An SEO professional questioned on LinkedIn why anonymous Reddit users can outrank credible websites with named authors. This inquiry highlights a perceived flaw in Google's search rankings, where user-generated content (UGC) on Reddit can sometimes rank higher than expert articles from reputable sites like PCMag.
Google’s John Mueller responded by emphasizing that search rankings are multi-dimensional. He explained that credibility is just one aspect of a website's quality. Google aims to provide search results that are relevant and useful to users, which involves considering multiple factors beyond just the credibility of the author.
The questioner argued that Reddit lacks credibility, especially in product reviews. However, Mueller pointed out that hands-on experience shared by Reddit users can be highly valuable. For instance, a Redditor’s detailed review of a product they have used extensively can be more useful than a professional review. This demonstrates that both UGC and professional reviews have their own merits.
The discussion also touched on the common mistake of viewing SEO through limited dimensions like keywords, expertise, credibility, and links. Mueller highlighted that Google's ranking system is complex and considers numerous factors, including user needs, cultural nuances, and local trends. This multidimensional approach means that focusing on a single aspect, such as author credibility, can lead to frustration and ineffective SEO strategies.
The key takeaway is that Google's search rankings are not solely based on author credibility. Instead, they consider a wide range of factors to ensure the results are relevant and useful to users. This multidimensional perspective is crucial for effective SEO.
