Google’s recent changes to the search algorithm have enhanced the visibility of user-generated content (UGC) platforms or forums, like Quora and Reddit, in search engine results (SERP). While this move aims to improve user experience and provide valuable information, it also presents challenges for those who rely on original, authoritative content.
In this blog, we’ll explore the impact of the forum-focused SERP updates by Google and delve into the pros and cons that affect both the readers and content creators!
Pros of Google’s emphasis on forum
- Different perspectives: Imagine a lively town square where people gather to chat. Forums are like that—virtual coffee shops where users share diverse opinions, experiences, and insights. When you read answers from various viewpoints, you gain a broader understanding of different topics.
- Community interaction: Forums have active comment sections where users engage with each other. It’s like chatting with neighbours over the fence. This sense of community encourages repeat visits and builds loyalty.
- Useful content repository: Think of forums as treasure troves. Need a recipe, tech advice, or gardening tips? You’ll find practical solutions there. Content creators can tap into this wealth of information for research and inspiration.
- Specific answers for niche queries: Forums often rank well for specific questions. Whether you’re curious about rare bird species or troubleshooting a computer issue, forums provide targeted answers.
Cons for Content Creators
- Less visibility for niche sites: Imagine a tiny shop overshadowed by a big mall. Niche websites—those focusing on specialized topics—struggle to be seen when forums dominate Google SERP. Well-researched articles may get buried!
- Monetization challenges: Fewer visitors mean less ad revenue for content creators. It’s like having a lemonade stand with no customers. Affiliate marketing and sponsored content also suffer.
- Quality control dilemma: Forums lack editorial oversight. Misinformation, outdated advice, and poorly researched content are a common sight. Content creators face tough choices—compete with unvetted answers or maintain quality.
- Content overlap: Imagine writing a unique story, only to find someone else already told it. Forums repeat answers, diluting originality!
Cons for readers (i.e., You)
- Trust challenges: Most forums lack formal fact-checkers. Readers must critically evaluate answers. Misleading or factually incorrect information can harm decision-making processes.
- Scattered knowledge: Imagine a library where books are scattered across different rooms. Readers hop from thread to thread, piecing together information. It’s like assembling a jigsaw puzzle.
- Noise vs. Signal: Forums have noise—like a crowded room where everyone talks at once. Finding the signal (useful info) can be tricky. Readers have to filter through unrelated discussions.
- Privacy risks: Personal stories shared on forums might reveal too much. It’s like shouting secrets in a public park. Users who are unsure of the increased reach and visibility of these forums after Google’s recent algorithm shift inadvertently compromise their privacy.
Rise in forum traffic after Google’s November 2023 Core Update
Recent data reveals interesting trends:
Reddit:
- Organic visibility increased by 23% after the update.
- Organic traffic surged by 253.3% between July 2023 and June 2024.
- Reddit dominates the “Discussions and Forums” SERP feature, appearing in 97.5% of relevant searches.
Quora:
- Organic visibility increased by 15.9% post-update.
- Organic traffic grew by 133.4% during the same period.
- Quora’s content occasionally appears as featured snippets at the top of SERPs.
Google’s preference for forums is reshaping the digital landscape. Content creators, right now, are facing a tough time adapting to the changes. Be it the loss of revenue or losing out to pages in SERP that don’t share any valuable information, a key criterion, according to Google.
Readers, too, must approach forum content with discernment. Because forums are not always reliable information sources!
And if you are unable to get relevant results in the first attempt, discover expert Google search tips and tricks. With these, you won’t see too much of forums on Google.
