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This Week in Search: Google’s “Speed Update” Rolls Out on Mobile and More!


Pure SEO’s ‘This Week In Search’ series takes a look at the top SEO and SEM news stories from the week.
 
This week, Google rolled out the mobile “Speed Update” and complementary “Mobile Speed Score” report on Google Ads, introduced responsive search ads, and let users add the “Call Now” button to posts on Google My Business.

Google’s “Speed Update” on Mobile is Rolling Out

As of July 9, page speed has become a ranking factor for all Google searches conducted through mobile.

Previously, page speed was a ranking factor that only applied to desktop searches. Since more and more searches are being conducted on mobile, Google has finally given page speed its importance by considering this factor for search rankings.

However, it’s vital to note that the “Speed Update” will only affect the slowest pages and a small percentage of queries. Google also reaffirms that a slow page may still rank highly if it has “great, relevant content.”


The New “Mobile Speed Score” on Google Ads

With the “Speed Update” rollout came a complementary tool that evaluates a landing page’s loading speed, the new “Mobile Speed Score.”

This tool evaluates your pages on a 10-point scale, giving you a bird’s-eye view of your pages to help discern which pages may require attention. The score is based on a number of factors, including the relationship between page speed and potential conversation rate.

“Mobile Speed Score” can be found under the “Landing Pages” section on Google Ads.


Machine-Learning and Responsive Search Ads

Google has recently introduced responsive search ads, an ad format powered by Google’s machine-learning technology.

Responsive search ads combine your creativity with the power of Google’s machine learning to help you deliver relevant, valuable ads. – Google

Marketers will simply have to provide 15 headline variations and four descriptions, and Google will do the rest. Google will test different combinations of the two, learning which ad creative performs best for different search queries.

According to Google, responsive search ads will start rolling out to advertisers over the next several months.


The New Google My Business “Call Now” Button

GMB managers are now able to add a “Call Now” button to Google My Business posts.

The feature lets searchers tap the button to trigger a phone call to the primary phone number included in the GMB listing.

However, businesses are not able to change this number associated with the GMB listing, and it will not be possible to use a tracking number.

Moreover, users are prompted to leave reviews for the business after tapping the button. Businesses are advised to take care in providing excellent service over the phone in case customers are inclined to leave reviews post-conversation.

The new “Call Now” button feature is now available to all business categories.


Pure SEO – Local SEO Experts in Auckland

Here at Pure SEO, we take pride and care in providing our clients with the best knowledge and expertise by staying on top of updates within the digital marketing industry.

For a FREE consultation, contact us at 0800 SEARCH today!

Rachel Matela

Rachel is a Filipino Kiwi with a passion for the arts. Having graduated with an Arts Degree in English from UoA, she found writing work at PureSEO as a Junior Copywriter and quickly moved on to the role of Editor. In her spare time, she reads Austen and teaches dance classes in the weekend.

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