Bing Webmaster Tools Introduces New Features and Enhancements

Microsoft announced a series of updates for its Bing Webmaster Tools on October 16, 2024, aimed at enhancing user experience and providing more data insights. The updates include a revamped recommendations section, an extension of data accessibility from six to sixteen months, and a limited preview of Copilot integration.

The Top Insights section in Bing Webmaster Tools has been renamed to “Recommendations,” which Microsoft describes as a “more comprehensive and powerful” toolset. This tool offers “personalized and actionable insights” tailored to optimize websites for better visibility and performance.

In addition to recommendations, Microsoft broadened the data availability for search performance reports, now offering insights for a period of sixteen months. This update aligns with the level of data offered by Google Search Console, which has offered sixteen months of data for some time. The decision to extend data accessibility to sixteen months was influenced by user feedback, according to Microsoft.

The extended data availability is aimed at assisting users in making well-informed decisions, whether they are analyzing traffic fluctuations or planning significant marketing campaigns. All available search performance data filters will operate over this extended period, providing a broader analytical scope.

Another significant addition is the introduction of Copilot features within Bing Webmaster Tools. This integration allows users to ask questions and receive “instant, accurate, and contextually relevant” answers about their data. However, this feature is in “limited preview by invitation only.” Microsoft aims for Copilot to “streamline workflows, enhance productivity, and provide valuable insights.”

These new updates and features represent a push from Microsoft to keep Bing Webmaster Tools competitive and functional for its users. The enhancements, especially with data extension and AI-driven tools, are seen as a response to user demand for more robust analytics and actionable feedback.