Jaaxy and the Impact of Google's Move to Require Javascript

UPDATE (Jan 31st, 1:08PM): We have rolled out a solution that is currently returning QSR and Revenue Opportunity Affiliate Links at a high rate. We continue to work on and tweak our solution to ensure we provide the highest number of hits when gathering data from Google. We appreciate everyone's patience while we worked on this.

I'm sure of you have already noticed that our Keyword Research platform Jaaxy have certain elements like QSR and SiteRank that have not been working for the past few days. This is because Google recently announced a significant shift in how it delivers search results.

"JavaScript is now required for Google Search to function properly."

While this change allows Google to deliver a more dynamic and interactive search experience, it also introduces new challenges for 1000's of SEO tools like Jaaxy, that retrieved data from Google to deliver to within their product offering.

Why the Change?

JavaScript enables Google to provide a richer and more engaging search experience. It supports advanced features like live updates, interactive widgets, and sophisticated filtering options, all of which enhance the usability and functionality of search results. This is all part of Google's focus on delivering content that's not only relevant but also immediately actionable and user-friendly. It's good for the end user!

However, this reliance on JavaScript comes with trade-offs. For users who disable JavaScript for privacy, security, or performance reasons, the change means they may experience limited access to Google Search or, in some cases, lose access altogether. This shift also poses challenges for tools and systems that have long depended on Google's simpler, static data endpoints (techie stuff I know).

How This Impacts Tools Like Jaaxy's QSR and SiteRank

Jaaxy has been a big part of keyword research for Wealthy Affiliate members, providing valuable insights into search competition and opportunities. With Google's move to JavaScript, several of Jaaxy's features are directly affected:

Quoted Search Results (QSR): This metric in the keyword search tool has historically provided a snapshot of keyword competition by showing how many websites rank for an exact-match keyword phrase. It's been helpful for targeting low-competition keywords, especially for niche content creators.

SiteRank and Search Analysis: These tools relied on Google's traditional search data to track rankings and analyze competition, helping members refine their SEO strategies.

Unfortunately, the technical requirements of JavaScript-based search mean these features are going to be tricky to deliver. We're currently working on QSR as we have a few options as work-arounds.
SiteRank - everyone in WA who are following the training will have Google Search Console installed ant that is where you will find exactly where your website is ranking in Google, what index status is, and what visibility (and clicks) you are getting with keywords. You want to rely on Google Search Console rather than SiteRank in Jaaxy.

Why QSR has Become Less Relevant

The decline in QSR's importance has been shifting over the years and although it offers some good insights into competition for an EXACT match keyword, the shifts in how SEO works today make that less impactful. In the past, knowing the exact number of websites competing for a keyword was an awesome way to know how to rank for that particular phrase. But SEO today is much more dynamic.

Here's why:

• Content relevance takes precedence: Google's algorithm has grown increasingly sophisticated, prioritizing helpful, well-written content that aligns with user intent. This means content optimized for a single keyword phrase often gets overshadowed by broader, more relevant articles. We've been teaching this for years here at Wealthy Affiliate - so there are no changes to our stance on this.
  
• Diverse SERPs: Search results are no longer just a list of websites. Today, you'll find a mix of ads, AI-generated responses, featured snippets, video results, and more. Even for keywords with low competition, Google fills the space with a variety of content types, reducing the visibility of traditional, exact-match results. Google will no longer just rank you because you've focused on a keyword with LOW competition, they will always look at the QUALITY of your content first.
  
• Evolving user behavior: People now search in more conversational, question-based ways. Instead of typing a single keyword, users might search for entire phrases or rely on Google's autocomplete suggestions, making narrow keyword metrics like QSR less impactful.

For WA members, this shift highlights the importance of focusing on creating valuable, niche-specific content rather than chasing exact-match keywords - something we've been able to deliver via HUBS for the last year.

The Future of Keyword Research at Wealthy Affiliate

As Google and the SEO landscape evolve, so does our approach to keyword research. We're actively reimagining how our tools and training support members in finding opportunities and creating high-ranking content. Here's what's changed:

• AI-Driven Keyword Suggestions: Our AI-powered tools within Hubs analyze your content ideas and provide smarter keyword suggestions that align with your post's title and intent. This helps you naturally rank for multiple variations of a keyword, rather than relying on a single phrase. To get this data, in the Content ideas section, click the Jaaxy ICON and you'll see a popup with keywords and phrases that you can rank for with your content. Additionally, we're considering integrating search volume data.
  
• Integrated SEO Solutions: By embedding keyword research directly into the Wealthy Affiliate platform, we're creating an all-in-one solution for researching niches, optimizing content, and staying ahead of SEO trends. This eliminates the need for external tools and simplifies the process for members. We've been discussing for years, the integration of important elements in Jaaxy into WA - although we've already started doing this, these recent changes may help us get these changes released sooner.
  
• Broader Focus on Relevance: Instead of chasing low-competition keywords, our tools encourage a focus on topics that resonate with your audience. This approach aligns with Google's emphasis on content that answers user questions and solves real problems.

This integration not only makes keyword research more intuitive but also positions our members for long-term success in a competitive SEO environment.

Adapting and Thriving in a Changing SEO Landscape

Change can be intimidating, especially when it upends tools and strategies that have worked for years. But with every shift comes an opportunity to grow and innovate. We see Google's move to JavaScript as a chance to double down on what truly matters...creating high-quality, relevant content that serves your audience.
Reiterating what our SEO training teaches:

1. Focus on Value: Write content that answers your audience's questions, solves their problems, and provides real value. This is the type of content Google loves to promote.

2. Leverage AI Tools: Use the AI-driven features within Hubs to identify dynamic keyword opportunities and create content that can achieve rankings for multiple search terms.

3. Stay Flexible and keep Learning: The SEO landscape is always changing, but the goal of Google and other search engines has always been to deliver traffic to websites with helpful and relevant content.

We're committed to helping the Wealthy Affiliate community succeed. Whether it's through platforms like Hubs or cutting-edge training on modern SEO practices, we're here to support you every step of the way.
Jaaxy QSR may be a metric we can gather in another way as it still can give you some insight into competition. When writing helpful, engaging content, it can give you some insight into where you might rank, but ranking due to this metric is less of a SURE thing than it once was - proven by the Google Helpful Content update(s).

If you have questions about how this change might impact your business or need guidance on adapting your strategies, don't hesitate to comment below.
Now it's Your turn...do you Use Jaaxy QSR? Will You miss it if it goes away?
Cheers,
Carson