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.
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★★★ Why isn't your site showing up in Google's site: search results?
If your site doesn't appear in a 'site:' search, there might be crawling or indexing issues. You can submit your sitemap and URLs to Google Search Console to manage your online presence on Google Sear...
Google Dec 18, 2019
★★★ How can you manage the surge of Googlebot crawling that crashes your server?
If your site is experiencing a sudden increase in Googlebot crawling that affects server performance, you can adjust the crawl frequency through Google Search Console or submit a request for a specifi...
Google Dec 17, 2019
★★★ Are expired domains really useless for SEO?
Using an expired domain does not provide any intrinsic SEO benefit. Any perceived advantage likely stems from other factors, such as content quality or natural backlinks. Google assesses the relevance...
Google Dec 17, 2019
★★ Does lazy loading really sabotage the indexing of your images?
Deferred loading of images via lazy loading can affect when Googlebot discovers images for indexing. Make sure that critical images for SEO are not omitted by the lazy loading technique....
Google Dec 17, 2019
★★★ Has nofollow become just a suggestion that Google can ignore at will?
Nofollow attributes are designed to indicate that certain links should not influence rankings in search engines. Google now views nofollows as hints rather than strict directives, and may choose to ig...
Google Dec 17, 2019
★★★ Can structured data really trigger a penalty for cloaking?
When correctly implemented, structured data helps Google understand the content of web pages. Ensure that structured data accurately reflects the information visible to users to avoid penalties for pe...
Google Dec 17, 2019
★★★ Does Google really diminish the value of your backlinks when you overhaul your content?
Google does not reduce the value of existing links following significant content updates, except for expired domains where the site is perceived as new....
John Mueller Dec 13, 2019
★★★ Why do your content enhancements take months to impact your ranking?
Significant improvements in a site's content can take several months to be reflected in search results, with smaller sites generally updated more quickly....
John Mueller Dec 13, 2019
★★★ Do blog comments really count as main content in Google's eyes?
Blog comments are considered an integral part of a page's main content. They can enrich the page, especially if the initial post is short and the comments are of high quality....
John Mueller Dec 13, 2019
★★★ Does the canonical URL selected by Google really impact your rankings?
Google uses several signals to determine the canonical URL, such as 301 redirects, canonical tags, internal and external linking, and sitemap files. Even if Google chooses a canonical URL different fr...
John Mueller Dec 13, 2019
★★★ Why does an old URL still show up in Google after a redirect?
When Google follows a redirect, the destination page is deemed valid, and an old URL might still show up in search if explicitly accessed, for example via a site:oldurl.com request....
John Mueller Dec 13, 2019
★★★ Can you really combine multiple structured data schemas on the same page?
It is acceptable to have multiple types of structured data on a page, such as for an e-commerce site and a local business....
John Mueller Dec 13, 2019
★★★ How is machine learning really changing Google's ranking criteria?
Google employs machine learning to adjust certain aspects of its algorithm, such as the weighting of signals for URL canonicalization. This does not make the algorithm completely opaque, as weights an...
John Mueller Dec 13, 2019
★★★ How does standing out from the competition truly affect your SEO?
In competitive sectors, it is crucial to stand out, not only through content but also through the overall offer one presents to attract and retain visitors....
John Mueller Dec 13, 2019
★★★ Does Robots.txt really block the crawling of your images across all your domains?
The robots.txt file is specific to each hostname and protocol. Blocking on a main domain does not block crawling of subdomains or different domains. A 503 code in robots.txt can temporarily stop crawl...
John Mueller Dec 13, 2019
★★★ Should you really avoid moving your blog to a subdomain?
Moving a blog to a subdomain may be perceived by Google as a site separation, requiring time to understand the context of the new sites, even if the content remains identical....
John Mueller Dec 13, 2019
★★★ Why does Google block automatic verification for new sites in Search Console?
For new sites or those with a custom domain URL, automatic verification does not work. It is recommended to use the Google Analytics method to verify ownership....
Daniel Waisberg Dec 11, 2019
★★ Should you really keep the DNS verification record from Search Console after validation?
To remain verified, do not delete the DNS record even after successful verification. This ensures that the property remains verified in Search Console....
Google Dec 11, 2019
★★ How can you manage access rights in Search Console without compromising your SEO strategy?
Account owners in Search Console can view the list of all verified owners and users for a site, as well as the verification methods used. They can also disable former owners by removing their verifica...
Google Dec 11, 2019
★★★ Should you really create a domain property in Search Console?
Google recommends creating at least one domain property in Search Console because it provides a comprehensive overview of site information, including all URLs from all subdomains as well as HTTP and H...
Google Dec 11, 2019
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