Google\u2019s recent unconfirmed search updates appear to be reducing the visibility of self-promotional \u201cbest of\u201d listicles, according to SEO analysts who say the changes are hitting agency and SaaS blogs that once benefited from the format.<\/b><\/p>\n
Search ranking volatility in January coincided with sharp declines for a specific type of content. Articles that rank the publisher\u2019s own company or product at the top of \u201cbest\u201d or \u201ctop\u201d lists are losing traffic after months or years of strong performance, analysts said.<\/span><\/p>\n SEO strategist Lily Ray <\/span>flagged the pattern<\/span><\/a> after reviewing multiple examples where these pages saw gains erased in a short period. The format, common in software and digital services, typically presents itself as a comparison while positioning the author\u2019s business above competitors.<\/span><\/p>\n Ray said pages built around such tactics had performed especially well in recent years, including in <\/span>Google\u2019s AI search features<\/span><\/a>, but many have now dropped out of prominent placements.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n<\/span><\/div>\n