Google's Take On AI Content
If you're like me, you've been hearing cries that "Google doesn't rank AI content."
My personal position that I’ve shared in my seminars and with my team is that “Google doesn’t rank bad content” and that if you create value in your posts it doesn’t matter if you rely on AI to accelerate your workflow.
On January 23, Google released their Search Quality Evaluator Guidelines and confirmed my position (I was actually right for once!!).
With some help from one of my custom GPTs, here is a summary of Google's Guidelines on Generative AI in Content and SEO
Google acknowledges the growing use of Generative AI in content creation and provides specific guidelines for evaluating its quality, credibility, and trustworthiness. Here’s a breakdown of their stance:
1. Generative AI & Content Creation
Best Practices for AI-Generated Content in SEO:
? Use AI to enhance human expertise, not replace it. ? Fact-check AI outputs to avoid misinformation. ? Attribute authorship (who oversees and verifies the content). ? Add original insights rather than relying solely on AI-generated text. ? Maintain a natural and engaging writing style—avoid robotic, repetitive phrasing.
2. Trustworthiness & AI-Generated Content (E-E-A-T Standards)
Google emphasizes that AI-generated content must still demonstrate trustworthiness and credibility:
Key takeaway: AI can assist in content creation, but human expertise, verification, and added value are essential for ranking well.
3. Low-Quality AI-Generated Content & Google Penalties
Google will penalize AI-generated content if it exhibits these issues: ? Lack of originality (AI content scraped or lightly modified from existing sources). ? Minimal human effort (auto-generated articles without proper review). ? Inaccurate or misleading information, particularly for YMYL topics. ? Deceptive AI use (e.g., presenting AI-generated reviews as real user testimonials). ? Thin, keyword-stuffed content designed only to manipulate rankings.
?? Avoid SEO penalties by ensuring AI-generated content serves users, not just algorithms.
4. AI and Reputation Management
Best Practices: ?? If using AI to assist content creation, clearly indicate human editorial review. ?? For AI-generated research summaries, cite sources and verify claims. ?? Avoid using AI to create fake testimonials, reviews, or fabricated statistics.
5. Google’s View on AI & Automation in SEO
Google doesn’t penalize AI content inherently but assesses it based on: 1?? Usefulness & originality – Does it add value beyond what already exists? 2?? Credibility & accuracy – Does it provide factually correct and verifiable information? 3?? Transparency – Is AI usage disclosed when necessary?
?? Google treats AI-generated content the same as human-written content: if it’s high-quality, it can rank well. If it’s spammy or misleading, it will be penalized.
Final Takeaway for SEO & AI Content
? AI should assist, not replace, human expertise. ? Always verify AI-generated facts before publishing. ? Use AI for research, outlines, and content enhancement—but not as an auto-publishing tool. ? Be transparent about AI use, especially in sensitive industries. ? Ensure AI-generated content meets Google’s E-E-A-T standards to rank well.
Looking for some help with your AI-supported content strategy, SEO or AI Search Optimization (ranking better in AI Search)? Just reach out through my Linkedin profile!
Co-founder of Enrollment Resources Inc, Climate Change Activist Intention for my clients? 20 to 22 percent lift while lowering expenses 3 to 5 percent
1 个月Well said
Helping trades and services businesses get repeat business and referrals from current customers. Maximize customer retention because it is easier (and smarter!) to keep a customer than to chase new ones.
1 个月AI is a tool(s) we need to learn to use responsibly and not become lazy.
I help -> home buyers, sellers, and agents make smarter real estate decisions and build long-term wealth. Team Leader at CityNest.ca Licensed REALTOR? at RE/MAX Camosun
1 个月Thanks for writing this... I feel a little guilty using AI for so many writing tasks. Improved workflow is the name of the game. Someone said AI is like using a bike to get to the place you were already going to walk to.... you still need to steer, but it will get you there a lot faster than walking. It's been so fun to learn the new tools... this must be what discovering google felt like back in the days of phonebooks.