Recommendation? Website and search result questions

[annr]

I've been successfully selling my books online since 2011. I have not sold a book since August 2024. I did a Google search and my books and website no longer appear in the main search results. Some of my website's pages are included in the image search.
I understand that Google changes things up to affect the search, and I'm trying to figure out what I need to do to reappear in searches or if there is a workaround to avoid Google. Suggestions?

 

[knarfeng]

It's known that Google has been tweaking their search engine algorithm to prioritize results from their advertisers. They've also been down-prioritizing other results for various reasons. I've not heard of a solution. Other search engines also tend to prioritize results from their advertisers.

 

[RHINOKNIVES]

Ann, I suggest you put in a new listing for your book & get some online, discussion and Q & A about it to bring it back up in search results …

 

[annr]

It's known that Google has been tweaking their search engine algorithm to prioritize results from their advertisers. They've also been down-prioritizing other results for various reasons. I've not heard of a solution. Other search engines also tend to prioritize results from their advertisers.

True, I do not advertise and my content may not be presented to their liking. So far, the other search engines rank me immediately below the sponsored listings. Amazing their power (to censor), and I am loathe to cede anything to them. I'm not crazy about sharing anything (information, data tracking, etc.) with any of the big names. Hmmmm...

ETA: this seems to coincide with a change in the way search results display, including the use of AI-generated results. The only books showing up are sold through dealers or Amazon-- effectively forcing one to use Amazon or a dealer.

 

[annr]

Ann, I suggest you put in a new listing for your book & get some online, discussion and Q & A about it to bring it back up in search results …

Would you mind giving a few more details? I get the general idea.... Put a new listing where, for example?

 

[annr]

I read a few articles online and figured out what might be wrong with my site. New AI SEO.

Made some edits to my site that seemed appropriate for this new AI tool. Not 5 minutes later, I'm appearing on the first page of searches if you search for "best ___book." Book is on eBay appearing under shopping. I still have some images and 1 video. A lot comes up under my name or the exact title.

Not as robust as before, and I think I can do better, but this is a start!

 

[Locutus D'Borg]

It's known that Google has been tweaking their search engine algorithm to prioritize results from their advertisers. They've also been down-prioritizing other results for various reasons. I've not heard of a solution. Other search engines also tend to prioritize results from their advertisers.

I'd by the cheapest advertising for your book from Google that they offer. It should be worth it if they reprioritized your book so it can be found during searches.

 

[RHINOKNIVES]

Would you mind giving a few more details? I get the general idea.... Put a new listing where, for example?

I’m no tech nerd, but Basically any chat or new listing in your field of expertise will bring your book up in ratings! Wish you the best!

 

[annr]

I’m no tech nerd, but Basically any chat or new listing in your field of expertise will bring your book up in ratings! Wish you the best!

Thanks, easier said than done considering Google is simply ignoring me for a variety of reasons it appears.

The AI is very interesting. My superficial analysis is that when one searches for an item, like my book, Google assumes you want to BUY that item, so everything is geared around shopping, customer feedback and reviews. NOT quality or availability or learning about the product.

I see books by dead authors listed at $300 (should be about $30) and books that are out of stock because AI "likes" something about the website, google participation, ads. There are many terrible choices among the top hits, and the hits are very literal. From what I can tell this is an evolving formula, so I'm going to tweak what I have and see where it goes.

 

[annr]

For people trusting AI and google, don't, and here is MORE proof. I found my 3rd book listed under google books. Their citation contains several errors that seem impossible considering the correct bibliographic information was provided to Bowker and on my website-- which, as you know, they don't use for some reason.

The year of publication is wrong, off by 10 years
The number of pages is wrong, and stated as 2 different page numbers in the same citation.
The editor is NOT the person they claim, some PhD mathematician. The seem to randomly pick someone on the internet with the same name.

 

[Knives&Lint]

I've noticed Google searches going downhill lately, to the point it is becoming useless. It becomes apparent if you try to search for vintage items. Just an off the wall example: I was recently trying to remember the old flip style alarm clock/radio that my Grandmother had. In years past I could search "vintage flip clock", search through images, and likely track down the exact one she had. Now the majority of the results (IN IMAGES not shopping) are links to purchase newly made cheapo garbage. I honestly thought I had a virus or something at first until I had others check.

