Update on Google Search Guidance when it comes to AI

In February, Google released an update on how AI is affecting search and the good news is... it's all about the quality. PHEW I hear all AI writers exclaim but also... DUHHH

Ok, so DUH isn't a quality word to be using when talking about, well, umm, quality. But, isn't it obvious?

Hasn't it always been about the quality of content you produce? Well, yes - events that churn out the same old boring content year after year, probably won’t make it to year three, so it’s no different - but with the rise of AI-written content, Google has taken its stance on what is acceptable to show in Search Results.

In short: if it's not high quality, then it won't be ranked.

Google further clarifies that any content produced with AI must adhere to all guidelines and policies of Search. In particular, it must be relevant and useful to readers and not just "spun" or keyword stuffed content - spam will get penalized. Google also cautions that AI-written content should maintain the same writing style throughout - no sudden jumps to a different style of writing - then it knows it's not genuine.

So, the lesson here is: no matter how you write your content (AI or not) - it needs to be original, helpful and relevant. Quality is still king when it comes to Google Search Results.

For what it's worth - the above was written by me, a human. The below summary - yep, that was AI (but with a bit of human input to get it right).

Here's a little summary of the guidance shared

• Google has long focused on rewarding high-quality content, regardless of how it is produced.

• Automation and AI can be used to create helpful content such as sports scores, weather forecasts, and transcripts.

• Google's spam-fighting efforts will continue however spam is produced.

• Creators should focus on producing original, high-quality people-first content that demonstrates EAT qualities: expertise, experience authoritativeness and trustworthiness.

You can read the full guidance here.