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Daily SEO Brief

Monday, January 12, 2026

16 articles published

Final brief

What You Need to Know

On January 12, 2026, significant developments in SEO and digital marketing emerged, highlighting the impact of AI on search traffic, advancements in voice assistants, and evolving e-commerce strategies. As traditional search dynamics shift, news publishers and retailers are compelled to adapt to new technologies and consumer behaviors.

Must-Read Highlights

1

News publishers anticipate a 43% drop in search traffic by 2029 due to AI-driven tools redefining how users interact with search results.

News publishers expect search traffic to drop 43% by 2029: Report
2

Apple is upgrading Siri through a partnership with Google to integrate the Gemini AI model, aiming to enhance user experience and potentially reshape search habits.

Apple is finally upgrading Siri, and Google Gemini will power it
3

The emergence of 'Agentic Commerce' necessitates that SEOs adjust strategies for AI agents completing purchases for users, in light of Google's Universal Commerce Protocol launch.

Agentic Commerce: What SEOs Need To Consider (ACP & UCP) via @sejournal, @alexmoss
4

Google's new UCP Checkout allows customers to purchase directly on Google, thereby raising new concerns for retailers regarding brand loyalty and customer interaction.

Google’s UCP Checkout Brings New Tradeoffs For Retailers via @sejournal, @MattGSouthern
5

Google is expanding Shopping promotion rules to include subscription-based offers, reflecting evolving consumer behaviors and enhancing options for advertisers.

Google expands Shopping promotion rules ahead of 2026

All Articles from This Day

News publishers expect search traffic to drop 43% by 2029: Report
SEL
Jan 12, 2026•Danny Goodwin
CRITICAL UPDATE

News publishers expect search traffic to drop 43% by 2029: Report

AI Analysis
  • ●News publishers forecast a 43% drop in search traffic by 2029 due to AI-driven answer engines taking clicks away from traditional search results.
  • ●The rise of AI Overviews and chat-style search prompts a shift from classic SEO to answer engine optimization (AEO) and generative engine optimization (GEO).
  • ●Publishers are adjusting their strategies to focus on AI-driven content distribution and exploring new attribution models as reliance on traditional clicks diminishes.
Why it matters: This article covers critical shifts in search traffic dynamics and the necessity for SEO professionals to adapt to AI-driven changes, reflecting a major transformation in the SEO landscape.
AI in SEOSearch Engine ChangesAnswer Engine OptimizationPublisher StrategiesSEO Trends 2026
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WooCommerce WordPress Plugin Exploit Enables Fraudulent Charges via @sejournal, @martinibuster
SEJ
Jan 12, 2026•Roger Montti
CRITICAL UPDATE

WooCommerce WordPress Plugin Exploit Enables Fraudulent Charges via @sejournal, @martinibuster

AI Analysis
  • ●The WooCommerce Square plugin for WordPress contains a vulnerability that exposes credit card information through an Insecure Direct Object Reference (IDOR), allowing unauthenticated attackers to exploit it.
  • ●Affected versions (up to 5.1.1) lack proper access control, enabling easy exploitation for fraudulent transactions without authentication.
  • ●Users are urged to update the WooCommerce Square plugin to patched versions to mitigate the security risk.
Why it matters: The article addresses a critical security vulnerability in a widely used plugin, which has immediate implications for website security and user data protection.
WooCommerceWordPressPlugin VulnerabilitySecurity RiskInsecure Direct Object Reference
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Apple is finally upgrading Siri, and Google Gemini will power it
SEL
Jan 12, 2026•Danny Goodwin
High Importance

Apple is finally upgrading Siri, and Google Gemini will power it

AI Analysis
  • ●Apple is partnering with Google to integrate Gemini AI models into Siri, aiming to create a more advanced AI-driven assistant.
  • ●The collaboration is anticipated to enhance how iOS users interact with Siri, potentially changing search behavior significantly.
  • ●This move underscores Apple's commitment to improving its AI capabilities after falling behind competitors in the AI space.
Why it matters: The partnership between Apple and Google to enhance Siri's AI capabilities could significantly impact user search behavior and the competitive landscape of AI in search, making this an important update for SEO professionals.
AppleGoogleAISiriSearch Technology
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Agentic Commerce: What SEOs Need To Consider (ACP & UCP) via @sejournal, @alexmoss
SEJ
Jan 12, 2026•Alex Moss
High Importance

