Search Off the Record

In this episode of Search Off the Record, Gary Illyes and Martin Splitt from the Google Search team dive deep into the foundations of how the web works—specifically HTTP, TCP, UDP, and newer technologies like QUIC and HTTP/3. The two reflect on how even experienced web professionals often overlook or forget the mechanics behind these core protocols, sharing insights through technical discussion, playful banter, and analogies ranging from messenger pigeons to teapots. The conversation spans key concepts like packet transmission, connection handshakes, and the importance of status codes such as 404, 204, and even 418 (“I’m a teapot”). Throughout the conversation, they connect these protocols back to real-world implications for site owners, developers, and SEOs—like why Search Console might report network errors, and how browser or server behavior is influenced by low-level transport decisions. With a mix of humor and expertise, Gary and Martin aim to demystify a crucial part of the internet's infrastructure and remind listeners of the layered complexity that makes modern web experiences possible. Resources: Episode transcript →  Listen to more Search Off the Record → https://goo.gle/sotr-yt [https://goo.gle/sotr-yt] Subscribe to Google Search Channel → https://goo.gle/SearchCentra [https://goo.gle/SearchCentra]l Search Off the Record is a podcast series that takes you behind the scenes of Google Search with the Search Relations team. #SOTRpodcast #SEO #Http Speakers: Lizzi Sassman, John Mueller, Martin Splitt, Gary Illyes Products Mentioned: Search Console - General

In this episode of Search Off the Record, Google's Martin Splitt, Cherry, and Gary Illyes discuss the exciting expansion of Search Central Live with the introduction of Search Central Live Deep Dive. They share the history of Search Central events, the inspiration behind creating a more advanced, multi-day experience, and how community feedback helped shape the new format. Cherry explains how the Deep Dive events will offer in-depth sessions, practical workshops, and greater opportunities for networking within the Search community across the APAC region.   The team also offers a behind-the-scenes look at the complexities of planning international events, from budgeting and travel logistics to ensuring high-quality attendee experiences. They highlight plans for new locations including Budapest and South Africa, and outline how interested participants can apply. If you want to hear about the future of Google's Search community events and how to get involved, this episode is a must-watch.   Resources: Episode transcript → https://goo.gle/sotr090-transcript [https://goo.gle/sotr090-transcript]   Listen to more Search Off the Record → https://goo.gle/sotr-yt [https://goo.gle/sotr-yt] Subscribe to Google Search Channel → https://goo.gle/SearchCentral [https://goo.gle/SearchCentral]

Ever wondered how web standards are made? Martin and Gary from Google Search take you behind the scenes of the internet's governing bodies. From the IETF to the W3C, learn about the consensus-driven processes that shape the web. Find out why these standards are crucial for ensuring a consistent and reliable online experience. Resources: Episode transcript →  https://goo.gle/sotr089-transcript [https://goo.gle/sotr089-transcript]    Listen to more Search Off the Record → https://goo.gle/sotr-yt [https://goo.gle/sotr-yt] Subscribe to Google Search Channel → https://goo.gle/SearchCentra [https://goo.gle/SearchCentra]l   Search Off the Record is a podcast series that takes you behind the scenes of Google Search with the Search Relations team.   #SOTRpodcast #SEO   Speakers: Lizzi Sassman, John Mueller, Martin Splitt, Gary Illyes Products Mentioned: Search Console - General

As 2024 comes to a close, we're reflecting on what SEO things happened this year. Listen along as we chat about what we learned from going to events, the importance of understanding how AI works, and whether everything will be replaced with JavaScript.   Resources: Episode transcript → https://goo.gle/sotr088-transcript [https://goo.gle/sotr088-transcript] Encoding + Googlebot → https://goo.gle/4iZEKXO [https://goo.gle/4iZEKXO]   Listen to more Search Off the Record → https://goo.gle/sotr-yt [https://goo.gle/sotr-yt] Subscribe to Google Search Channel → https://goo.gle/SearchCentra [https://goo.gle/SearchCentra]l   Search Off the Record is a podcast series that takes you behind the scenes of Google Search with the Search Relations team.

In this episode of Search Off the Record, John and Martin talk to Allan Scott from the Google Search team that handles duplicate content. They explore how Google Search deals with duplicated content, clustering, and canonicalization.   Resources: Episode transcript → https://goo.gle/sotr087-transcript [https://goo.gle/sotr087-transcript]   Listen to more Search Off the Record → https://goo.gle/sotr-yt Subscribe to Google Search Channel → https://goo.gle/SearchCentral [https://goo.gle/SearchCentral]   Search Off the Record is a podcast series that takes you behind the scenes of Google Search with the Search Relations team.   #SOTRpodcast  #SEO   Speakers: Allan Scott, John Mueller, Martin Splitt Products Mentioned: Search Console - General