Weekly SEO and Marketing Recap: Jan 28, 2025

Ali here, your marketing bro, and this week’s newsletter is STACKED with juicy updates!

From Google’s antitrust drama to Amazon’s eCommerce flex, AI tools, and a FREE event in Dubai (yes, FREE!), I’m hyped to spill all the tea ☕.

Let’s get into it! 👇

Google Updates Search Quality Rater Guidelines

Google’s new guidelines are all about AI content and spam. Key updates:

• AI content is fine, but it better be unique and valuable.

• New spam types: expired domain abuse, site reputation abuse, and scaled content abuse.

• Raters now evaluate pages with ads ON.

TL;DR: If your content isn’t 🔥, Google’s coming for you.

HubSpot’s SEO Traffic Woes: 5 Key Insights

HubSpot’s organic traffic is tanking, and here’s why:

• Google’s algorithm updates are brutal.

• Content pruning and E-E-A-T fixes take time.

• Traffic ≠ success. Focus on conversions, fam!

Even the big dogs are struggling. Stay sharp! 🐾

Google Search Ranking Volatility Spikes

SEO tools like SEMrush are going wild with ranking fluctuations. No official word from Google, but something’s cooking. 🍳

• Pro tip: Monitor your rankings and don’t freak out (yet).

How YouTube’s Recommendation System Works in 2025

YouTube’s algorithm is prioritizing:

• Viewer satisfaction over CTR.

• Long-term engagement metrics.

• Diverse content recommendations.

Creators, focus on keeping your audience hooked! 🎥

Apple Fights to Protect $20 Billion Search Deal in Google Antitrust Case

Apple is defending its $20B search deal with Google in a landmark antitrust case. Why it matters:

• Google pays Apple billions to remain the default search engine on iPhones.

• If this deal gets axed, it could shake up the entire search ecosystem.

This case is a BIG deal for marketers. Keep an eye on it! 👀

Google Ads’ New Performance Max Features

Google Ads just made Performance Max campaigns even better:

• New audience signals for better targeting.

• Enhanced reporting for asset groups.

• Budget pacing insights.

If you’re running PMax, these updates are a game-changer. 🚀

Amazon Protects Its eCommerce Advantage in 2025

Amazon is doubling down on its eCommerce dominance with:

• Faster delivery options.

• AI-driven product recommendations.

• Expanding its private-label product lines.

If you’re in eCommerce, you better be watching Amazon like a hawk. 🦅

Google Ads: "No Longer a Source of Truth"

Anthony Higman highlights a major issue in Google Ads: inconsistent ad formats and unreliable metrics. With automation and constant testing, advertisers are losing actionable insights. Ads with different formats (some with ad copy, others without) make performance comparisons impossible.

 His advice? Don’t blindly trust automation—knowledge is power, and Google’s hiding it. 👀

Yahoo Search’s AI Chat & Answers

Yahoo is testing AI chat features to make search more conversational. Is Yahoo making a comeback? 👀

Smart Bidding in Google Ads

Smart Bidding is the GOAT for automating campaigns. Features include:

• Target ROAS.

• Maximize Conversions.

• Enhanced CPC.

Perfect for scaling without micromanaging bids. 🐐

🧠 Quiz Time

Q: What’s one of the new spam types Google added to its guidelines?
a) Expired Domain Abuse
b) Keyword Stuffing 2.0
c) AI Content Overload
d) Clickbait Headlines

(Answer at the end of the email!)

Event: TTMeetup Dubai 2025
When: February 25, 2025
Where: Al Barsha 1, Dubai, UAE
Tickets: FREE

Fam, this is THE event for networking, learning, and chilling with the coolest Affiliate marketing pros. 

Picture this:

• 6 unique villas for workshops, masterminds, and hands-on learning.

• A Meet Market Garden for networking with top industry players.

• Inspiring talks from speakers like Sami Nahmiyaz (Search Arbitrage Consultant) and Alexander Shkarupa (VP @ Marketcall).

• FREE BBQ, Dubai Viral Foods, and even a recording studio for content creators.

Let’s meet there, grab a coffee, and talk marketing! ☕

When you finally figure out how to make Performance Max campaigns work:

SEOWriting.ai is your ultimate SEO content buddy! Create optimized articles, bulk publish to WordPress, and get real-time keyword and readability suggestions. It even supports 48 languages and auto-adds images/videos.

💥 Exclusive Deal: Use code AFFINCO25 for 25% OFF! 🎉

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Alright, fam, that’s it for this week! Keep crushing it out there, and don’t forget to hit me up with your marketing wins. 💬

Spitting facts and stats, Ali 👊
Brought to you by Aff.ninja 🥷