Today’s Insights   

  • Google Structured Data 
  • GEO Is the New SEO 
  • Domain Change Impact 
  • URL Guide Update 
  • Influencers as News 

Hey there,   

There’s been a lot of movement in the digital space lately, and I’ve pulled together some updates you don’t want to miss. 

From Google trimming down structured data and refreshing its URL guide, to why your rankings might drop after a domain change (spoiler: it’s not just the migration). Plus, GEO is making waves as the new face of SEO and influencers are now shaping how we get our news. 

Let’s jump in!  

  • Javier 

 

Featured Topic 

Google’s Latest SEO Update: Structured Data Simplified 

Google is phasing out support for seven structured data types in an effort to simplify its search results. These changes will roll out over the coming weeks, but don’t worry, your rankings won’t be affected. 

The decision comes after Google found that these specific markups weren’t widely used or adding much value for users. The goal? A cleaner, more focused results page. 

What’s being retired? 

  • Book Actions 
  • Course Info 
  • Claim Review 
  • Estimated Salary 
  • Learning Video 
  • Special Announcement 
  • Vehicle Listing 

 

Sites using these markups will still show up in Search, but without the extra visual enhancements. And if you use them for other platforms or tools, no changes are needed. Just expect a simpler look in Google results soon. 

Source: https://developers.google.com/search/blog/2025/06/simplifying-search-results  

Google, AI, & Social Media 

GEO: Showing Up in AI Search Answers 

Search is evolving. AI tools like ChatGPT and Google now give full answers and not just links. That’s why Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) matters. 

GEO is about making sure your content gets included in AI-generated responses. 

Why it matters: 

  • AI tools are influencing buying decisions 
  • If your brand isn’t mentioned, you’re invisible 
  • Strong SEO already helps, but GEO takes it further 

 

Quick tips: 

  • Unlinked brand mentions still count 
  • Use quotes, stats, and keep content fresh 
  • Avoid heavy JavaScript—AI may miss it 
  • Be present on platforms like Wikipedia & Reddit 

 

Source: https://www.semrush.com/blog/generative-engine-optimization/  

What Really Hurts Rankings After a Domain Change 

An educational site lost rankings after moving to a new domain and thought the migration was to blame. But Google’s John Mueller showed the real issue: low-quality, irrelevant content. 

Using Bing, Mueller uncovered off-topic pages (like “top 10” lists and celebrity gossip) that had migrated from the old site. The domain move didn’t cause the drop, it just gave Google a reason to re-evaluate the content. 

Source: https://www.searchenginejournal.com/google-shows-why-rankings-collapsed-after-domain-migration/548787/  

 

Google Refreshes URL Structure  

Google updated its URL best practices guide, not to change how URLs are handled, but to make the info clearer. The revamped doc includes real-world examples and a cleaner layout. 

No changes to how Search works, but if you’re in SEO, it’s worth a quick look. It covers crawlability, parameters, fragments, and common SEO pitfalls. 

Source: https://searchengineland.com/google-updates-its-url-structure-best-practices-document-with-added-examples-457263 

Social Media & Influencers Are Now Top News Sources 

A new Reuters Institute report shows social media has overtaken TV as the main news source for U.S. adults, especially among younger audiences. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are now where many go for updates. 

Influencers are also rising as trusted voices, shaping opinions more than traditional media. With video content dominating and users seeking quick, relatable updates, personality-driven news is becoming the norm. 

Source: https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/reuters-digital-news-report-video-consumption-trends-influencers/751001/