🚨Google’s Forum Controversy! What you should know about it.

🚨Google’s Forum Controversy! What you should know about it.

April 05, 2024

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Read time: 6 minutesHey, Shane here,Ever searched something on Google and got top results from a forum page such as Quora or Reddit? It’s been a hot topic recently with plenty of websites and digital marketers arguing that these forums don’t deserve the top-ranking spot for a search term.Let's dive into the heated discussion surrounding Google's forum page rankings. It's become a focal point of debate in the SEO community, balancing between criticism and opportunity.

What you’ll find in this week’s newsletter:

  • Insights into Google's forum carousel controversy

  • Featured tool of the week

  • New on the blog

Exploring the Controversy Around Google's Forum Carousel

Google recently unveiled a discussions and forums carousel in its search results, sparking widespread concern among SEO experts.This SERP feature was added to enrich search results with diverse perspectives from forums. However, it has also led to worries about misinformation and lower-quality content gaining undue prominence.Lily Ray, an SEO expert, raised concerns about the potential risks of Google's forum carousel feature. She questioned the reliability of forum content, highlighting that platforms like Reddit have been overrun by affiliate spam and scammers.Ray pointed out the inconsistency with Google's historical emphasis on expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness (E-A-T), especially for Your Money Your Life (YMYL) queries, which require high levels of these qualities.She suggested that prioritizing forum content in search results, especially for critical topics like weight loss, could be dangerous and lead to the dissemination of misinformation.

Google's Reaction to the Forum Carousel Backlash

In response to the growing unease, Danny Sullivan, representing Google, stepped forward to acknowledge the feedback. He emphasized that the company is evaluating potential improvements.Sullivan highlighted that while there is criticism, there is also a segment of users who value the forum results for their depth and community insights.

For a firsthand look, consider the exchange between SEO expert, Lily Ray and Google's Search Liaison, where they discussed the implications of prioritizing forum content in search results.Their conversation underscores the delicate balance Google must maintain between offering valuable user-driven content and ensuring the reliability of its search results.

The SEO Perspective: Navigating the New SERP Landscape

The introduction of the forum carousel has undoubtedly stirred the SEO world, prompting professionals to reassess their strategies.The key concern is the elevation of forum content, which could potentially dilute the quality of information surfaced by Google, especially in sensitive Your Money Your Life (YMYL) queries.Despite these challenges, the situation unfolds with opportunities for SEO experts.By scrutinizing the types of discussions and questions that emerge in these forums, professionals can identify content gaps and areas where they can create authoritative, well-researched information.This insight can guide the creation of content that not only addresses these gaps but also aligns with the authentic, community-driven nature that users seek in forum discussions.

Looking Ahead

As Google continues to refine its forum carousel feature, the SEO community remains vigilant, ready to adapt and capitalize on the evolving search landscape.The scenario serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of SEO and the constant need for professionals to stay agile and responsive to changes in search engine algorithms and user behavior.While Google's forum carousel has sparked debate, it also opens doors for SEO professionals to innovate and connect more deeply with their target audiences.By embracing the changes and leveraging the insights gained from forum discussions, SEO experts can enhance their strategies and continue to provide value in the ever-changing digital environment.Click below for more insights and updates on the latest SEO trends and strategies.