Big Technology Podcast Google's Search VP on Generative AI in Search, User Notes on Search Results, and SEOs — With Cathy Edwards
Nov 15, 2023
Cathy Edwards, VP of Search at Google, shares insights on the latest search features and the evolving role of generative AI. She details the new 'Follow' feature for personalized experiences and the innovative 'Notes' product that encourages user feedback without affecting search rankings. Edwards discusses how AI enhances content discovery and navigates challenges in publisher relationships, while also addressing SEO concerns amidst shifting social media dynamics. Tune in for a fascinating look at the future of search and user engagement.
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Measuring SGE's Impact
- Measuring SGE's impact on clicks to the open web is difficult due to its opt-in nature, making A/B testing impossible.
- Despite the lack of precise data, Google observes a broader range of clicks and increased traffic to long-tail content.
SGE Evaluation Metrics
- Google evaluates SGE based on user research (surveys) and business metrics.
- Positive user sentiment and increasingly complex search queries indicate SGE's success, though it remains in an experimental phase.
Publisher Control over AI Training Data
- Publishers should control their content used for AI training via tools like Googlebot extended control for robots.txt.
- This allows website owners decide if their content can be used by Google's various bots and APIs, including those for generative AI.