When it comes to digital marketing it can be hard to keep up to date. Josh Holmes, Head of Digital, Newsquest, looks at all the new features and algorithm changes you need to know about for your business

 

Google updates

Retail Search

This is a new solution for e-commerce sites designed to give retailers Google-quality search and recommendation capabilities. Online retailers can use Retail Search to implement Google-quality search that is customisable and built on Google’s cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI), which provides a deep understanding of user intent and context to help increase conversions. By effectively matching product attributes with website content and creating highly personalised search experiences, Retail Search provides a more accurate understanding of what the searcher is looking for.

Google Multisearch

How many times have you wanted to know something about an object in front of you but found it difficult to put it into words? There is where Google Multisearch comes in. Google is introducing a new way to search the web using a combination of text and images at the same time with Multisearch, which is available as an added function in Google Lens. You can use Multisearch in Lens to look beyond the search box and ask questions about what you see.

New cookie choices on Google

Google has recently finished a complete redesign of its approach to using cookies, including changes to the infrastructure used to handle cookies. Users visiting Search while signed out or in incognito mode will now see a new cookie banner with the reject all button in addition to the usual accept all button (you can still choose to customise your choice in more detail with the more options button).

Google launches new digital marketing certificate

Google has announced the launch of a new career certificate in digital marketing and e-commerce to assist job seekers and employers in acquiring the skills needed to be successful in online business. Furthermore, Google promises to provide up to 500 Google Career Certificate scholarships to businesses to help employees upskill.

LinkedIn updates

LinkedIn introduces a new website link feature

LinkedIn is adding links to profiles that have creator mode enabled. According to LinkedIn, the goal is to increase visibility of a creator’s business, personal website, online store, event, or other types of resource. The link will appear beneath your username and description, above your number of followers and connections, in the introduction section. If you disable creator mode, the link will disappear from your profile.

LinkedIn’s feed algorithm has been updated

LinkedIn recently updated its feed algorithm, which affects how content is ranked in users’ feeds. To begin with, LinkedIn now allows users to limit the content they don’t want to see and choose to see more from thought leaders, industry experts, and creators who aren’t in their network. The recent changes aim to prioritise posts and content that are more relevant to users’ individual interests as well as authentic engagement opportunities.

Twitter updates

Twitter Circle

Twitter is currently experimenting with a new feature called Twitter Circle, which allows users to share content with a smaller group of people. When using the feature, users will be able to select up to 150 people who will be able to see their tweets. The feature appears to be similar to Instagram’s close friends feature, which lets users choose which followers see specific content.

Twitter Live Space

Users will also be able to start a Twitter Live Space about a specific Tweet. Twitter Spaces are the company’s answer to Clubhouse, an audio streaming app that allows

users to do live talk similar to live podcasts. Businesses have used these audio chat rooms on Clubhouse and Twitter to share thought leadership Q&As, commentary on live events, giveaways, product releases, and more. Twitter may be developing the feature in the hopes of attracting more users to Twitter Spaces.

Facebook updates

Reels expanded by Meta

According to a press release from Meta, Instagram and Facebook creators can now experiment with new ways to make money. Social media platforms are continuing to increase monetisation opportunities in the ongoing battle for creator content. Meta has announced that they’re updating their Reels Play bonus programme and launching a challenges programme on Facebook. Meta is changing the way pay-outs are calculated for the Reels Play bonus programme. The goal is to reward creators with a wide range of audiences who continue to produce high-quality original content that people enjoy. Meta is also introducing insights for Reels Play creators on Facebook to help them learn how well their reels perform. Within an earning period, creators will be able to see how many plays each of their eligible reels receive.

Instagram updates

Instagram tests taller photos and videos

Instagram is currently testing taller photos and videos to give mobile users a more immersive experience. “The future of photos and the future of video is mobile-first,” said Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram, in a recent post. As a result, Instagram content presentation will be full-screen, vertical images. According to Mosseri, the adjustment will advance Instagram in a way that takes into account the mobile-first habits of its users.

Instagram stories disappearing

Instagram users who interact with audiences through a variety of stories might not like the platform’s newest potential change. It’s reportedly testing out a new story layout that will hide excessive posts. Instagram will specifically only display three stories per user unless users tap show all.

Instagram testing new features

To enhance the platform’s photo viewing capabilities, Instagram is working on several updates. Instagram is in the process of testing the ability to expand profile photos by long-tapping them, experimenting with the ability to upload 9:16 images, and testing the ability to crop posts as they appear. These changes are likely prompted by the desire to give creators more control over how others view their pages.

Meta updates

New conversation management tools

Meta has been developing new conversation management tools for brands after realising the importance of direct messaging in business. The company added new features in May that are intended to greatly improve the efficiency of managing and keeping an eye on conversation on Facebook Business Pages.

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The streamlined procedure is a good fit for companies unaccustomed to and intimidated by Facebook’s sophisticated advertising platform, even though many marketers will still want to use Ads Manager for more intricate campaigns.

New Meta features

WhatsApp comes to inbox: Businesses using Meta’s Inbox, a feature of the free Meta Business Suite for all page owners, can access and manage messages from Facebook Messenger and Instagram in one place. The Inbox now includes WhatsApp as well. By centralising communications and allowing multiple people at the business to manage messages in Inbox – from the same WhatsApp number on multiple decides. Business productivity will rise thanks to Inbox.