Agentic Commerce: What SEOs Need To Consider (ACP & UCP) via @sejournal, @alexmoss

AI Analysis
  • ●The emergence of 'Agentic Commerce' requires SEOs to optimize for AI agents who autonomously complete purchases on behalf of users, representing a new audience profile.
  • ●The recent launch of Google's Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP) signifies a shift towards a more integrated AI and e-commerce experience, emphasizing the need for SEOs to adapt their strategies.
  • ●SEOs must consider the unique interactions that AI agents have with online merchants, focusing on API queries, structured data, and transaction processes to ensure visibility and sales in a changing digital landscape.
Why it matters: This article discusses significant developments in AI and e-commerce that will impact SEO strategies, making it essential for SEO professionals to understand these trends.
Agentic CommerceUniversal Commerce ProtocolSEO StrategyE-commerceAI Optimization
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The Technical Guide To Common Magento (Adobe Commerce) SEO Issues via @sejournal, @TaylorDanRW
SEJ
Jan 12, 2026•Dan Taylor
High Importance

The Technical Guide To Common Magento (Adobe Commerce) SEO Issues via @sejournal, @TaylorDanRW

AI Analysis
  • ●Magento/Adobe Commerce can deliver strong organic performance when optimized correctly, but faces technical SEO challenges that need to be addressed.
  • ●Key factors for success include focusing on Core Web Vitals, employing effective caching solutions, and ensuring mobile accessibility to enhance crawl efficiency and site speed.
  • ●Addressing SEO issues requires a shift from legacy practices to modern techniques, including structured data for product discovery and efficient load times.
Why it matters: This article provides important insights into the technical SEO challenges specific to Magento/Adobe Commerce, making it valuable for ecommerce SEO professionals.
MagentoAdobe CommerceTechnical SEOCore Web VitalsEcommerce
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Google’s UCP Checkout Brings New Tradeoffs For Retailers via @sejournal, @MattGSouthern
SEJ
Jan 12, 2026•Matt G. Southern
High Importance

Google’s UCP Checkout Brings New Tradeoffs For Retailers via @sejournal, @MattGSouthern

AI Analysis
  • ●Google's new AI Mode allows shoppers to complete purchases directly on Google, raising questions about brand connection and customer interaction.
  • ●Retailers risk losing control over the customer journey, impacting brand storytelling and discovery opportunities as transactions shift away from their own sites.
  • ●Retailers must weigh the benefits of acquiring customers through Google's platform with the potential downsides of reduced engagement and brand loyalty.
Why it matters: The article discusses significant changes in how retailers interact with customers due to Google's new purchasing capabilities, which are important for eCommerce strategies.
Google AI ModeUniversal Commerce ProtocoleCommerceRetail StrategyBrand Management
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3 PPC myths you can’t afford to carry into 2026
SEL
Jan 12, 2026•Rémi Kerhoas
Good to Know

3 PPC myths you can’t afford to carry into 2026

AI Analysis
  • ●Rethink reliance on AI for PPC targeting; manual strategies may yield better results in low-volume situations.
  • ●Ensure campaigns are optimized against business-level KPIs and maintain sufficient high-quality conversion signals before fully automating PPC decisions.
  • ●Evaluate the effectiveness of increased creative production driven by platform narratives against actual performance improvements; more ads can result in wasted costs without quality signals.
Why it matters: While the article discusses important PPC strategies and myths, they pertain specifically to advertising rather than core SEO practices or major algorithm changes.
PPCAIMarketing StrategiesConversionsAd Performance
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100 Most Expensive Keywords for Google Ads in 2026
GOOGLE
Jan 12, 2026•Si Quan Ong
Good to Know