 

[annr]

I've noticed Google searches going downhill lately, to the point it is becoming useless. It becomes apparent if you try to search for vintage items. Just an off the wall example: I was recently trying to remember the old flip style alarm clock/radio that my Grandmother had. In years past I could search "vintage flip clock", search through images, and likely track down the exact one she had. Now the majority of the results (IN IMAGES not shopping) are links to purchase newly made cheapo garbage. I honestly thought I had a virus or something at first until I had others check.

This is EXACTLY what I’m talking about and mirrors my experience. Using other browsers I got different and better results. Throw in the AI and you can get some conflicting (and stupid) answers. Definitely rigged to sell stuff and not what you may search for. Maybe people will choose other browsers…

 

[Ebbtide]

“Search Engine Optimization”
I’m no web guy but when I hear web conversations and that term comes up repeatedly, I remember it.

Maybe that will unlock something for the OP.

 

[annr]

“Search Engine Optimization”
I’m no web guy but when I hear web conversations and that term comes up repeatedly, I remember it.

Maybe that will unlock something for the OP.

You are correct! And looks like it could unlock or devastate my wallet (There may be more affordable options, but didn't need them until recently):

Per Google AI: SEO (search engine optimization) costs can vary depending on the size of the business, the scope of the project, and the industry:

• Business size
  SEO costs can range from $750–$1,500 per month for startups, $1,500–$3,000 per month for small businesses, $1,500–$5,000 per month for medium-sized businesses, and $5,000+ per month for enterprises.
  • Project scope
    SEO costs can range from $750–$2,000 per month, depending on the project's scope.
  • Industry
    SEO pricing is based on how many monthly searches a specific industry has. For example, home services may cost $1,500–$2,500.
  • Hourly rate
    SEO pricing can range from $50–$250 per hour.
  • Monthly retainer
    Monthly retainers for agencies can range from $500–$1,000, and for consultants can range from $2,501–$5,000.
  • Software
    SEO software for keyword rank tracking can cost between $500–$4,500 per month.
    SEO costs can be high because it requires tools, talent, and training. However, a successful SEO plan can achieve a higher ROI than other earned media channels.

Some factors that can affect the ROI of SEO include:

• Organic search traffic: Organic search traffic accounts for over 53% of all website traffic.
• Revenue: Organic search is responsible for approximately 45% of the average company's revenue.
• Client satisfaction: Research shows that clients who spent more on SEO were 50% more likely to be extremely satisfied

 

[annr]

Google must sell Chrome browser in move to end monopoly on internet searches, DOJ says​

Elizabeth Pritchett

---

The Department of Justice argued on Wednesday that Google must sell its Chrome internet browser after a federal court ruled earlier this year that the company maintained an illegal monopoly over internet searches.
U.S. regulators also argued Google must share data and search results with competitors, among other things, in efforts to end the company's monopoly, according to Reuters.

"Google's unlawful behavior has deprived rivals not only of critical distribution channels but also distribution partners who could otherwise enable entry into these markets by competitors in new and innovative ways," the DOJ said in a court filing.


In August, a judge determined that Google had built an illegal monopoly over internet searches, more than 90% of which are processed through the search engine giant.
Google must sell its Chrome internet browser after a federal court ruled earlier this year that the company maintained an illegal monopoly over internet searches, the DOJ argued on Wednesday. (Thilina Kaluthotage/NurPhoto via Getty Images / Getty Images)
Google has made billion-dollar payments to Apple and other device manufacturers for years to ensure its search engine is the default on smartphones and web browsers to preserve its market share.

The DOJ's proposed remedies could have a significant impact on how Americans find information on the internet while shrinking Google's revenues and giving its competitors an opportunity to grow.

The demands from the DOJ include barring Google from re-entering the browser market for five years, insisting that Google sell its mobile operating sytem for Android if competition isn't restored, and prohibiting Google from buying or investing in search rivals, query-based AI products or advertising technology, Reuters reported.

