Amidst growing concerns about the diminishing quality of Google search results, a recent study sheds light on the impact of affiliate marketing tactics on the search giant’s product-related queries. Despite Google’s assurances that its search product is better than ever, researchers from the University of Leipzig, Bauhaus-University Weimar, and the Center for Scalable Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence reveal troubling trends in the battle against low-quality content.
Over a year, the study focused on 7,392 product-review search terms across Google, Bing, and DuckDuckGo, uncovering a disconcerting pattern. In the realm of product searches, Google appears to be losing ground to websites employing affiliate marketing strategies. Such sites aim to garner attention and commissions by concealing low-quality content behind product reviews and roundups.
Affiliate marketing relies on product-related articles featuring exclusive links to retailers like Amazon, BestBuy, and Walmart. Users clicking these “affiliate links” generate commissions for the referring websites. The study indicates a constant struggle for dominance among these sites, leading to fierce competition for top positions on Google for popular search terms like “best umbrella.”
The study attributes this trend to Search Engine Optimization (SEO), a set of strategies employed to enhance visibility on Google. While SEO can be a legitimate tool for promoting quality content, the study suggests that many websites resort to questionable tactics, exploiting the system for financial gain. The battle between search engines and SEO spammers is described as a “constant cat-and-mouse game,” with spammers adapting to algorithm changes.
Despite Google’s efforts to combat SEO spam, the study contends that the search giant and competitors Bing and DuckDuckGo are losing the battle. Although Google demonstrated better performance than its counterparts, concerns linger about the overall quality of search results. Google spokespersons argue that the study’s narrow focus on product-review content does not reflect the comprehensive search quality experienced by users daily. While Google acknowledges specific improvements, critics say that the company’s overall performance has declined in recent years.
Lily Ray, senior director of SEO and head of organic research at Aimive Digital, expresses a sense of disarray within Google. Despite ongoing efforts to address the issue, there’s a consensus that, in some aspects, the search engine is deteriorating. Instances of odd search results, increased ad displays, and favoritism towards Google’s services further contribute to the growing discontent among users and experts.
As the study underscores challenges in maintaining search quality, it raises questions about the significant role of Google in shaping the internet economy and society. Concerns persist about the impact of declining search quality on user experience, content authenticity, and the overall reliability of information accessed through Google.
