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Google's December Updates: A One-Two Punch Against Spam and Low-Quality Content

Hey ๐Ÿ‘‹

Say hello to Pipe Rise - where you'll get your tech and marketing fix, and maybe even a chuckle or two, all in under 5 minutes.

In Today's Email:

  1. Google's December Updates: A One-Two Punch Against Spam and Low-Quality Content

  2. TikTok's $1.5 Billion Plan to Save its US Operations: The Price of Privacy

  3. Seeing is Believing: Why Podcast Listeners Prefer Video Over Audio

WHAT SMART PEOPLE ARE TALKING ABOUT TODAY ๐Ÿ‘€

#1 - Google's December Updates: A One-Two Punch Against Spam and Low-Quality Content

Google has rolled out the red carpet for its December 2022 updates that just finished this month, and boy, are they a doozy! First up, we have the link spam update, where Google is saying goodbye to all those shady links that just don't cut it. They've also brought in a new squad member, SpamBrain, to help them track down and neutralize any spammy links that might be lurking about.

But that's not all. Google is also giving a little nudge to websites that are lacking in the helpful content department. This global update is all about making sure that websites are providing valuable and helpful information to their visitors, and not just trying to game the system. So if you're only creating SEO-first content with the purpose of climbing the search engine ranks, you're probably going to be downgraded.

So, if you've noticed a drop in your website's ranking, don't panic just yet! Just make sure your links are legitimate, and that your content is top-notch and helpful to your audience. And remember, Rome wasn't built in a day, so it might take some time to see improvements. But hey, at least you're not alone in this, we're all in this together!

#2 - TikTok's $1.5 Billion Plan to Save its US Operations: The Price of Privacy

TikTok is in hot water with the US government and they're pulling out all the stops to prove their innocence. They're whipping out their checkbook and spending a whopping $1.5 billion on reorganizing their US operations, all in the name of transparency. They're letting the government peek behind the curtain at how they pick the videos you see, and even bringing in outside companies like Oracle to give them a thorough once-over.

But why all the fuss? The government is worried that the Chinese government might be able to spy on what Americans are watching on TikTok. So, TikTok is doing their best to show them that they're a trustworthy and independent app, not a pawn of the Chinese government.

But, if TikTok can't convince the government of their innocence, they might be packing their bags and leaving the US. So, here's hoping TikTok brings their A-game and a good sense of humor to the negotiation table!

#3 - Seeing is Believing: Why Podcast Listeners Prefer Video Over Audio

Listen up folks, 'cause the podcast game is changing. No longer are we content with just sitting back and letting our ears do all the work - nope, we want to see the action too! A recent survey conducted by Morning Consult found that 46% of podcast enthusiasts prefer to watch their favorite shows, rather than just listen to them.

And it's no surprise why - 51% of respondents said they wanted to see the facial expressions and reactions of the hosts and guests, while the other half said video helps them better focus on the content. So, it looks like podcast hosts and companies are now switching to a hybrid model of audio and video to give the audience what they want.

But, it's not just the format that's changing. YouTube is now the top platform among podcast listeners, beating out Spotify and Apple, with 33% of adults selecting it as their preferred medium for listening to podcasts. And, it's not hard to see why, as Rachael King, founder and CEO of production company Pod People, put it, "If your goal is to find the largest audience possible and you're not figuring out a way to put it on YouTube, you're pretty shortsighted."

And, let's not forget about the celebrities and influencers, who are increasingly entering the podcast space in an effort to expand their audience. 34% of respondents in the Morning Consult survey said that seeing influential or celebrity guests is a "major reason" why they prefer watching a video-based podcast. So, it looks like the future of podcasts is all about the visuals, the celebrities, and the YouTube algorithm.

Oh, and one more thing, live events for podcasts are expected to thrive in 2023, giving us the opportunity to connect with our favorite hosts in person. So, whether you're a podcast newbie or a seasoned listener, there's never been a better time to tune in!

CHUCKLE OF THE DAY ๐Ÿ˜‚

When you check your GA and your traffic has fallen off a cliff because of the new updaets