Publishers such as Dotdash Meredith and Forbes are making significant changes in response to recent actions taken by Google. The tech giant has implemented a crackdown on what it deems spammy content, affecting numerous product-review articles and causing noticeable repercussions for freelance writers associated with these media companies.
Last year, Google targeted third-party content providers perceived as exploiting the credibility of established publishers for SEO advantages. As a result, many articles written by freelancers, including product reviews and coupon pages, were impacted. In response, Dotdash Meredith and Forbes severed relationships with certain freelancers and opted to have their own staff rewrite these articles to align with Google’s guidelines.
Freelancers who had previously contributed content to Dotdash Meredith and Forbes are experiencing the fallout from these changes. Reports indicate that Dotdash Meredith commenced a strategy aimed at reducing reliance on freelancers who worked for other companies perceived as targets of Google’s scrutiny. This included unpublishing their articles and reallocating them to in-house writers. Furthermore, CNN has similarly distanced itself from external sources by de-indexing freelance content to make it less visible in Google searches.
One former freelancer expressed dismay at seeing their articles vanish from Dotdash Meredith’s platforms, noting the personal impact of the company’s decision to cut ties. Employees at Dotdash Meredith have voiced discomfort while rewriting articles originally crafted by freelancers, emphasizing the pressure to meet Google’s requirements.
Despite the changes, a spokesperson from Dotdash Meredith affirmed that the company continues to collaborate with freelancers. Forbes, on the other hand, announced adjustments to its strategy, focusing on in-house writing and testing for its properties.
Google clarified that while it does not specifically target freelance content, abuses of site reputation can lead to a poor user experience in search results. The company’s algorithm, a complex and opaque system, remains a significant influence on how publishers approach content creation.
Dotdash Meredith’s operations have been notably affected, as the company, known for its service sites like Allrecipes and Investopedia, previously thrived on its ability to rank well in search results. Although efforts to reduce dependence on Google are underway, such as fostering direct audience connections, the challenges posed by Google’s recent policies remain a pressing concern.
As part of its response to Google’s crackdown, Dotdash Meredith has been proactive in identifying and reducing the use of freelancers associated with other publishers facing penalties. Reports indicate that dozens of freelancers have been impacted, with internal strategies shifting to minimize the visibility of their contributions.
In summary, the ongoing adjustments by major publishers highlight the precarious nature of digital media and the potential consequences of Google’s ever-evolving algorithms on freelance journalism.