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Daily SEO Brief

Wednesday, December 10, 2025

22 articles published

Final brief

What You Need to Know

On December 10, 2025, significant developments in the SEO and digital marketing landscape emerged, with Google facing scrutiny from the EU over antitrust issues and expanding its features for AI-generated content. Additionally, new tracking mechanisms for AI search visibility were introduced, reflecting a shift towards generative optimization strategies.

Must-Read Highlights

1

The European Commission is investigating Google's potential misuse of content from publishers and creators without fair compensation in a new antitrust probe.

Google Hit By EU Probe Into Unfair Use Of Online Content
2

New Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) tools are available to help brands monitor their visibility and engagement in AI-generated search results.

GEO Rank Tracker: How to monitor your brand’s AI search visibility
3

Google is enhancing its AI Mode by increasing inline links to boost user engagement and expanding the Web Guide feature across all search tabs.

Google updates links in AI Mode and expands Web Guide test in all tab
4

Google's Preferred Sources feature will now highlight content from users' paid news subscriptions in search results to improve visibility for selected publishers.

Google Expands Preferred Sources & Publisher AI Partnerships
5

The Google Discover platform is now prioritizing smaller publishers, stepping away from traditional search rankings to improve the user experience and combat spam.

Google Discover now less aligned with search rankings

All Articles from This Day

Google Hit By EU Probe Into Unfair Use Of Online Content via @sejournal, @martinibuster
SEJ
Dec 10, 2025•Roger Montti
CRITICAL UPDATE

Google Hit By EU Probe Into Unfair Use Of Online Content via @sejournal, @martinibuster

AI Analysis
  • ●The European Commission is conducting an antitrust inquiry into Google, focusing on the potential misuse of publisher and creator content without fair compensation or an opt-out option.
  • ●Concerns have been raised about Google's privileged access to YouTube content for AI training, which may disadvantage competitors and violate EU competition rules.
  • ●The investigation aims to determine if Google's practices harm publishers reliant on search traffic, as they may feel pressured to accept such content use.
Why it matters: The article discusses a significant antitrust investigation into Google that could fundamentally affect SEO practices and publisher dynamics within the EU, making it critical for SEO professionals to understand.
Google AntitrustEU CompetitionAI and SEOPublisher RightsYouTube Content
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I Ran an AI Misinformation Experiment. Every Marketer Should See the Results
GOOGLE
Dec 10, 2025•Mateusz Makosiewicz
High Importance

I Ran an AI Misinformation Experiment. Every Marketer Should See the Results

AI Analysis
  • ●The article discusses testing AI's ability to handle fictional brands and how they often generate false narratives when no factual information is provided.
  • ●It highlights the importance of providing clear, correct information about brands to prevent AI from fabricating details or misrepresenting a brand.
  • ●The author tested various AI models, revealing their tendency to hallucinate details about non-existent products and brands unless grounded by reality.
Why it matters: The article provides critical insights into AI's impact on brand representation in search, which is increasingly relevant for SEO professionals.
AI and SEOContent strategyBrand managementSEO challengesSearch engine behavior
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Google updates links in AI Mode and expands Web Guide test in all tab
SEL
Dec 10, 2025•Barry Schwartz
High Importance

Google updates links in AI Mode and expands Web Guide test in all tab

AI Analysis
  • ●Google is increasing inline links in AI Mode to encourage user engagement with search results.
  • ●The Web Guide feature has been expanded to the 'all' tab, providing users with organized groups of relevant links.
  • ●Improvements to the speed and functionality of Web Guide, leveraging AI technology to enhance search experience.
Why it matters: The article discusses important updates that enhance user engagement and content discovery, which are crucial for SEO professionals to adapt their strategies.
AI SearchGoogle UpdatesUser EngagementWeb GuideSEO Tools
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Google rolling out Preferred Sources globally and announces Spotlighting subscriptions
SEL
Dec 10, 2025•Barry Schwartz
High Importance

