Those fake click spikes are gone, cause unknown
The strange click spike in Google Search Console dropped back to normal overnight, and Google still has not said a word about what caused it. One SEO thinks bots were doing the clicking.
Read the whole week in one goAI answers cut clicks at some sites, not all
Why your traffic moved
The strange click spike is over, with no explanation
The sudden click spike in Google Search Console (Google's free report on your search traffic) has dropped back to normal for many sites, and Google has still not responded. Barry Schwartz says he has not heard back from Google, and Joy Hawkins posted that her data is back to normal today.
Sure seems like AI agents or bots that are researching products or services
Who this affects: Anyone who checks Google Search Console and saw a sudden jump in clicks.
- Ignore last week's spike when comparing your traffic numbers.
Getting into AI answers
Google's AI answers can now carry four ads each
Google's AI Mode (the chat style search answer) can now show up to four ads in a single response, Barry Schwartz reported. Glenn Gabe says he saw it a day earlier and that it fits what Google already said it would do, which is put more ads into AI Mode.
we know Google needs to monetize AI Mode better, and they said they would include more ads there soon
Who this affects: Anyone who gets search traffic, and anyone buying Google ads.
- Our take: watch whether your AI Mode referrals drop this month.
Maps and your listing
A new phone result hides your reviews, address and hours
One SEO is seeing a new AI version of the local pack (the map box with three businesses) on phones, and when it appears the normal local pack is gone. Joy Hawkins says it still uses your Google Business Profile but strips out reviews, address and hours.
This is probably the ugliest version of the AI Overview I've seen in local thusfar.
Who this affects: Local businesses that get customers from Google Maps and the local pack.
- Do nothing yet, one person is seeing this and it may revert.