PALM BEACH, FL - The growth of new generic top-level domains (gTLDs) is reshaping the domain name industry, introducing a wave of innovation and diversification that challenges the long-standing dominance of traditional gTLDs like .COM and .NET. This transformation is not just technical but represents a fundamental shift in how businesses and individuals approach their digital identities. Expansion of the Domain Name System The introduction of new gTLDs stems from … [Read more...]
Bots, Ad Networks & Fake Lead Form Fills; Phones Don’t Work, Emails Bounce
WEST PALM BEACH, FL – Have you recently noticed your lead forms being filled out with fake information, phone numbers that don't work and/or email addresses that bounce back? Google's Display Network (GDN) and Microsoft's Audience Network (MSAN) both serve ads across a vast number of websites, apps, and video content. While both companies have robust fraud detection systems in place, bot traffic and fraudulent interactions can occur within these networks. Here’s … [Read more...]
Google’s Search Market Share Dips Below 90% for First Time in Decade
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA - Google's global search engine market share fell below 90% in the final quarter of 2024, marking the first time since 2015 that it has dipped under this threshold. Regional Variations: Competitor Gains: During this period, competitors such as Microsoft Bing, Yandex, and Yahoo experienced slight increases in their market shares. Notably, Microsoft Bing maintained a share of around 3.97% in December 2024. Source: StatCounter Global Stats - … [Read more...]
Google Announces Parked Domains Will Automatically Be Opted Out of Ad Serving
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA - On Thursday, September 5, Google informed advertisers and users that they will be changing their Content Suitability policy, with new accounts being automatically opted out of serving ads on parked domains, beginning in October 2024. A parked domain is a domain name has been registered, but is not currently connected to an online service such as a website or email hosting. Simply put, it is a domain that has been bought but is currently unused; instead, … [Read more...]
Google to Phase Out Call & Chat Reporting on Google My Business Profiles
WEST PALM BEACH, FL - In a recent announcement Google revealed that it will discontinue the call and chat history features in Google Business Profiles by July 31, 2024. This move appears to be part of a broader effort to streamline Google's services and shift its focus elsewhere. While these changes will affect how businesses interact with their leads, it also presents an opportunity to enhance marketing efforts with proper planning and the right tools. What’s Changing in … [Read more...]
FIASCO: Multiple Squarespace Domains Hijacked After Security Loophole Exploited
NEW YORK, NY - Last week, multiple organizations with domains registered with Squarespace had their websites hijacked by hackers, with most of the instances primarily targeting cryptocurrency-based businesses, such as Celer Network, Compound Finance, Pendle Finance, and Unstoppable Domains. The hijacks took place between July 9 and July 12, and involved Google Domains assets; Squarespace had purchased the Google Domains service in June 2023 – along with approximately 10 … [Read more...]
Domain Registrar, Site Builder Squarespace Purchased by Permira for $6.9 Billion
NEW YORK, NY - Private-equity firm Permira has entered into a deal with Squarespace to acquire the website-building platform and domain host/registrar in an all-cash deal valued at $6.9 billion, according to an announcement made this week by both companies. The deal involves Permira paying approximately a 30 percent premium to Squarespace’s unaffected share price, which comes to $44 a share in cash; as a part of the transaction, the publicly-traded web company – … [Read more...]
Google Begins Testing Custom Filters for Search Based on Domains, Keywords
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA - Google has begun testing custom filters for its search engine for results based on domains and keywords. Currently, these new features have been made available only to a certain number of users, which allow them to customize their search results according to certain specific domain types, websites, and keywords in order to find the information they are looking for. Reports indicate that these new filters allow users to search for specific types of files … [Read more...]
Google’s John Mueller on Why Hyphens Aren’t Used in Domain Names Anymore
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA - In a recent Reddit Q&A, John Mueller, the Senior Webmaster Trends Analyst and Search Relations team lead at Google, fielded a query on why hyphens are no typically longer utilized in domain names, and if their fall from grace was something to be concerned about. Mueller noted that hyphens in domain names were a trend from a bygone era of the internet, and their curtailed use in modern times has occurred for a number of reasons, ranging from the way … [Read more...]
How Google’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Sees Keywords In Your Photos and Videos
PALM BEACH, FL - Imagine if your images could speak to Google, revealing their hidden keywords and boosting your search engine rankings. Well, it's not just a fantasy anymore. Google's advanced artificial intelligence (AI) has the ability to see and interpret the content of your images, opening up new SEO opportunities. While it's common knowledge that having keywords in the text sections of your website is important, many overlook the power of incorporating relevant … [Read more...]
Google Now Displays Wallet Balances for Ethereum Name Services (ENS) Domains
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA - Google has recently integrated native support for wallet balances of Ethereum Name Services (ENS) domains in its search results, a move that should simplify the process of sending and receiving funds on the part of cryptocurrency holders by substituting standard – and, thus, easier to remember – domain names in the place of the complicated wallet addresses commonly associated with blockchain-specific domains. ENS translates computer identifiers into … [Read more...]
Mastering Search Engine Marketing: Expert Insights for Small Business Owners
This sponsored content first appeared on Inside South Florida. All opinions and views are of the advertiser and does not reflect the same of WSFL-TV.1 MIAMI, FL - In today's fast-paced digital world, standing out and gaining visibility online can be a daunting task for small businesses. Thankfully, search engine marketing (SEM) offers a powerful solution to enhance online presence and drive targeted traffic to your website. Join us as we delve into the world of SEM with … [Read more...]
Maximizing Marketing Potential With Google Ads (Formally Google AdWords)
FLORIDA - Online visibility is paramount for businesses striving to reach their target audience and drive conversions. Google Ads, now known as Google Ads, stands as a powerful advertising platform that enables businesses to promote their products and services across the vast landscape of the internet. However, navigating the complexities of Google Ads requires expertise, strategic insight, and ongoing optimization. In this article, we delve into the fundamentals of Google … [Read more...]
The Bing Advertising Network: A Strategic Companion to Google Ads for Businesses
FLORIDA - In digital advertising, diversification is key to maximizing reach, engaging diverse audiences, and driving conversions. While Google Ads reigns as a dominant force in online advertising, businesses stand to benefit from complementing their marketing efforts with alternative platforms such as the Bing Advertising Network. In this article, we delve into the fundamentals of the Bing Advertising Network and explore how businesses can harness its unique features to … [Read more...]
ACE Enforcement Action Reaches Record Levels, Over 3,000 Pirate Domains Seized
LOS ANGELES, CA - The Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE) has stepped up their enforcement actions recently, having seized over 3,000 pirate site domains over the past few weeks. But despite this impressive effort, the number of new and illegal domains constantly taking the place of the ones that have been taken down are never-ending. The domains in question – which revolve around pirating copyrighted video entertainment such as movies and television … [Read more...]