Coupons & Google's New Spam Policy
News websites have been impacted by Google's new spam policy, which penalizes sites promoting third-party coupons for cheap clicks. Some, like the Los Angeles Times, Wired, and Time, have embraced the change by actively curating coupons themselves and partnering with providers like Savings United. They've added detailed pages showcasing their involvement in selecting valuable coupons. Others, such as Forbes and SFGate, have opted to shut down their coupon sections to comply with the new rules.
This shift comes as Google aims to combat the manipulation of search results by websites that leverage coupon partnerships with third parties. News sites that have remained in the coupon business, like Glamour and Fortune, have emphasized their editorial involvement in selecting coupons, aiming to demonstrate value to readers and evade Google's penalties.
Forbes took a different approach by entirely eliminating its coupon section, acknowledging its lack of editorial involvement, a move in line with Google's policy update. While these changes suggest news sites may have found a way to navigate Google's rules, for now, the long-term impact remains uncertain.
Wow, Google's new spam policy sounds like it's making some waves, especially for news websites. It's crucial for businesses to stay on top of these updates to ensure they're compliant and maintain their online visibility. As a digital marketing advisor, I'm always keeping an eye on industry changes like this and helping startups and B2B businesses navigate any challenges that arise. Thanks for sharing this important update!