Google's advice on SEO may have changed, but the message remains the same: don't sacrifice quality for the sake of algorithmic compliance. In a recent episode of Google's Search Off the Record podcast, John Mueller and Danny Sullivan cautioned against "content chunking" - breaking down information into bite-sized chunks specifically designed to please generative AI bots like Gemini.
The strategy is based on the misconception that LLMs prefer short, easy-to-digest content. However, Google asserts that it doesn't use such signals to improve ranking. According to Sullivan, creating content for humans remains the best long-term strategy for search exposure.
In essence, Google's stance is that algorithmic tricks won't guarantee success. Instead, focusing on writing engaging, high-quality content will always be more effective in the long run. This approach may not yield immediate results, but it ensures that publishers are prioritizing human behavior - what people choose to click on - as a key signal for search engines.
The debate highlights the need for SEO experts to stay vigilant and avoid chasing fleeting trends. While content chunking might appear to work in the short term, Google believes it's not a sustainable strategy for the future of SEO. By prioritizing content written for humans, publishers can increase their chances of long-term success and maintain relevance in an ever-changing digital landscape.
In other words, don't sacrifice your values as a writer just to appease AI algorithms. Create content that resonates with people, not just machines. The search engine behemoth may be listening, but it's also warning against the dangers of prioritizing algorithmic compliance over artistic integrity and human connection.
The strategy is based on the misconception that LLMs prefer short, easy-to-digest content. However, Google asserts that it doesn't use such signals to improve ranking. According to Sullivan, creating content for humans remains the best long-term strategy for search exposure.
In essence, Google's stance is that algorithmic tricks won't guarantee success. Instead, focusing on writing engaging, high-quality content will always be more effective in the long run. This approach may not yield immediate results, but it ensures that publishers are prioritizing human behavior - what people choose to click on - as a key signal for search engines.
The debate highlights the need for SEO experts to stay vigilant and avoid chasing fleeting trends. While content chunking might appear to work in the short term, Google believes it's not a sustainable strategy for the future of SEO. By prioritizing content written for humans, publishers can increase their chances of long-term success and maintain relevance in an ever-changing digital landscape.
In other words, don't sacrifice your values as a writer just to appease AI algorithms. Create content that resonates with people, not just machines. The search engine behemoth may be listening, but it's also warning against the dangers of prioritizing algorithmic compliance over artistic integrity and human connection.
. I mean, who thought it was a good idea to break down articles into tiny little pieces just to please some AI bot? 
It's like we're not even writing for humans anymore! As someone who's always been about creating engaging content that resonates with people, I'm glad Google is speaking out against this nonsense. I mean, at the end of the day, it's still all about writing something that'll make people want to click and share, right? 
Not about trying to game some algorithm. And let's be real, who wants to create content just to appease machines? 
The focus should always be on creating high-quality, human-centered content that'll stand the test of time, not some fleeting trend that'll be forgotten in a week. 
. I mean on one hand, it's all about creating content for humans and not just robots 
some of my online friends are already doing content chunking and they're getting decent traffic 
. like, what's the harm in creating shorter, more digestible content? 
wouldn't that be helpful?
. hope some SEO experts can break down the reasoning behind Google's stance 
. I've seen so many creators resort to lazy tactics like content chunking in an attempt to game the system. Newsflash: it's just a waste of time! People are smarter than that, and they can tell when you're trying to manipulate them.
. Create content that resonates with people, not just clicks. It's about building a connection with your audience, not just ticking boxes on some algorithmic checklist 
. Trust me, it takes work, but it's worth it in the long run.
. Don't let Google dictate how you create – instead, focus on what truly matters: telling a story that needs to be told 
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! It's all about catering to those fancy AI bots instead of creating something actually good for humans. Google is like, "nope, don't do that" 
, but you'd think people would listen. I mean, who wants to write clickbait just to get a boost from an algorithm? Not me! 
It's all about writing stuff that actually resonates with people and makes them want to engage. Prioritizing human behavior over AI signals is the way to go, imo. It's not about getting quick results, it's about creating something real and meaningful. 
... creators are already struggling to make ends meet, now they gotta worry about "content chunking" too? like, what even is that supposed to achieve? just more stress for writers trying to produce quality content 
. it's not just about SEO, it's about staying true to your art and connecting with your audience 
. let's keep the focus on quality over quantity and those AI bots will probably just get bored anyway 
! As a parent, I always want what's best for my kids, and when it comes to online content, it's no different. If we sacrifice quality for the sake of algorithmic compliance, we're essentially teaching our kids that shortcuts are okay. Newsflash: they're not! 
It's just a bunch of marketers trying to game the system to get more clicks and ad revenue. And let's be real, who needs AI-bots telling them how to write engaging content anyway? 
! Google is totally on point here! I mean, who wants to win an award from a bot anyway? 
It's all about creating content that speaks to people on a human level. Don't get me wrong, LLMs are cool and all, but let's not forget what makes us human: our quirks, our passions, our creativity.
. Trust me, in the long run, this approach will always be more effective than trying to game the system. So, let's keep it real, folks! Let's prioritize our values as writers and creators over algorithmic compliance. 
It's not like they're gonna stop reading just 'cause your content gets chunked into 5-second bites. People want substance, not just clickbait. And honestly, I think Google's on to something here - quality over quantity is still king. We shouldn't have to sacrifice our art for the sake of some algorithmic tweak 
It's like, yes, Google wants us to prioritize quality over quantity, but what about those of us who can't afford to churn out endless articles for the sake of SEO? 
Like, what's the point of even trying if you can't game the system a bit? But seriously, have you guys noticed how quickly these trends change? It feels like we're always being told something new, only to have it be proven wrong later... 
i mean like john mueller and danny sullivan are literally the best and their advice is always so on point 
so yeah im all about writing for humans, not machines 
. So yeah, Google's warning us against sacrificing our values as writers for the sake of some fancy algorithm... I'm all about that