More than 90% of internet searches are processed through Google
Google has called the proposals from the DOJ radical and said it would appeal.

GOOGLE DISCLAIMER TELLS CHROME USERS 'INCOGNITO' MODE MAY NOT BE AS PRIVATE AS THEY THINK

Google previously warned that selling off Chrome and Android "would break them" because the company currently offers them and their code for free on an open-source basis.

Google has made billion-dollar payments to Apple and other manufacturers for years to ensure it is the default search engine on smartphones and web browsers.
The company will have the opportunity to present its own proposals next month.

U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta has scheduled a trial on the proposals for April, though that could change once President-elect Donald Trump and his DOJ are in charge.

Reuters contributed to this report.

 

[Ebbtide]

You are correct! And looks like it could unlock or devastate my wallet (There may be more affordable options, but didn't need them until recently):

Per Google AI: SEO (search engine optimization) costs can vary depending on the size of the business, the scope of the project, and the industry:

• Business size
  SEO costs can range from $750–$1,500 per month for startups, $1,500–$3,000 per month for small businesses, $1,500–$5,000 per month for medium-sized businesses, and $5,000+ per month for enterprises.
  • Project scope
    SEO costs can range from $750–$2,000 per month, depending on the project's scope.
  • Industry
    SEO pricing is based on how many monthly searches a specific industry has. For example, home services may cost $1,500–$2,500.
  • Hourly rate
    SEO pricing can range from $50–$250 per hour.
  • Monthly retainer
    Monthly retainers for agencies can range from $500–$1,000, and for consultants can range from $2,501–$5,000.
  • Software
    SEO software for keyword rank tracking can cost between $500–$4,500 per month.
    SEO costs can be high because it requires tools, talent, and training. However, a successful SEO plan can achieve a higher ROI than other earned media channels.

Some factors that can affect the ROI of SEO include:

• Organic search traffic: Organic search traffic accounts for over 53% of all website traffic.
• Revenue: Organic search is responsible for approximately 45% of the average company's revenue.
• Client satisfaction: Research shows that clients who spent more on SEO were 50% more likely to be extremely satisfied

Wowzer!
Didn’t mean to eat into your knife fund there buddy!

 

[annr]

Wowzer!
Didn’t mean to eat into your knife fund there buddy!

Thanks! Yes, this could tank my budget! It’s interesting to ponder the hidden cost of all this SEO work and billions paid by Google for priority search engine status. Net savings or cost to consumer using internet?

One source states google modifies its algorithm 500-600 time a year. Keeps a lot of people employed. One could assume one needs expert advice on this , yet only 50% were likely to be extremely satisfied with results of SEO. To sell a few books…

 

[annr]

Thanks, everyone for the brainstorming assist!! I managed to create a new web page for my products that appears near the top of search results--this helped with every other search category. These changes resulted in 4 book sales and a lesson request which is good for my kind of book and field.

I also found a google knowledge panel that I could claim. Does anyone know if these panels help with searches and credibility? To claim it I have to send Google a "selfie" with me holding an ID to prove my identity. It looks like people such as Donald Trump and other famous people have claimed theirs. What do I have to lose? Anyone know the downside?

 

[knarfeng]

Just that you are adding your photo and that particular ID to everything else Google and Alphabet Inc. knows about you.

 

[annr]

Just that you are adding your photo and that particular ID to everything else Google and Alphabet Inc. knows about you.

This is precisely my concern. My gut is more inclined to ignore "them."

The reason I'm uncertain is that "they" have already scoured the internet for my press photo, an out-of-date biography, and a lot of other information. The difference is that I don't currently have any control whatsoever over the information they present.

I'm not saying this lack of control is inherently a problem (or ignoring them and letting them AI themselves to death is a problem) ---It just adds to the misinformation on the web and (?) may harm my reputation in some way because they have so much conflicting, inaccurate information.

I just can't tell if its such a concern giving them a photo when they already have one, and the ID only shows my name, no other information.

And I'm wondering if would there be any upside to doing this? Do people really care about this stuff?