In a recent clarification on social media, the Google Search Link addressed a widespread misconception about the influence of bylines on search rankings.
Misconception in the SEO community
The issue arose after a prominent post suggested that including author attributions could increase the visibility of content in Google search results.
According to the publication, this claim has caused many websites to adjust their content strategies under the assumption that bylines would increase their rankings.
Google clarification on Bylines
The Google search link went to X (formerly Twitter) to address the misinformation.
In response, the link he stated:
“I know this is going to be a ‘simple, almost curious answer’, but this part of the article is wrong and doesn’t even quote us as saying this. Google somehow doesn’t ‘check our credentials’.”
He emphasized that Google does not use lines as a direct ranking signal and that the post’s claim was incorrect.
Bylines, the link explained, are not a tool to improve search rankings, but for the benefit of readers.
Added:
“Author names aren’t something you do for Google, and they don’t help you rank better. They’re something you do for your readers, and posts that do them can display the kinds of other characteristics that our ranking systems find align with useful content.”
Reads: What is Google EEAT? How to demonstrate first-hand experience
Additional clarification on author agreements
Google search link it continued:
“Just adding a name doesn’t increase the ranking. Nor do we somehow read information in or near a reference line and think ‘Oh, they say they’re an expert, so this must be written by an expert.'” .
He noted that while having instructions and accurate information might correlate with quality content, they are not direct ranking factors.
He adds that a lot of content without permissions ranks well, reinforcing that they are not bound to succeed in search rankings.
See also: Google highlights forums and profiles with new structured data
Key points for SEO professionals
For SEO professionals, the key points to remember are:
Google does not use bylines as a factor in search rankings. Bylines should be included for the benefit of the reader and may coincide with other quality signals. Quality content can rank well with or without a byline. Google plans to update its documentation to help clarify ranking factors and improve communication with SEO professionals.
This Google Search Link clarification serves as yet another reminder to create high-quality content that serves your audience rather than strategies that have no direct impact on search rankings.
Featured Image: Vectorium/Shutterstock
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