Google rolling out Preferred Sources globally and announces Spotlighting subscriptions

AI Analysis
  • ●Google's Preferred Sources feature allows users to star their favorite news sources, enhancing visibility in the Top Stories section of search results.
  • ●Spotlighting subscriptions highlights links from users' news subscriptions, first in the Gemini app before expanding to Google Search with AI Overviews and AI Mode.
  • ●Encouraging visitors to select a site as a preferred source can significantly increase traffic and engagement for publishers.
Why it matters: The article discusses important new features from Google that could significantly influence traffic patterns and engagement for publishers, marking it as important for SEO professionals.
Google UpdatesSEO TrendsPreferred SourcesSpotlighting SubscriptionsTraffic Generation
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GEO Rank Tracker: How to monitor your brand’s AI search visibility by Tor.app
SEL
Dec 10, 2025•Tor.app
High Importance

GEO Rank Tracker: How to monitor your brand’s AI search visibility by Tor.app

AI Analysis
  • ●Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) shifts focus from traditional SEO by emphasizing brand visibility across AI search platforms like ChatGPT and Claude.
  • ●GEO rank trackers measure key metrics such as citation frequency, brand visibility score, and share of voice, which are crucial for understanding AI-generated search results.
  • ●With a significant portion of consumers using AI tools for product recommendations, failing to monitor your brand's presence in AI search could result in missed visibility opportunities.
Why it matters: This article discusses a significant shift in SEO practices due to the rise of AI search tools, making it essential for SEO professionals to adapt their strategies.
AI SEOGenerative AIGEO Rank TrackingSearch VisibilitySEO Strategies
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Introducing weekly and monthly views in Search Console
GOOGLE
Dec 10, 2025•Google Search Central Blog
High Importance

Introducing weekly and monthly views in Search Console

AI Analysis
  • ●Google Search Console now offers weekly and monthly views in the Performance report, allowing users to analyze traffic trends over longer periods.
  • ●This new feature helps smooth out daily fluctuations and provides clearer insights for comparing date ranges.
  • ●The update also includes changes to the export file structure to align with the new granularity options.
Why it matters: The new feature in Google Search Console significantly aids in traffic analysis, making it important for SEO professionals to understand and utilize.
Google Search ConsoleSEO ToolsTraffic AnalysisPerformance TrackingSEO Updates
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Google’s Local Pack isn’t random – it’s rewarding ‘signal-fit’ brands
SEL
Dec 10, 2025•Adam Abernathy
High Importance

Google’s Local Pack isn’t random – it’s rewarding ‘signal-fit’ brands

AI Analysis
  • ●Google rewards businesses that align closely with local user expectations, demonstrating the importance of 'signal-fit' over generic SEO techniques.
  • ●Factors influencing visibility in the Local Pack vary significantly by industry and geographical region, necessitating tailored strategies for multi-location brands.
  • ●Key attributes like review quality and cadence, profile completeness, and functional information weigh differently across sectors, thus requiring businesses to understand their specific customer expectations.
Why it matters: The article provides high-value insights into local SEO strategies and the significance of understanding regional and industry-specific factors, which are crucial for optimizing visibility in the Local Pack.
Local SEOSignal-FitGoogle Business ProfileSearch IntentMulti-location Strategy
Read Source
Google Discover now less aligned with search rankings
SEL
Dec 10, 2025•Barry Schwartz
High Importance

Google Discover now less aligned with search rankings

AI Analysis
  • ●Google Discover is now less aligned with Google Search rankings, prioritizing lesser-known and smaller publishers more than before.
  • ●This shift is intended to combat spam issues that have emerged on the Google Discover platform, as spamming tactics differ from those affecting traditional search.
  • ●Smaller publishers may benefit from this change if Google successfully addresses the ongoing spam problem in Google Discover.
Why it matters: This article provides insights into a significant change in how Google Discover operates, which could impact content visibility for certain publishers and should be closely monitored by SEO professionals.
Google DiscoverSEO newsspam issuessearch rankingscontent distribution
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Google Expands Preferred Sources & Publisher AI Partnerships via @sejournal, @MattGSouthern
SEJ
Dec 10, 2025•Matt G. Southern
High Importance

