GenAI
Does Google Like AI-Generated Content?
The Boys CS • July 22, 2024
The short answer is that Google neither dislikes nor favours AI-generated content. It doesn’t care how the content is produced – what matters is the quality, value, and relevance of the content.
Let’s explore and break down this answer more in-depth in this article.
Why should you care whether Google likes your content or not?
Your visibility on Google’s search results can make or break your online presence. Almost 92% of global traffic comes from Google, the most visited website with 85.1 billion visitors. If your content isn’t ranking well on Google’s search engine results page (SERP), you’re missing out on potential customers.
Ranking high in search results – meaning, in the first page, ideally within the top five – has several perks:
- Increased traffic, more leads: People rarely look past the first page of search results. Less than 1% of users go to the second page, with top results getting most of the traffic.
- More credibility and trust: Most people have a basic understanding of SERP even if they don’t know the mechanics of it: The most relevant and authoritative sites are first, the least are last. This perception can influence their purchase decisions.
- Competitive advantage: If you rank higher than your competitors, that’s an advantage – more so if you’re on the first page of the search results and they’re on the second.
With these benefits, it’s no wonder businesses use search engine optimisation (SEO) techniques to get to the top of search results. There are legitimate SEO methods to help users find valuable and relevant content, and then there are those that game the system to trick Google into giving a higher ranking.
The confusion about AI-generated content ranking well on Google comes from concerns about gaming the system.
The early days of SEO
Back in the day, the algorithm looked for keywords in content to gauge its relevance. Unscrupulous companies tried to rank higher by:
- Keyword Stuffing: Loading articles or blog posts with keywords, often disregarding relevance, readability, or usefulness.
- Duplicate Content: Running keyword-stuffed articles through article spinners and posting them on microsites to establish “authority.”
SEO has changed a lot since then as Google rolls out update after algorithm update to improve the search function. However, one thing remains the same: Google loves fresh content, meaning you must publish regularly and at scale. But it also loves high-quality content, which takes time.
Balancing Quality and Quantity
Many businesses turn to AI-generated or AI-assisted content to meet these demands, even with the challenges of using them. AI tools are improving and can help brainstorm fresh ideas and produce well-written content at scale.
Google’s search function has evolved beyond just indexing keywords. It’s smarter and more sophisticated, anticipating the most relevant content for each search query. Google rewards high-quality content, however it is produced. Its March 2024 update penalised sites with primarily AI content, not because it was AI-generated, but due to poor quality.
What’s important for Google is that your content demonstrates E-E-A-T: expertise, experience, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness. This is why it’s important to put people first when you write. Write for the people who are looking for your expertise, who will find value in the information you provide, and not for the search engine.
Ready to Make Google Like You?
Avoid SEO traps that can get you penalised or removed from search results. If you want frequent, fresh, and relevant content that your customers will love, our copywriting services can help. Reach out to us and let’s talk about the value you provide to your customers!
