention to, as Google continues to update its algorithm to fight spam—a broad-reaching effort.

Additionally, we received some technical advice from John Mueller on noindex and canonical tags, with the takeaway being that it’s best to choose one.

Need guidance on how to interpret these updates or SEO in general? Don’t hesitate to reach out to Bonzer. As a specialized SEO agency, we help ambitious businesses secure top rankings in search engines every day.