Search in October 2026: six changes, and which ones need you
Google's AI answers get more links, new Maps rules for businesses, a fast lane for forum posts, Universal Cart and the spam update. What each means for you.
~/search-map/marketplaces
Marketplaces and app stores
Search with a buy button attached. Every store ranks on its own signals.
AmazonEtsyeBayApp StoreGoogle Play
## What the platforms say
How results get picked
From each platform's own documentation. Linked so you can check it yourself.
Apple's App Store search uses text relevance (title, subtitle, keywords, primary category) plus user behaviour such as downloads, ratings and reviews.
Apple Developer: App Store searchApple says promotional text doesn't affect App Store search ranking, so keywords placed there do nothing for search.
Apple Developer: App Store searcheBay's Best Match ranks listings partly on how closely they match the buyer's search terms.
eBay Help: Improving your search results with Best MatchAmazon says its Rufus shopping assistant answers using product listing details, customer reviews and community Q&As.
About Amazon: How to use Amazon RufusGoogle Play says categories and tags help people search for and discover the most relevant apps.
Play Console Help: Select a category and tags
> so whatStores read structured listing fields and then watch how buyers behave. Complete, accurate listings and genuine reviews do more than any keyword trick.
## Writing
Tests, guides and takes
Nobody pays for a ranking: why our SEO reports start with revenue
Our first revenue report for an electrician client said £0. SEO hadn't failed. Nobody had logged what a single job was worth. Here's what revenue-first SEO needs.
Work with SEO Engico
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