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Daily SEO Brief

Monday, January 5, 2026

10 articles published

Final brief

What You Need to Know

Today's digest highlights the impact of Google's December core update, which favors specialized content, along with insights into navigating the evolving SEO landscape influenced by AI. Additionally, the integration of brand mentions for SEO visibility and advancements in PPC strategies are key themes as marketers prepare for 2026.

Must-Read Highlights

1

Google's December core update rewards specialized content, leading to ranking drops for generalist pages in 'best of' queries.

December Core Update: More Brands Win “Best Of” Queries via @sejournal, @MattGSouthern
2

To thrive in the age of AI, writers should focus on synthesizing data and maintaining an authentic voice while collaborating with AI tools.

16 Content Writing Tips From Experts To Survive 2026 via @sejournal, @beacarlota17
3

Brand mentions are becoming increasingly important for SEO, with search algorithms prioritizing context over traditional backlinks.

How to earn brand mentions that drive LLM and SEO visibility
4

A structured 90-day SEO plan can effectively integrate AI-driven strategies to enhance search visibility.

A 90-day SEO playbook for AI-driven search visibility
5

PPC success will rely on authentic content and user-generated material, requiring advertisers to adapt to AI advancements while ensuring brand safety.

2026 PPC trends to get ahead of now

All Articles from This Day

December Core Update: More Brands Win “Best Of” Queries via @sejournal, @MattGSouthern
SEJ
Jan 5, 2026•Matt G. Southern
CRITICAL UPDATE

December Core Update: More Brands Win “Best Of” Queries via @sejournal, @MattGSouthern

AI Analysis
  • ●The December core update from Google emphasizes the importance of category-specific expertise, rewarding specialized content over generalist pages.
  • ●Many publications and ecommerce sites experienced a drop in rankings for queries they previously dominated, particularly in the 'best of' and mid-funnel product terms.
  • ●News publishers faced significant volatility during the update, with a particular focus on the impact of Google's Topic Authority system on specialized news queries.
Why it matters: This article provides crucial insights into the latest Google core update, which directly affects ranking strategies and site visibility, making it a must-read for SEO professionals.
Google Core UpdateSEO TrendsEcommerce RankingsNews PublishersContent Specialization
Read Source
16 Content Writing Tips From Experts To Survive 2026 via @sejournal, @beacarlota17
SEJ
Jan 5, 2026•Bea Pe Benito
High Importance

16 Content Writing Tips From Experts To Survive 2026 via @sejournal, @beacarlota17

AI Analysis
  • ●Writers must adapt by sharpening their ability to synthesize data and provide detailed prompts to collaborate effectively with AI tools.
  • ●Positioning as a strategic thinker who enhances rather than replaces creative ideas with AI can offer a competitive edge.
  • ●Focusing on nuance, strategy, and authentic voice will be essential for writers to stand out in an era increasingly dominated by machine-generated content.
Why it matters: The article provides essential insights into adapting content creation strategies in response to AI advancements, which is a significant trend impacting SEO professionals.
AI in SEOContent WritingSEO StrategyContent MarketingMachine Learning
Read Source
Microsoft CEO, Google Engineer Deflect AI Quality Complaints via @sejournal, @MattGSouthern
SEJ
Jan 5, 2026•Matt G. Southern
High Importance

Microsoft CEO, Google Engineer Deflect AI Quality Complaints via @sejournal, @MattGSouthern

AI Analysis
  • ●Microsoft's Satya Nadella emphasizes the need to shift the conversation about AI from negative perceptions ('slop') to its practical value and integration into daily life.
  • ●Google's Jaana Dogan highlights user burnout from new technologies as a reason for skepticism towards AI, suggesting that this perception could impact how new tools are adopted.
  • ●Despite AI advancements, Google's expectations for publishers to maintain high standards of quality and expertise (E-E-A-T) remains significant, especially in sensitive topics.
Why it matters: The article discusses developments in AI and its implications for publishing quality standards and user engagement, both critical topics for SEO professionals.
AI in SEOGoogle updatesMicrosoftE-E-A-TDigital publishing
Read Source
How to earn brand mentions that drive LLM and SEO visibility
SEL
Jan 5, 2026•Adam Tanguay
High Importance

How to earn brand mentions that drive LLM and SEO visibility

AI Analysis
  • ●Brand mentions are becoming crucial for SEO as search algorithms evolve with AI and LLMs, emphasizing context over traditional backlinks.
  • ●To leverage brand mentions effectively, prioritize them right after establishing technical SEO and content fundamentals.
  • ●Generate passive brand mentions by creating valuable resources, engaging in relevant forums, and positioning your brand as an authoritative source.
Why it matters: This article addresses significant shifts in SEO strategies due to AI developments, making it vital for staying competitive in search rankings.
Brand MentionsAI SearchSEO StrategiesLink BuildingContent Marketing
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A 90-day SEO playbook for AI-driven search visibility
SEL
Jan 5, 2026•Casey Nifong
High Importance

