What does Google say about SEO? /
Artificial intelligence is fundamentally reshaping search engine optimization and Google's algorithms. This category compiles Google's official statements regarding AI usage in search, including machine learning technologies, large language models (LLMs), and new generative search experiences like SGE and AI Overview. SEO practitioners will find Google's positions on how AI-generated content (ChatGPT, Gemini, Bard) impacts website rankings and organic visibility. Google has clarified its guidelines concerning artificial intelligence for content creation, distinguishing acceptable practices from manipulative techniques that violate search quality standards. Understanding these official declarations is crucial for adapting SEO strategies to algorithmic evolutions, particularly with the increasing integration of machine learning into ranking systems. This category also covers the impact of AI-generated answers in SERPs, E-E-A-T quality criteria applied to AI-assisted content, and recommendations for maintaining organic search presence in the era of generative search. Essential insights include how Google evaluates content quality regardless of production method, focusing on helpfulness and user value rather than creation process. A must-follow resource for staying ahead in modern search engine optimization.
Quick SEO Quiz

Test your SEO knowledge in 5 questions

Less than a minute. Find out how much you really know about Google search.

🕒 ~1 min 🎯 5 questions
★★ Is it worth using structured data without Rich Results for SEO?
Structured data that doesn't generate Rich Results has a minimal positive effect on the understanding of entities, but this effect is generally not measurable. Prioritize visible structured data in th...
John Mueller Jul 19, 2021
★★ Are Link Exchanges and Forum Backlinks Really Useless for SEO?
John Mueller spoke out several times about link building last week. In a webmaster hangout, he explained that link exchanges (I link to you, you link to me) were considered artificial and therefore we...
John Mueller Jul 19, 2021
★★★ Do PDF Files Really Impact Your Core Web Vitals?
John Mueller indicated on Twitter that Google does not take PDF files into account when calculating Core Web Vitals scores......
John Mueller Jul 19, 2021
★★★ Can Geotargeting Really Boost Your Local SEO?
Geotargeting (through ccTLD or Search Console settings) slightly alters rankings when Google detects that a user is searching for something local, but it has no impact on global searches....
John Mueller Jul 19, 2021
★★ Why does Google tend to overlook NoScript tags in SEO?
Google generally attempts to ignore the content placed within NoScript tags. Therefore, it's essential to verify that this approach actually functions as intended for indexing....
John Mueller Jul 19, 2021
★★ Could using nofollow on internal links actually enhance your SEO strategy?
Using nofollow on internal links to pages with high link density or noindex pages can be tested to optimize the crawl budget. Google will not penalize this practice....
John Mueller Jul 19, 2021
★★★ Does the age of a website really influence its SEO ranking?
Google has no preference between new or old sites. Assessment is based on what is most relevant to users, not on the age of the domain or the number of links....
John Mueller Jul 19, 2021
★★ Why does Google simplify the canonicalization of queries in Search Console?
Queries in Google Search Console are slightly canonicalized (converted to lowercase, punctuation removed) but Google does not interpret or simplify the search intent....
John Mueller Jul 19, 2021
★★★ Should you add nofollow attributes to affiliate links in JavaScript?
If affiliate links are added via JavaScript, appropriate attributes (nofollow or sponsored) must also be included in the JavaScript code....
John Mueller Jul 13, 2021
★★★ Should you really be hiding your affiliate links for SEO?
There's no need to hide or obscure affiliate links for search engines. You shouldn't use complex JavaScript, automatic click management, or cloaking to conceal these links....
John Mueller Jul 13, 2021
★★ How can you enhance your affiliate product reviews using structured data?
When affiliate links are used in the context of product reviews, it is recommended to consult Google's documentation to check if appropriate structured data can be implemented....
John Mueller Jul 13, 2021
★★ Why is it crucial to declare affiliate links correctly for SEO?
The best practice is to create links normally and declare them with the appropriate attributes so that they are processed correctly by Google....
John Mueller Jul 13, 2021
★★★ Why is unique content essential for affiliate sites?
A site using affiliate links must provide its own unique content and offer value. It shouldn't just republish generic or low-quality descriptions....
John Mueller Jul 13, 2021
★★★ Should you really use rel='nofollow' for your affiliate links?
For search engines, affiliate links should use the rel='nofollow' or rel='sponsored' attribute to indicate that it's a paid link....
John Mueller Jul 13, 2021
★★★ Is it true that Google allows affiliate links for SEO benefits?
Affiliate links are acceptable and can be used to monetize a website. Google has no objection to their use as long as they are properly disclosed....
John Mueller Jul 13, 2021
★★★ Should you really disclose all affiliate links for SEO benefits?
Affiliate links must be disclosed to both users and search engines. This is a fundamental requirement by Google....
John Mueller Jul 13, 2021
★★★ Should You Limit the Number of Internal Links on Each Page to Improve SEO?
John Mueller explained during a webmaster hangout that having too many internal links within each page of a site is detrimental. For example, having every page link to all others erases the notion of ...
John Mueller Jul 12, 2021
★★★ Can You Use Multiple Structured Data Tags on a Single Page Without Being Penalized?
John Mueller also explained in the same webmaster hangout that in itself, using multiple structured data tags on the same page is not a problem, but it must be done with logic and discernment: if you ...
John Mueller Jul 12, 2021
★★★ What essential elements should you keep during a website redesign to protect your SEO?
During a redesign, it is important to keep as many elements as possible: the same URLs, internal linking, content, and layout. If these elements change without redirects, Google treats the site as new...
John Mueller Jul 09, 2021
★★★ Is there really no delay between Google's crawling and indexing?
There is no queue or artificial delay between crawling and indexing at Google. If a page can be crawled, Google tries to index it as quickly as possible, except for JavaScript sites that require pre-r...
John Mueller Jul 09, 2021
🔔

Get real-time analysis of the latest Google SEO declarations

Be the first to know every time a new official Google statement drops — with full expert analysis.

No spam. Unsubscribe in one click.