100 Most Expensive Keywords for Google Ads in 2026

AI Analysis
  • ●The article outlines the 100 most expensive keywords on Google Ads, indicating that high prices are driven by competition, purchase intent, and ROI potential in specific industries.
  • ●It emphasizes the importance of targeting long-tail keywords and utilizing strategies like negative keywords and improving Quality Scores in Google Ads campaigns.
  • ●The article also provides a method for SEO professionals to analyze competitors' paid keywords using tools like Ahrefs, which can help inform bidding strategies.
Why it matters: The content is useful for SEO professionals looking for insights on paid keyword strategies and industry trends, but it does not cover critical SEO algorithm updates or changes.
Google AdsPaid KeywordsCPCSEO StrategyCompetitor Analysis
Read Source
Apple Selects Google’s Gemini For New AI-Powered Siri via @sejournal, @MattGSouthern
SEJ
Jan 12, 2026•Matt G. Southern
Good to Know

Apple Selects Google’s Gemini For New AI-Powered Siri via @sejournal, @MattGSouthern

AI Analysis
  • ●Apple has partnered with Google to leverage Google's Gemini AI technology for a major upgrade to Siri, improving its capabilities and user experience.
  • ●The partnership aims to maintain Apple's privacy standards while enhancing their AI-driven features, with the Siri upgrade expected to roll out in 2026.
  • ●This collaboration indicates a strategic choice by Apple, showing a shift in AI infrastructure that could affect how search queries and information access are handled in the Apple ecosystem.
Why it matters: While the partnership is noteworthy for its potential implications on user interaction and AI development, it primarily focuses on product features rather than directly impacting SEO practices or search engine algorithms.
AI IntegrationSiri UpgradeApple-Google PartnershipSearch Engine ImpactGemini AI
Read Source
The 100 Most Searched People on Google in 2026
GOOGLE
Jan 12, 2026•Si Quan Ong
Good to Know

The 100 Most Searched People on Google in 2026

AI Analysis
  • ●Identify relevant people-oriented keywords in your niche by exploring the names of celebrities and influencers.
  • ●Use keyword research tools to filter and discover high-potential keywords related to gears or lifestyles associated with popular figures.
  • ●Create dedicated content focused on celebrity preferences in your industry to attract more targeted traffic.
Why it matters: While the article provides useful tips for content creation and keyword research, it lacks urgent updates or critical changes affecting SEO practices, placing it in the medium importance category.
Keyword ResearchSEO StrategyContent MarketingCelebrity InfluenceUser Intent
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Google expands Shopping promotion rules ahead of 2026
SEL
Jan 12, 2026•Anu Adegbola
Good to Know

Google expands Shopping promotion rules ahead of 2026

AI Analysis
  • ●Google is expanding Shopping promotion rules to include new types of offers, such as subscription discounts and payment-method-based promotions, with implementation expected by 2026.
  • ●This change aims to enhance visibility and conversion for advertisers, reflecting modern consumer purchasing behavior around subscriptions and localized payment options.
  • ●Retailers can utilize a broader range of promotional language and types that reduce disapprovals and enhance competitiveness in shopping results.
Why it matters: The article discusses updates to Google Shopping promotion policies, which is relevant for marketers but is not an immediate critical update that affects rankings or core functionalities.
Google ShoppingPPCAdvertising PoliciesRetail Marketing
Read Source
Google opens Olympic live sports inventory to biddable CTV buys
SEL
Jan 12, 2026•Anu Adegbola
Good to Know

