People in digital marketing are sometimes a bit divided about how effective AI-generated content is for SEO. Google has made it clear that they don’t automatically penalize AI-generated content as long as it’s valuable and matches what users are searching for. So, the key to making AI content work well in SEO is to use it smartly and ensure it meets high-quality standards. However, some would say that is in theory, not in practice.
Does AI Content Work for SEO?
Yes, AI-generated content works for SEO if you do it right.
The screenshot above is from a site that used AI content within a six-month period. You can see the huge growth in clicks (about 100%). We have also seen improvements for several other sites that use Konvart.
If you are not getting results with AI, you need to ensure you are using it right. Before we look into that, I will show you what Google has to say about AI-generated content.
Google’s Updated Guidelines for AI-Generated Content
To put it simply, Google doesn’t care if you use AI for your content or not. The emphasis should be on content created for humans, not necessarily content created by humans.
The guidelines also underscore the necessity for AI-generated content to meet the same standards as content written for humans in terms of usefulness, credibility, and originality. Google clarifies that AI-generated content is not inherently problematic from an SEO perspective as long as it provides genuine value to users and adheres to Google’s Webmaster Guidelines.
One critical aspect highlighted is the potential for AI tools to produce content that could manipulate search rankings without offering real user value. Google considers This type of content spammy and can lead to penalties. Therefore, SEO professionals using AI must ensure that the output aligns with ethical SEO practices, focusing on quality over quantity.
For those integrating AI into their content creation process, it’s recommended to perform thorough reviews and edits to ensure that the final product is indistinguishable from high-quality human-written content. This includes checking for factual accuracy, coherence in thought, and engagement factors that resonate with human readers.
The use of AI should not replace human touch in content creation. Here’s why: EEAT is still a big deal for SEO, and it makes no sense to attribute an article to an author when the author did not even edit it. Plus, having a human review of the content ensures a balanced approach, helps maintain content standards, and improves overall user experience.
Best Practices for AI-Generated Content
Quality control measures are imperative to ensure that AI-generated content maintains high standards. Regularly reviewing and editing the content can prevent inaccuracies and maintain the natural flow of language that readers expect. Employing a hybrid model where AI drafts content and human experts refine it can combine the efficiency of automation with the nuanced understanding of a skilled writer.
To optimize AI-generated content for search engines, focus on creating value for the reader. Content should address specific queries and offer unique insights rather than simply filling space with keywords. This approach aligns with search engine algorithms prioritising content quality and user engagement over keyword density.
AI tools should be used to enhance creativity, not replace it. Leveraging AI for brainstorming or overcoming writer’s block can lead to more dynamic and engaging content. However, the final output should always reflect the brand’s voice and adhere to its editorial standards to ensure consistency across all communications.
Data-driven optimization is another area where AI can play a significant role. By analyzing the SERP, AI tools like Konvart help identify which types of content, headings, semantic terms, and keywords are relevant to improve SEO. They can then include these in your content – see how Konvart does SEO content creation – to save you time as you only need to spend a few minutes editing it.
In Summary: Is AI Content Bad for SEO?
The impact of AI-generated content on SEO is a topic of considerable debate within the digital marketing community. Concerns often arise regarding the potential for such content to harm search engine optimization efforts, primarily due to issues with originality and user engagement.
Google’s algorithms prioritize high-quality, unique content that provides real value to users. AI content, if not produced with the right tools, can sometimes fall short in these areas. It tends to generate text based on patterns observed in existing data, which can lead to repetitive or generic articles. Such content might initially escape detection by search engines but could eventually be recognized as low-value, leading to a drop in search rankings. So if using AI for SEO, ensure that it is an AI tool that does SEO as well, including SERP analyses and keyword integration like Konvart.
Another critical factor is user engagement. Content that resonates with human emotions and experiences will likely keep users engaged. AI-generated articles might miss these subtle nuances that drive user interaction and satisfaction if you don’t include these factors. Low engagement metrics, such as high bounce rates and short dwell times, can negatively affect SEO rankings. Konvart helps eliminate this by ensuring the process of content creation aligns with your goals and brand style but human touch at the end can make it even more perfect.
However, when used judiciously, AI can assist in drafting content that is both SEO-friendly and engaging by providing data-driven insights and ensuring keyword integration is handled effectively. The key is a strategic blend of human oversight and AI capabilities to ensure the content remains relevant, engaging, and valuable to readers.
Recent studies suggest that websites employing a hybrid approach—where AI-generated content is thoroughly reviewed and edited by human experts—tend to perform better in search rankings compared to those using purely automated content.
SEO specialists and writers who aim to integrate AI into their content creation process should focus on monitoring the performance of AI-generated content closely. Regular audits can help identify potential SEO issues early on, allowing for adjustments before any significant impact on search rankings occurs.