Google Expands Preferred Sources & Publisher AI Partnerships via @sejournal, @MattGSouthern

AI Analysis
  • ●Google is rolling out its Preferred Sources feature globally for English-language users, allowing them to see more content from their favorite news outlets.
  • ●A new feature will highlight links from users' paid news subscriptions in search results, potentially increasing engagement for subscribed publications.
  • ●Google has begun a pilot program with major publishers to test AI-powered features in Google News, enhancing user engagement through customized content and AI insights.
Why it matters: The article outlines significant updates to Google's search features and AI integration that can impact how publishers and SEO professionals engage with news content.
Google UpdatesSEO ToolsAI FeaturesNews Publisher EngagementPreferred Sources
Read Source
Semify acquires Dragon Metrics to strengthen global SEO, AI reporting
SEL
Dec 10, 2025•Danny Goodwin
High Importance

Semify acquires Dragon Metrics to strengthen global SEO, AI reporting

AI Analysis
  • ●Semify has acquired Dragon Metrics, enhancing its global SEO and AI reporting capabilities.
  • ●The acquisition aims to streamline product updates and integrate AI optimization tools for better reporting.
  • ●Dragon Metrics will continue as a standalone brand while benefiting from Semify's resources and engineering support.
Why it matters: The acquisition signifies a significant development in SEO tools and AI optimization, making it an important update for professionals tracking industry changes.
SEODigital MarketingAI ReportingAcquisitionSemify
Read Source
Scoring My 2025 Predictions via @sejournal, @Kevin_Indig
SEJ
Dec 10, 2025•Kevin Indig
High Importance

Scoring My 2025 Predictions via @sejournal, @Kevin_Indig

AI Analysis
  • ●LLM models have not reached widespread autonomous usage as expected, with consumers primarily engaging in chat functions.
  • ●AI is significantly impacting industries like call centers and translation services, leading to significant declines in traditional business models as companies adopt AI support layers.
  • ●Marketing teams are increasingly utilizing automation and AI tools, reflecting a shift in job requirements and operational frameworks in response to economic pressures.
Why it matters: The article discusses significant trends impacting AI and marketing automation that are highly relevant to SEO professionals navigating changes in the digital landscape.
AI in MarketingLLM AdoptionAutomation ToolsSearch Engine DevelopmentIndustry Impact
Read Source
YouTube Adds Comments To Shorts Ads, Expands To Mobile Web via @sejournal, @MattGSouthern
SEJ
Dec 10, 2025•Matt G. Southern
Good to Know

YouTube Adds Comments To Shorts Ads, Expands To Mobile Web via @sejournal, @MattGSouthern

AI Analysis
  • ●YouTube introduces comment sections to Shorts ads, increasing viewer engagement similar to organic content.
  • ●Creators can now link directly to brand websites from their Shorts, providing a seamless way for viewers to access advertisers' sites.
  • ●Shorts ads are expanding to mobile web browsers, broadening their reach and accessibility for viewers beyond the YouTube app.
Why it matters: While the updates enhance ad engagement and creator opportunities, they do not fundamentally alter SEO practices or major search engine policies.
YouTube ShortsVideo AdvertisingDigital MarketingAd EngagementMobile Advertising
Read Source
AI Overviews Changed Everything: How To Choose Link Building Services For 2026 via @sejournal, @EditorialLink
SEJ
Dec 10, 2025•Editorial.Link
Good to Know

AI Overviews Changed Everything: How To Choose Link Building Services For 2026 via @sejournal, @EditorialLink