Google opens Olympic live sports inventory to biddable CTV buys

AI Analysis
  • ●Google is introducing biddable live sports inventory in Display & Video 360, allowing advertisers to programmatically access NBCUniversal’s Olympic Winter Games inventory.
  • ●New features include enhanced audience targeting, cross-device frequency management, and AI-powered conversion tracking for better measurement and accountability.
  • ●The redesigned Marketplace simplifies the activation of sports packages, making it easier for marketers to reach fans across various platforms.
Why it matters: While the updates on Google’s advertising capabilities are useful and relevant to marketers, they do not directly impact general SEO practices or search engine algorithm updates.
Google AdsProgrammatic AdvertisingLive SportsDisplay & Video 360Digital Marketing
Read Source
WordPress X Account’s ‘Childish’ Trolling Causes Backlash via @sejournal, @martinibuster
SEJ
Jan 12, 2026•Roger Montti
Good to Know

WordPress X Account’s ‘Childish’ Trolling Causes Backlash via @sejournal, @martinibuster

AI Analysis
  • ●The FAIR project aims to decentralize WordPress plugin and theme distribution, providing a vendor-neutral package management system to enhance software accessibility and innovation.
  • ●Recent updates to the FAIR repository caused temporary issues for users, highlighting challenges in their current version (1.2.2) and the necessity for manual updates.
  • ●WordPress's official social media account made an uncharacteristically mocking remark about the FAIR project, provoking mixed reactions in the community regarding professionalism.
Why it matters: While the article discusses a notable initiative affecting WordPress, it primarily covers a case study and community sentiment rather than critical updates or changes that would significantly impact SEO professionals immediately.
WordPressFAIR projectopen sourceplugin managementcommunity reactions
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Not all MMM tools are equal: Meridian, Robyn, Orbit, and Prophet explained
SEL
Jan 12, 2026•Benjamin Wenner
Good to Know

Not all MMM tools are equal: Meridian, Robyn, Orbit, and Prophet explained

AI Analysis
  • ●Marketing mix modeling (MMM) tools serve different measurement problems; Google’s Meridian and Meta’s Robyn provide complete frameworks while Uber’s Orbit and Facebook’s Prophet require additional development.
  • ●Robyn democratizes MMM by automating model building and presenting multiple solutions to showcase trade-offs in budget recommendations.
  • ●Meridian utilizes Bayesian causal inference to model complex advertising effects and can analyze data at geo-levels, allowing for nuanced insights across different regions.
Why it matters: While the article provides useful insights into MMM tools and their implementations, it lacks immediate critical updates or changes that would be essential for SEO professionals.
MarketingMixModelingOpenSourceToolsBudgetOptimizationRobynMeridian
Read Source
10 Hard Truths About PPC: Insights From Last Year’s Best Debates For 2026 via @sejournal, @siliconvallaeys
SEJ
Jan 12, 2026•Frederick Vallaeys
Good to Know

10 Hard Truths About PPC: Insights From Last Year’s Best Debates For 2026 via @sejournal, @siliconvallaeys

AI Analysis
  • ●Recognize that Google's advertising recommendations may not always align with the best interests of advertisers and should be critically evaluated rather than blindly followed.
  • ●Implement structured automation with appropriate guardrails in PPC management, as relying solely on AI can lead to suboptimal results and poor quality leads.
  • ●Understand the new 'Rule of 30' regarding data volume requirements for Smart Bidding, emphasizing the need for adequate data to drive effective campaign performance.
Why it matters: While the article provides useful insights and industry perspectives, it does not present urgent updates or changes to algorithms or tools that are critical for immediate attention.
Google AdsPPC ManagementAI in MarketingDigital AdvertisingSmart Bidding
Read Source
Why copywriting is the new superpower in 2026
SEL
Jan 12, 2026•Andrew Holland
Good to Know

Why copywriting is the new superpower in 2026

AI Analysis
  • ●Copywriting is regaining importance as AI tools improve and traditional informational SEO practices diminish.
  • ●High-quality persuasive writing, focused on audience understanding and genuine engagement, is essential in the current SEO landscape.
  • ●Search engines are evolving to prioritize context and intent over mere keyword matches, shifting the focus onto strategic positioning.
Why it matters: While the article presents useful insights on the evolving role of copywriting in SEO, it does not address immediate urgent updates or critical changes that directly impact SEO practices today.
copywritingSEO strategyAI impactdigital marketingcontent creation
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