SearchCap: Bing Removes URL Submission Tool, Ask the SMXperts, Google Maps, Link Building & More

Below is a summary of the latest happenings in the world of search, as outlined by Search Engine Land and other sources.

From Search Engine Land:

• Google Maps now available for Apple CarPlay
  Sep 18, 2018 by Barry Schwartz
  Apple users can now access Google Maps on CarPlay, a long-awaited feature.

• How to choose the best content format for link building
  Sep 18, 2018 by Paddy Moogan
  Considering an infographic or GIF for acquiring links? Discover the benefits and drawbacks of different visual formats.

• Customer Data Challenge: Improve martech efficiency and ROI with unified data
  Sep 18, 2018 by Digital Marketing Depot
  Unifying dispersed data in martech stacks is a significant challenge for US brands, costing millions annually as siloed data hampers customer engagement and satisfaction.

• Ask the SMXpert — Page speed, site migrations, and crawling
  Sep 18, 2018 by Debra Mastaler
  Learn tactical advice for optimizing crawl budgets, enhancing page speed, and executing large-scale error-free site migrations.

• Bing shuts down public URL submission tool
  Sep 18, 2018 by Barry Schwartz
  Bing’s decision to disable the URL submission tool aims to reduce spam and emphasize trustworthy content.

• How e-commerce can compete for informational queries by optimizing for intent
  Sep 18, 2018 by Bill Sebald
  Improve search optimization for purchase intent by understanding how Google connects informational searches to e-commerce pages.

• Bing improves visual search, adds educational carousel, American Sign Language, and NFL answers
  Sep 18, 2018 by Barry Schwartz
  Microsoft’s search engine introduces enhanced image search and educational features, aligning with the new school year.

Recent Headlines From MarTech:

• Google is right; click-through and conversion rates kinda don’t matter
  Sep 18, 2018 by Andy Taylor
  Re-evaluate the focus on click-through and conversion rates, with insights into why they may not be the end-all metrics.

• Keyword research strategies in a close-variant world
  Sep 18, 2018 by Megan Taggart
  Prepare for match type changes with updated keyword research strategies in a close-variant landscape.

• Win more conversions with ‘The Marketing Automation Playbook’
  Sep 18, 2018 by Digital Marketing Depot
  Explore how marketing automation can enhance lead generation, sales, and customer communication.

• Working with an AI vendor: How marketers can take the leap
  Sep 18, 2018 by Robin Kurzer
  Autodesk’s digital marketing head discusses the importance of collaboration between marketers and data scientists with vendors.

• Facebook job ads excluded women, ACLU complaint says
  Sep 18, 2018 by Greg Sterling
  A federal complaint highlights job ads targeted exclusively at male candidates by several employers.

• How to turn negative online reviews into marketing wins
  Sep 18, 2018 by Megan Krause
  Transform negative reviews into opportunities for improvement and positive branding through customer feedback.

• SEO PowerSuite Review: features, analysis, results
  Sep 18, 2018 by Sponsored Content: SEO PowerSuite
  Delve into the essential SEO tools that can streamline processes and enhance campaign results.

• Quora introduces Broad Targeting, says audience hits 300 million monthly users
  Sep 17, 2018 by Ginny Marvin
  Leveraging machine learning, Quora enhances ad targeting to reach users more likely to engage with desired actions.

• Instagram rolls out Shopping in Stories globally, launches Shopping channel in Explore
  Sep 17, 2018 by Amy Gesenhues
  Expanding its e-commerce features globally, Instagram now supports Shopping within Stories and launches a Shopping channel.

• iHeartMedia to acquire Stuff Media as podcasting continues its rise
  Sep 17, 2018 by Robin Kurzer
  Publishers increasingly invest in podcasts amid ongoing challenges with third-party measurement standards.

Search News From Around The Web:

• Amazon is increasing the number of ads in its search results.
• Analyzing Google’s new carousel featured snippet.
• Investigating how many new backlinks top-ranking pages acquire over time.
• Utilizing link retargeting to capitalize on others’ content.
• John Mueller advises to directly inquire or test search engine behaviors instead of guessing.
• Measuring user journeys through the AMP Cache and broader website.
• Addressing mental health in the workplace and supporting team well-being.
• Exploring new link opportunities.
• Unused but useful Google Ads remarketing tactics.
• Strengthening internal linking campaigns.
• Reasons why Google Ads Optimizer might not showcase your best advertisements.