AI Analysis
  • ●Understand the shift in link-building practices due to AI-influenced search by focusing on building discoverable authority rather than just acquiring raw link volume.
  • ●Vet link-building agencies by checking their own SEO performance and ensuring their strategies revolve around earning citations through original content and digital PR.
  • ●Scrutinize an agency's track record through independent reviews and case studies to gauge their effectiveness and reputation in the industry.
Why it matters: While the article offers relevant insights on link-building in the context of AI-driven search, it does not discuss any urgent updates or critical changes affecting SEO practices directly.
Link BuildingAI SearchSEO StrategiesDigital PRAgency Vetting
Read Source
The truth about Google Ads recommendations (and auto-apply)
SEL
Dec 10, 2025•Jyll Saskin Gales
Good to Know

The truth about Google Ads recommendations (and auto-apply)

AI Analysis
  • ●Understand that Google Ads Recommendations are not always aligned with your business goals and might not be beneficial for your specific campaigns.
  • ●Optimization Score is misleading; it primarily indicates how closely you follow recommendations rather than your actual account performance.
  • ●Distinguish between true performance issues and mere recommendations to avoid unnecessary changes in your campaigns.
Why it matters: While the article provides useful insights on Google Ads Recommendations and misinterpretations of the Optimization Score, it does not cover critical updates or changes that directly affect SEO professionals.
Google AdsRecommendationsOptimization ScorePPCSearch Engine Marketing
Read Source
YouTube Shorts adds comments and creator links to ads
SEL
Dec 10, 2025•Anu Adegbola
Good to Know

YouTube Shorts adds comments and creator links to ads

AI Analysis
  • ●YouTube has introduced comments on Shorts ads to enhance audience engagement, mimicking organic content.
  • ●Advertisers can now include direct links to brand websites within Shorts content, facilitating quicker conversions.
  • ●Shorts ads will expand to mobile web, increasing visibility and reach during peak holiday shopping times.
Why it matters: While the updates offer valuable insights for advertisers, they pertain specifically to PPC strategies rather than core SEO changes or developments.
YouTube AdsShortsPPC StrategiesDigital MarketingHoliday Campaigns
Read Source
Instagram’s new ‘Your Algorithm’ tool could boost discovery for brands
SEL
Dec 10, 2025•Danny Goodwin
Good to Know

Instagram’s new ‘Your Algorithm’ tool could boost discovery for brands

AI Analysis
  • ●Instagram has launched a new feature called 'Your Algorithm' that allows users to see and manage the topics influencing their Reels recommendations.
  • ●This tool is expected to enhance content discovery and increase visibility for brands by aligning recommended content with users' personal interests.
  • ●The feature will soon expand beyond Reels to other sections of the app, indicating significant potential changes in how content is promoted and consumed on Instagram.
Why it matters: While the new 'Your Algorithm' feature may enhance content discovery for brands, it is not a critical change affecting core SEO practices or major search engine policies.
InstagramSocial Media MarketingContent DiscoveryAlgorithm UpdatesBrand Visibility
Read Source
Google launches natural language Developer Assistant for Google Ads API
SEL
Dec 10, 2025•Anu Adegbola
Good to Know

Google launches natural language Developer Assistant for Google Ads API

AI Analysis
  • ●Google Ads API Developer Assistant v1.0 allows developers to use natural language for generating, running, and exporting API queries.
  • ●The tool simplifies the complex Google Ads API workflows by providing instant code generation and execution through command-line queries.
  • ●As an educational entry point and productivity enhancer, it aims to lower the learning curve for newcomers while streamlining operations for experienced users.
Why it matters: The article provides valuable insights into a new tool that enhances productivity for PPC professionals but does not directly impact search engine ranking or critical technical SEO concerns.
Google AdsAPINatural Language ProcessingPPCDeveloper Tools
Read Source
LinkedIn rolls out tools to make B2B brand advertising more predictable and personal
SEL
Dec 10, 2025•Anu Adegbola
Good to Know

LinkedIn rolls out tools to make B2B brand advertising more predictable and personal

