Google has just updated its documentation with adjustments that may affect website owners and SEOs. From favicon size to URL parameters and Google Trends, here’s everything you need to know to stay up to date!
Key takeaways:
- Google now recommends favicons of at least 48×48 pixels, with a 1:1 ratio, for better visual quality in the SERPs.
- Google advises using the '=' symbol to separate key-value pairs and '&' to join multiple URL parameters.
- The new Google Trends documentation explains how to analyze search trends to better understand what your audience is looking for, identify emerging topics, and plan relevant content.
Update your favicons: resolution and ratio
Google emphasizes the importance of a clear, well-sized favicon, that small symbol that represents your site in browsers and search results. Now, even though the minimum size remains 8x8px, it is strongly recommended to aim at least 48x48px for better readability. Enlarge your favicons!
This update also adds a requirement: the favicon must be square (a 1:1 ratio) to ensure a sharp appearance, no matter where it is displayed.
A well-designed, properly sized favicon helps your site stand out visually among search results while making it easier for users to recognize.
URL structuring best practices: the right habits
Google simplifies the guidelines on using URL parameters to make crawling and indexing more efficient. The recommendation is clear: use "=" to separate key-value pairs and "&" to link multiple parametersThe search engine discourages the use of alternative separators such as colons and parentheses, or single and double commas.
These choices allow search engines to understand your URLs without confusion, and they can avoid issues with duplicate content or wasted crawl budget.
URL parameters are absolutely vital, especially for e-commerce or dynamic sites, where they control elements like product filters or session identifiersBy applying these tips, you ensure better access to your site's pages, which can also indirectly improve your SEO.
Take the time to check the structure of your URLs and consider redirects if they need adjustments. For new sites, it is recommended to adopt these best practices from the start to avoid future complications.
Google Trends: a strategic tool to understand user searches
Google's new documentation on Google Trends will help you leverage this tool in your content strategy. Google Trends offers two main functions: the ability toexplore general or specific trends using the Explore tool, and a real-time tracking of popular topics with the "Trending now" toolThese features help you understand audience interest in different topics and track search trends by region.
The tool can guide you to tailor your content to your audience’s seasonal or regional interests. For example, if you run a fashion e-commerce site, you can research seasonal trends to adjust your inventory or promote trending items.
Google Trends can also give you insight into the online perception of your brand. By observing the terms associated with searches for your brand, you can adapt your strategy and adjust your content to better meet your audience’s expectations.
The article “Google updates its SEO documentation: 3 key changes to know!” was published on the site Abondance.