A 90-day SEO playbook for AI-driven search visibility

AI Analysis
  • ●Define core AI search topics to align your brand with user intent and questions.
  • ●Structure content in a way that is easily extracted and summarized by AI engines to increase visibility.
  • ●Implement a phased 90-day plan to incorporate AI-driven strategies into your SEO efforts.
Why it matters: This article provides a crucial action plan for adapting SEO strategies to recent AI-driven changes in search, making it highly relevant for SEO professionals.
AI SEOContent StrategySearch VisibilitySEO PlaybookGenerative AI
Read Source
Google Ads upgrades Creator Partnerships with search and management tools
SEL
Jan 5, 2026•Anu Adegbola
Good to Know

Google Ads upgrades Creator Partnerships with search and management tools

AI Analysis
  • ●Google Ads has upgraded its Creator Partnerships with new creator search tools, allowing advertisers to find YouTube creators more efficiently using various filters.
  • ●A centralized Management section has been introduced to streamline communication and tracking of creator partnerships, making it easier for advertisers to manage multiple collaborations at scale.
  • ●These updates facilitate a more organized approach to creator-led campaigns, enhancing the overall efficiency for advertisers seeking to engage with content creators.
Why it matters: The article discusses updates to Google Ads that may improve advertising effectiveness, but it does not pertain directly to core search engine algorithm changes or critical SEO vulnerabilities.
Google AdsCreator PartnershipsPPCYouTube MarketingAdvertising Tools
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20 AI Prompt Ideas & Example Templates For PPC (Easy + Advanced) via @sejournal, @theshelleywalsh
SEJ
Jan 5, 2026•Shelley Walsh
Good to Know

20 AI Prompt Ideas & Example Templates For PPC (Easy + Advanced) via @sejournal, @theshelleywalsh

AI Analysis
  • ●Utilize AI prompts to streamline PPC tasks, from campaign planning to reporting.
  • ●Create specific, contextualized prompts to optimize AI output for PPC activities.
  • ●Access a curated list of example prompts for effective keyword research and ad copywriting.
Why it matters: The article provides practical tools and templates for PPC professionals but lacks critical updates or insights that would significantly impact SEO operations.
PPCAI PromptsKeyword ResearchAd CopywritingMarketing Tools
Read Source
Google Ads adds shortcut button to Change history
SEL
Jan 5, 2026•Anu Adegbola
Good to Know

Google Ads adds shortcut button to Change history

AI Analysis
  • ●Google Ads has introduced a 'Go to...' shortcut in the Change history report, enabling direct navigation to the impacted campaigns or ad groups.
  • ●This feature aims to reduce time spent during audits and troubleshooting by eliminating unnecessary clicks and searching.
  • ●The update is particularly beneficial for teams managing large accounts and those who frequently utilize scripts and Google Ads Editor.
Why it matters: While the new feature enhances efficiency in managing Google Ads, it does not significantly alter SEO practices or core strategies.
Google AdsPPC ManagementFeature UpdateDigital MarketingUser Interface
Read Source
2026 PPC trends to get ahead of now
SEL
Jan 5, 2026•Anu Adegbola
Good to Know

2026 PPC trends to get ahead of now

AI Analysis
  • ●PPC success in 2025 will rely on a combination of solid campaign structure, quality signals, and authentic creative content, particularly user-generated material.
  • ●AI advancements have transformed the PPC landscape, necessitating advertisers to quickly adapt to new tools and strategies, while maintaining strong human oversight.
  • ●Automatically Created Assets (ACAs) are seen as problematic due to brand safety concerns, urging advertisers to focus on personalized and controlled content creation.
Why it matters: While the article provides good insights into PPC trends and strategies, it does not address urgent updates or changes in algorithms or tools that are critical for SEO professionals.
PPCAI in advertisingPerformance Maxdigital marketingadvertising trends
Read Source
The 7 Best Landing Page Builders For 2026 via @sejournal, @MattGSouthern
SEJ
Jan 5, 2026•Matt G. Southern
Good to Know

The 7 Best Landing Page Builders For 2026 via @sejournal, @MattGSouthern

AI Analysis
  • ●Landing pages are crucial for user conversion, significantly influencing ad performance and marketing scalability.
  • ●The article reviews top landing page builders like Unbounce and Leadpages, focusing on their features that enhance conversion rates.
  • ●Choosing the right landing page builder is essential for marketers, with considerations including ease of use, pricing, and customization options.
Why it matters: While the article provides valuable insights on landing page builders, it lacks information on critical updates or changes directly impacting SEO practices.
Landing PagesConversion Rate OptimizationMarketing ToolsLead GenerationSEO
Read Source