Google’s Search Advocate, John Mueller, advised that “search results are not an indication of what content Google considers being the original source.” 

The subject arose in the July episode of Google’s SEO Office Hours video; John’s reply informs us that Google doesn’t consistently rank original content first. 

Asif asked John the following question: 

• “Why would Google consider LinkedIn Pulse articles as an original publisher even though it was published on our website first?”

Mueller responded:

• Hey Asif, thanks for asking. First off, the search results are not an indication of what Google’s systems consider to be the original source.
• In general, when you syndicate or republish your content across platforms, you’re trading the extra visibility within that platform with the possibility that the other platform will appear in the search results above your website. 
• In some cases, this might be fine, for example, if you want to drive awareness of your website or business in other locations. In other cases, you might prefer to have only your website appear in Search. Ultimately, this is a business decision on your end.

SEO Consultant Glenn Gabe highlighted the question on X:

Glenn also posted this on LinkedIn, where Mueller explained why Google doesn’t prioritize ranking content from the original source.

SEO expert Julian Hooks led the questions on LinkedIn by responding to Glenn Gabe’s comment, saying, “It would be cool if the syndication sites accepted a cross-domain canonical.”

SEO has a weird reputation!

It’s no secret that SEO can be a mysterious subject. Because of its transitory nature, many website owners often use a “let’s try this strategy and see if it works” approach.

When adding Google’s recent Helpful Content Update to the mix, even seasoned SEO professionals can find themselves scratching their heads over what Google wants from sites to rank high in the search engine. 

To add fuel to the fire of confusion, Mueller gave the below reply to a question asked by Jesse Jones, saying SEO has a weird reputation:

• Author
• Recent Posts

Terry O'Toole

Terry is a seasoned content marketing specialist with over six years of experience writing content that helps small businesses navigate where small businesses meet marketing - SEO, Social Media Marketing, etc. Terry has a proven track record of creating top-performing content in search results.
When he is not writing content, Terry can be found on his boat in Italy or chilling in his villa in Spain.

Latest posts by Terry O'Toole (see all)

• Google Goes Nuclear To Power AI Data Centers - October 15, 2024
• SEO Weekly News Roundup [October 7 to 11, 2024] - October 14, 2024
• Google Local Service Ads Update On The Way - October 11, 2024