Useful update in Google for SEO, GSC’s New Recommendations Panel

GSC recommendation feature
Tech

Useful update in Google for SEO, GSC’s New Recommendations Panel

Blog Summary

  • Introduction of the Feature:
    • Launched on 5th August, the Recommendations feature in Google Search Console simplifies SEO management with actionable insights.
  • Placement and Rollout:
    • Found under the Overview Tab in the GSC dashboard.
    • Gradual rollout; visible only when there are actionable insights.
  • Types of Recommendations:
    • Issues: Highlights technical or performance problems (e.g., schema data errors).
    • Opportunities: Suggests enhancements like structured data or image optimisation.
    • Configuration: Provides advice on optimising GSC settings for better usability.
  • Examples of Recommendations:
    • Fix schema issues to qualify for rich results.
    • Add thumbnails to video schema to improve indexing.
    • Monitor and adjust for keyword performance drops.
  • Benefits for Users:
    • New SEOs: Simplifies SEO with clear instructions, enables collaboration with teams.
    • Experienced SEOs: Reduces monitoring efforts, identifies overlooked opportunities.
  • Limitations:
    • Experimental status; may change or be removed.
    • Requires BigQuery for accessing detailed data, potentially incurring costs.
  • Practical Advice:
    • Use the panel as part of your SEO strategy.
    • Complement it with custom monitoring setups for deeper analysis.
  • Final Takeaway:
    • A valuable tool for SEO improvements, but users should address its limitations and work collaboratively with teams for optimal results.

Google Search Console (GSC) has been a vital tool for SEOs and webmasters, helping them monitor their website’s performance and identify opportunities for improvement. On 5th August, GSC introduced a new feature called Recommendations, aimed at simplifying SEO management. Whether you’re a seasoned SEO professional or a beginner, this feature promises to make website optimisation more effective and efficient. Here’s everything you need to know about it.

What Is the Recommendations Feature?

The Recommendations feature is designed to provide actionable insights directly within the GSC dashboard. It highlights issues, opportunities, and configuration changes that can improve your website’s SEO performance. This feature appears in the Overview Tab, positioned between the traffic and indexing overview sections.

Rollout and Availability

  • Experimental Nature: The feature is currently being rolled out gradually and is marked as experimental. This means it’s not yet available to all users.
  • Conditional Visibility: The Recommendations panel only appears if there are actionable insights for your website. If no issues or opportunities are detected, the panel will not be visible.
  • Patience Required: Users who don’t see the feature yet should wait for a few days or weeks as Google continues the rollout.

Types of Recommendations Provided

The panel categorises actionable items into three main types:

1. Issues

  • These are technical or performance problems detected on your website.
  • Example: Schema data issues, site speed problems, or indexing errors.
  • Action: Review the detailed report provided and fix the issues promptly.

2. Opportunities

  • These are suggestions for improving your website’s SEO, even if no critical issues exist.
  • Example: Adding structured data to unlock rich results or optimising images for better performance.
  • Action: Implement the suggested changes to enhance your site’s visibility.

3. Configuration

  • Recommendations related to GSC settings that can help you better utilise the tool.
  • Example: Setting up additional properties or integrating with other Google tools.
  • Action: Follow the configuration advice to streamline your SEO efforts.

Examples of Recommendations

Schema Data Issues

  • Example: 93% of a website’s rich results were ineligible due to schema or speed problems.
  • Solution: Correct schema data and improve site speed.

Video Indexing Problems

  • Example: 47 videos were not indexed because thumbnails were missing in the schema.
  • Solution: Add thumbnails to video schema data.

Keyword Performance Alerts

  • Example: A specific keyword’s impressions have dropped significantly.
  • Solution: Monitor performance and adjust content or keyword strategy accordingly.

Benefits of the Recommendations Feature

For New SEOs and Business Owners:

  • Simplifies SEO management with clear, actionable insights.
  • Highlights potential errors or opportunities without requiring extensive technical knowledge.
  • Enables better collaboration with SEO teams.

For Experienced SEOs:

  • Reduces manual monitoring efforts.
  • Provides quick insights for prioritising tasks.
  • Enhances efficiency by identifying overlooked opportunities.

Limitations and Concerns

Experimental Status

  • As an experimental feature, it might be modified or removed in the future.
  • Google has previously retired features like Search Notes.

Incomplete Data

  • GSC limits direct data exports to 1,000 URLs.
  • To access comprehensive data, users need to integrate with BigQuery, which may incur additional costs.

Criticism of Transparency

  • Google’s move to push users toward paid solutions like BigQuery has drawn criticism from the SEO community.
  • While the Recommendations panel offers insights, it’s not a replacement for custom monitoring setups.

How to Use the Recommendations Panel Effectively

  1. Log in to Google Search Console:
    • Navigate to the Overview Tab and locate the Recommendations panel.
  2. Review Actionable Items:
    • Address issues: Resolve technical or performance-related problems.
    • Seize opportunities: Implement suggested enhancements.
    • Adjust configurations: Optimise GSC settings for better usability.
  3. Collaborate With Your Team:
    • Share insights with your SEO team and work together to implement changes.
    • Avoid conflicts; focus on teamwork to maximise benefits.

Practical Advice for Users

  • Patience During Rollout:
    • If the feature isn’t visible, wait for the gradual rollout to reach your account.
  • Regular Monitoring:
    • Use the Recommendations panel as part of your regular SEO strategy.
  • Custom Monitoring:
    • While the feature provides valuable insights, experienced SEOs should continue using custom setups for in-depth analysis.

Final Thoughts

Google Search Console’s new Recommendations feature is a welcome addition, offering practical insights for both novice and experienced SEOs. While it simplifies SEO management, users should be aware of its limitations and complement it with custom tools and strategies. By leveraging this feature effectively and focusing on teamwork, businesses can unlock new opportunities for growth and success in the digital landscape.

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