- Google unveils search quality overhaul to combat low-quality, spammy content.
- The update targets practices like repurposing expired domains and hosting low-quality content.
- Google aims to reduce unoriginal content by 40%.
Google has set its sights on improving search quality by addressing the proliferation of low-quality, spammy websites that game the system for higher rankings.
In a significant update announced on Tuesday, the tech giant plans to revamp its search ranking algorithms and spam policies.
This move aims to downrank pages created solely for search engines rather than providing genuine value to users. Google estimates the update, combined with prior efforts, will reduce unoriginal and low-quality content by 40%.
Targeting spam and manipulation
The search quality overhaul will target practices such as repurposing expired domains as spam repositories, posting obituary spam, and creating content at scale primarily to boost search rankings without offering substantive information.
Additionally, Google will address “site reputation abuse,” where typically valuable websites host low-quality third-party content to leverage their existing reputation for ranking benefits.
The company cited examples like educational sites publishing payday loan reviews for ranking purposes.
What’s next for Google’s algorithm?
While not explicitly mentioned, Google acknowledged the impact of AI-generated content on search quality.
The company aims to curb abusive behavior involving automation and scaled content creation, regardless of whether the content originates from humans, generative AI, or other automated means.
By enforcing these changes starting May 5, Google strives to deliver a more satisfying search experience by prioritizing original, high-quality content over low-value pages designed solely for search engine optimization.