AI Analysis
  • ●LinkedIn has launched new ad tools to help B2B marketers elevate brand awareness with premium placements and personalized messaging.
  • ●New Reserved Ads provide front-row visibility on the LinkedIn feed, while AI tools enhance ad personalization and streamline creative processes.
  • ●Marketers are encouraged to leverage these innovations, focusing on Reserved Ads and AI-driven tools to effectively engage top-of-funnel audiences without adding significant manual effort.
Why it matters: While this article discusses new advertising tools that can enhance B2B marketing on LinkedIn, it does not represent a fundamental shift in SEO practices or algorithm changes.
LinkedIn AdsB2B MarketingAd PersonalizationAI in MarketingDigital Advertising
Read Source
Shopify launches Product Network to blend items across merchants
SEL
Dec 10, 2025•Anu Adegbola
Good to Know

Shopify launches Product Network to blend items across merchants

AI Analysis
  • ●Shopify launches the Product Network, allowing merchants to display products from other stores contextually, enhancing the shopping experience.
  • ●Advertisers can optimize their campaigns based on cost-per-acquisition targets while maintaining a focus on merchandising rather than traditional advertising.
  • ●The new system aims to increase exposure and optimize for conversions, making it easier for shoppers to find relevant products across multiple sites.
Why it matters: While the Shopify Product Network introduces innovative advertising features for merchants and may impact eCommerce strategies, it does not directly affect core SEO practices or major search engine updates.
ShopifyeCommerceProduct NetworkPPCAdvertising
Read Source
How Pinterest’s ad formats work and when to use each one
SEL
Dec 10, 2025•Sophie Logan
General

How Pinterest’s ad formats work and when to use each one

AI Analysis
  • ●Pinterest offers various ad formats, including carousel, collection, and idea ads, catering to different marketing goals.
  • ●Carousel and collection ads enable advertisers to showcase multiple products or messages through interactive formats.
  • ●Video and shopping ads are effective for grabbing attention and facilitating purchases due to their dynamic nature and product details.
Why it matters: The article provides general marketing advice rather than critical SEO updates or insights that directly impact search engine rankings.
Pinterest AdsMarketing StrategyAd FormatsSocial Media AdvertisingE-commerce
Read Source
Addressing The B2B Trust Deficit: How To Win Buyers In 2026 via @sejournal, @alexanderkesler
SEJ
Dec 10, 2025•Alexander Kesler
General

Addressing The B2B Trust Deficit: How To Win Buyers In 2026 via @sejournal, @alexanderkesler

AI Analysis
  • ●Trust plays a critical role in B2B purchasing decisions, with buyers being nearly twice as likely to work with vendors they trust.
  • ●B2B buyers conduct extensive research anonymously before reaching out, emphasizing a need for personalized content and vendor transparency.
  • ●Vendors must adapt their strategies to address buyer skepticism and establish credibility early in the buying journey through effective content and brand awareness.
Why it matters: The article discusses general buyer behavior and marketing strategies, lacking actionable SEO insights or updates critical for the SEO profession.
B2B MarketingBuyer BehaviorTrust in SalesContent StrategyVendor Credibility
Read Source
Negativity Bias: Why Customers Don’t Want Anything To Do With You (And What To Do About It) via @sejournal, @SequinsNsearch
SEJ
Dec 10, 2025•Giulia Panozzo
General

Negativity Bias: Why Customers Don’t Want Anything To Do With You (And What To Do About It) via @sejournal, @SequinsNsearch

AI Analysis
  • ●Negativity bias causes people to strongly focus on negative experiences compared to positive ones, impacting decision-making and memory.
  • ●Marketers can leverage negativity bias through content strategies, such as clickbait headlines and negative superlatives, to increase engagement and click-through rates.
  • ●However, overuse of negativity can lead to negative user experiences and brand abandonment if expectations are not met.
Why it matters: The article provides insights into marketing psychology but lacks actionable SEO strategies or critical updates affecting SEO professionals.
negativity biasmarketing strategiescontent engagementSEOuser experience
Read Source