The straightforward answer: Google restated that it doesn’t hate content produced by AI as long as the content helps users and complies with Google’s spam

With AI writing tools, like ChatGPT and Jasper, popping up everywhere, offering content creators faster turnaround times and easier topic ideation. These tools have made it beneficial for writers who need the inspiration to get started or teams that lack the time or workforce to publish blogs regularly.

It is highly important to understand how search engines respond to AI-generated content, even if these content creation tools can mass-produce content in seconds. The big question on everyone’s minds is ‘whether Google penalises AI-generated content’ and what does the search engine giant recommend to businesses engaging in AI content marketing?

With this in mind, let’s dive deeper into AI-generated content and how businesses can use it to their advantage while staying in line with Google’s guidelines.

Understanding AI-Generated Content

The term “AI-generated content” refers to information crafted with the help of artificial intelligence tools.

These tools utilize Natural Language Processing (NLP) and deep learning. Such tools are designed to mimic human language, allowing them to generate written or spoken content that appears as if it was created by a human.

One of the most widely used AI writing tools today is OpenAI’s ChatGPT, which is trained to produce responses to prompts that it receives.

This tool can be used to create various types of content, including-

• Blog posts
• Social media posts
• Product descriptions
• Ad copies
• Post titles, and
• Topic ideas

The main advantage of using AI tools is that they can produce content within seconds, allowing businesses to generate content quickly without requiring additional personnel.

It is important to note that AI-generated content has its limitations. Since it lacks human personality and original opinions, the content it produces may contain inaccurate information.

Publishing AI-generated content without human review can harm a business’s credibility and authority.

Misuse of AI tools to generate content can negatively impact a business’s search engine optimization (SEO) efforts, potentially leading to penalties from Google.

Google’s Stance on AI-Generated Content

If your business depends on the traffic generated through search engines, it is even more important for you to know how to use AI content creation tools responsibly. Understanding Google’s guidelines on AI-generated content and how algorithms rate this type of content.

Previous Statements

In April 2022, during a Google SEO office-hours hangout, John Mueller, a search advocate, was questioned about Google’s stance on publishing content generated by AI(you can watch the discussion here). In his response, he made two key points:

• Content created by artificial intelligence is considered automatically generated content.
• Using AI to produce content is akin to translating, using synonyms, and rearranging words, and thus falls under Google’s webmaster guidelines on spam.

If you want to avoid being penalized by Google, it’s essential to follow the search engine’s guidelines when creating content using AI. While the technology is certainly useful, it’s important to remember that there are limitations to what AI-generated content can achieve.

By using these tools judiciously and responsibly, you can ensure that your content is of high quality and won’t negatively impact your website’s search engine rankings.

Clarification from Google in November 2022

In November 2022, Google addressed the concerns surrounding AI-generated content and its impact on search engine performance. Danny Sullivan, the Public Liaison for Search at Google, took to Twitter to provide clarification on the matter. According to Sullivan:

• The use of AI to produce content doesn’t inherently make it bad or spammy. The focus should be on the quality of the content itself, not the tool used to create it.
• Google’s ranking systems prioritize content that is helpful, reliable, and user-centric. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure that the content you publish meets these standards if you want to succeed in the search engine results pages.

Google’s Recent Statement

Google’s most recent statement on the topic was published in February 2023 in the form of a blog post, which outlined important points to consider. Get the gist of those key takeaways.

Key Point #1: Quality Content is Rewarded by Google Regardless of How it’s Produced

Google rewards content that demonstrates E-E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness), regardless of whether it is AI-generated or not. When evaluating the content, consider whether it is based on first-hand experience, if the writer has expertise on the topic, and whether the content creator is an authority or trustworthy source on the subject.

Following Google’s search quality rater guidelines is necessary to ensure good SERP performance and avoid penalties.

Key Point #2: Using AI to Manipulate Search Results Violates Google’s Spam Policies

If you use AI to generate content without adding value or originality, Google considers it spam. For instance, content that is keyword-stuffed but makes no sense to readers, or automatically translated content without human review is considered spam. Automated paraphrasing and synonymizing of content are also considered spam by Google.

Key Point #3: Helpful Content Via Automation

AI tools can be used to create helpful content for web users, provided that they are used correctly. Automation should be used to complement the creation of high-quality content, rather than solely relying on it. It is essential to verify, enrich, and personalize auto-generated content to satisfy search intent. This approach helps in producing original, high-quality content that meets E-E-A-T criteria and provides value to users.

How to Create AI Content Google Loves: Tips and Strategies

Creating AI-generated content can be a game-changer in your content marketing strategy. But it is important to remember that AI tools have their limitations, and human oversight/touch is necessary. Here are some tips for producing high-quality AI content that Google and your readers will love.

i) Know Your Audience

Understanding your audience is crucial in creating helpful and valuable content, whether it’s generated by AI or not. Consider who your target audience is and their search intent when using specific keywords.

ii) Follow the E-E-A-T Principle

Google rewards quality content that demonstrates expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness (E-E-A-T). Use AI tools to generate content and enhance it with expert insights.

iii) Strategize Keyword Use

While AI can generate content quickly, it’s essential to ensure that it covers all the essential points and includes primary and secondary keywords. Use AI tools to gain more time to make strategic decisions to address search intent.

iv) Edit and Fact-Check

Always edit and fact-check the content you generate using AI. Research, verify, and cross-reference multiple sources to ensure the accuracy and credibility of the content you publish.

Write Ideal Content That Encourages Both Humans And Algorithms

Creating content that appeals to both people and search engines can be tricky, but it is equally important in today’s digital age. While AI tools can speed up the content creation process, it is important to remember that they are not perfect and must be used appropriately.

At digiPanda Consulting, we understand the importance of producing quality content that meets both people’s and search engine algorithms’ needs. Being an AI-driven digital-first agency we use the latest AI tools and techniques to create content that resonates with your target audience while also ranking high in search engines.

Working with our experienced team of strategists, writers, and editors, you can expect effective content marketing services that cover everything from keyword research to publishing. Our focus on quality, people-first content ensures that your brand’s credibility is maintained, while our use of AI technology guarantees efficient and timely delivery of your content.

Let digiPanda Consulting help you turn your content ideas into blogs and landing pages that both Google and people will love. Contact us today to learn how our SEO content writing services can supercharge your digital marketing efforts.