Hey there, fellow readers. In just a blink of an eye, July is almost over. Let’s wrap up the month with some exciting news, shall we? 

• Google’s John Mueller on counting backlinks 
• Google’s Privacy Sandbox Initiative delayed 
• Google Maps to delete Selfies and low-quality images 

25/7 – Google’s John Mueller on counting backlinks 

A Twitter user has recently asked Google’s John Mueller on how to accurately backlinks. This is because different backlink tools show a different number of backlinks for his website. 

In response to this, Google’s John Mueller said there is no correct way of counting backlinks. Instead of focusing on the number of backlinks, webmasters should instead think of links as ways that people can reach your page instead of a method that affects ranking. 

26/7 – Google Maps may delete selfies and low-quality images 

Google Maps has recently updated its guidelines to delete irrelevant images to a particular location. Additionally, they will also be deleting images that are low in quality that “dramatically alters the representation of the place.” 

It’s about time! I just hate it when I try to search for a particular location, and I’m just greeted by a bunch of blurry or irrelevant images that doesn’t represent the location. 

27/7 – Google’s Privacy Sandbox Initiative delayed 

Google has recently announced that it will be delayed the phasing out of third-party cookies. Some of you may not be familiar with Google’s Privacy Sandbox Initiative so let me give you a lowdown. 

The Privacy Sandbox Initiative is an initiative introduced by Google to phase out third-party cookies and cross-app tracking. This is to address the increasing concern over netizen data. By phasing out third-party cookies, Google can protect user privacy and prevent misuse of personal data. 

Google says the launch will be delayed to Q3 2023 due to feedback and testings by advertisers, webmasters, and other relevant stakeholders. 

The End

What do you think about the changes that are being implemented by Google? Are you supporting them, or do you feel that Google should not change what was already working? Let me know in the comments below. See you at the next set of SEO news in August 🙂

Updated: 22 November 2024