Weekly Digital News Updates #12

Weekly roundup has some interesting new insights and the big launch of AI Mode in the US…

Google AI Mode finally rolling out to all users in the U.S.

Source:

https://searchengineland.com/google-ai-mode-finally-rolling-out-to-all-users-in-the-u-s-456982

Google’s AI Mode is now rolling out to all users in the US, signalling a major change in how search works. Previously limited to Search Labs or signed-in users, the new AI-powered experience now appears as a dedicated “AI Mode” tab. It delivers conversational responses, deeper insights, and cited sources directly within the search results. Key features include Deep Search, which breaks down complex queries into multiple sub-questions to produce detailed, expert-level answers. There is also integrated shopping support, instant data visualisation (such as charts and comparisons), and personalised search context based on a user’s history, Gmail, or calendar. Google is also testing real-time voice and camera features that allow users to interact with search like a digital assistant. AI Mode also works when the user is not signed in.

SEO attribution is collapsing in the AI era. Learn what’s changing, why it matters, and how to rethink measurement.

Source:

https://searchengineland.com/seo-attribution-why-its-broken-what-you-can-do-456776

Attribution in SEO is breaking down thanks to AI and changing user behaviours. Traditional last‑click models no longer capture the full journey because AI‐driven search experiences serve answers directly without clicks. Metrics from tools such as Google Search Console and Analytics are misaligned and incomplete yet marketers still rely on them. The article argues that SEO measurement must evolve: by adopting multi‑touch or data‑driven attribution models, combining SEO data with other channels and conversion metrics, and leveraging server‑side and first‑party data to fill visibility gaps. The important message is that digital marketers must rethink how success is measured.

SMX Advanced speaker Mordy Oberstein shares insights on AI hype, SEO’s shifting role, algorithm chaos, and the internet’s golden age.

Source:

https://searchengineland.com/mordy-oberstein-interview-smx-advanced-2025-456730

At SMX Advanced in June 2025, SEO strategist Mordy Oberstein shared valuable insights into the shifting search landscape. He drew a clear line between what he calls “old SEO”—driven by quick fixes and tactical tricks and “new SEO”, which demands ongoing adaptability and strategic refinement. In today’s environment, where Google’s algorithm is more volatile than ever, Oberstein warns that ranking fluctuations should no longer be seen as exceptions but as part of the new normal. He urges digital marketers to stop chasing short-term tactics and instead invest in building resilient, insight-led SEO strategies that can withstand constant change.

Among his key takeaways for marketers: embrace the chaos rather than resist it. Volatility is here to stay, so SEOs must learn to monitor changes thoughtfully, test rapidly, and avoid knee-jerk reactions. Oberstein also advises prioritising consistent, incremental improvements over frequent overhauls, optimising user experience, internal linking, and technical structure as part of a long-term strategy. Finally, he stresses the growing importance of brand authority, with Google now placing greater weight on holistic site evaluation and topical consistency. For marketers, the message is clear: future SEO success lies in strategy, not shortcuts.

Why user-generated content works well for SEO

Source:

https://searchengineland.com/user-generated-content-works-well-seo-456779

User‑generated content like reviews, forum posts or comments helps with SEO because it gives your site fresh, real‑world content that Google trusts. This kind of content is honest and full of real language that matches what people search for. It also adds helpful information to your pages without much effort, which keeps things active and relevant in the eyes of search engines 

If you want to make the most of UGC, focus on drawing it in and managing it well. Ask customers for reviews, add forums or Q&A sections, and run contests to prompt social posts. At the same time, watch for spam or low‑quality content that could reduce your site’s trust. Build forums only if you create the correct strategy to grow a community. By doing this, you add useful material, boost SEO, and grow engagement in a safe, effective way.

On-page SEO in 2025: What you need to know

Source:

https://searchengineland.com/what-is-on-page-optimization-436921

Optimising on-page SEO remains fundamental for digital marketers aiming to boost organic visibility and user experience. Key elements include crafting clear, descriptive title tags and meta descriptions to improve search relevance and click-throughs structuring content logically using headings, semantic HTML, and entity-based topics to signal authority; ensuring page speed and usability through minification, caching, lazy loading and progressive enhancement.

For marketers, the takeaway is two-fold. First, developing content that is both user-friendly and structured for AI and search engines is essential, and use a mixture of clean code, rich semantics and topical depth. Second, technical performance and clarity are no longer optional extras: page experience, Core Web Vitals and progressive enhancement significantly affect rankings and conversions. Focus on your on-page fundamentals.

I’ve also been reading, watching and listening to…

Social Media As A Customer Service Tool: Trends And Best Practices

https://www.searchenginejournal.com/social-media-as-a-customer-service-tool/545777

Newly Released Data Shows Desktop AI Search Referrals Dominate

https://www.searchenginejournal.com/newly-released-data-shows-desktop-ai-search-referrals-dominate/548506

The ‘death of creativity’? AI job fears stalk the advertising industry

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/jun/09/ai-advertising-industry-google-facebook-meta-ads

What Are Good Google Ads Benchmarks In 2025? [STUDY]

https://www.searchenginejournal.com/what-are-good-google-ads-benchmarks/546995

People Are Becoming Obsessed with ChatGPT and Spiraling Into Severe Delusions

https://futurism.com/chatgpt-mental-health-crises

Stop sabotaging your PPC success: 13 traps that kill growth

https://searchengineland.com/sabotaging-ppc-success-456923

Google Retires 7 Structured Data Features To Streamline Search Results

https://www.searchenginejournal.com/google-retires-7-structured-data-features-to-streamline-search-results/548952

Google CEO Sundar Pichai Discusses Fate Of The Human-Created Web

https://www.searchenginejournal.com/google-ceo-sundar-pichai-discusses-fate-of-the-human-created-web/548936

How To Save PPC Campaigns From Poor Conversions & Wasted Budget

https://webinars.searchenginejournal.com/search-engine-journal/how-to-save-ppc-campaigns-from-poor-follow-up