Google Search Central Live 2023 at Le Meridien Delhi, India was an event to remember for SEO enthusiasts and professionals alike. This gathering brought together some of the brightest minds in the industry to discuss the evolving landscape of search engine optimization (SEO).

Attendees engaged in meaningful conversations on topics ranging from the role of AI in content creation to the latest updates from Google regarding search strategies.

In this blog, we will delve into the key takeaways from this exciting event.

Link to Google Search Central Live 2023

1. The Changing Stance on AI Content

One of the standout discussions at Google Search Central Live 2023 at Le Meridien Delhi, India revolved around artificial intelligence (AI) and its role in content creation. Google, known for its ever-evolving algorithms, has shifted its stance from completely avoiding AI-generated content to recognizing its value.

However, Google advises against relying solely on AI for content creation, encouraging website owners to incorporate human experience and expertise into their content. This emphasizes the importance of the human touch in producing helpful and valuable content.

Google’s Official Guidelines on AI and Content: Read More

2. The Evolution of AMP

Contrary to previous practices, Google announced that it no longer gives preferential treatment to Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP). This change reflects Google’s commitment to providing a level playing field for all web pages, regardless of their AMP status. It is a reminder for website owners that user experience and content quality are the primary drivers of search ranking.

AMP Project Official Website: Learn More

3. Bard and SGE in Early Stages

Two notable Google initiatives, Bard and SGE (Snippet Generation Engine), are still in their early development stages. Google intends to refine these tools based on user feedback and is open to including website links in the snippet, providing an opportunity for website owners to enhance their visibility in search results.

Google’s Announcement on Bard and SGE: Read More

4. The Rise of Video Content

Google emphasized the growing importance of video content in its search algorithm. Integrating videos into your website can significantly improve its overall performance. This shift highlights the need for webmasters to diversify their content strategies and consider the power of visual storytelling.

Google’s Guide to Video SEO: Explore Here

5. CCTLD Domains for Global Reach

For websites struggling with performance in specific countries, Google suggests considering country code top-level domains (CCTLDs). These domains can help you target specific geographic regions and improve your website’s relevance and visibility to local audiences.

Google’s Guide to CCTLDs: Read More

6. User-Centric Content vs. Keyword Density

Google reiterated its focus on user-centric content rather than fixating on keyword density. Quality, informative content that addresses user needs remains the primary goal. This underlines the importance of creating content that genuinely helps and engages your audience.

Google’s Quality Rater Guidelines: Access Here

7. Subdomains vs. Subdirectories

Google clarified that it doesn’t distinguish between subdomains and subdirectories, leaving the choice to website owners. While both options have their merits, the speaker personally recommended subdirectories, emphasizing the flexibility they offer in managing website content.

Moz’s Guide to Subdomains vs. Subdirectories: Read More

8. Site Names in SERPs

Google introduced the capability to display different site names for main domains and subdomains. However, if you have a new site within a subdirectory, the main domain’s site name will be displayed in search results. This change highlights Google’s efforts to provide clearer and more relevant information to users.

Google’s Official Announcement: Learn More

9. Schema Markup and Expired Domains

Google announced that it no longer supports FAQs and HowTo Schema for search snippets. However, adding this schema can still help Google better understand your content.

Additionally, Google reiterated its stance on expired domains, emphasizing that they don’t see value in domains once they’ve been re-registered by others.

Google’s Schema Markup Guidelines: Read Here

10. Optimizing Crawl Budget

The frequency of Google’s visits to your website depends on its structure and its ability to crawl pages without overloading your server’s bandwidth. To encourage more frequent visits from Google, consider improving your server capabilities and optimizing your website’s structure.

Google’s Guide to Crawl Budget: Explore Here

Conclusion

Google Search Central Live 2023 was a valuable event for SEO professionals, providing insights into the future of search engine optimization. From AI content creation to the evolving role of video content and the importance of user-centric strategies, the event covered a wide range of topics. As the SEO landscape continues to evolve, staying informed about these changes is crucial for website owners and marketers alike.

Google’s commitment to transparency and user-focused content ensures that SEO professionals have the tools and knowledge to succeed in this dynamic field. We eagerly anticipate further developments and insights from Google in the ever-evolving world of SEO.

Link to Google Webmasters Blog for ongoing updates and news on SEO from Google.