According to a recent survey, it seems that most SEOs are not as fond of Google as they used to be. The survey, conducted by industry expert Barry Schwartz, revealed that approximately 68% of SEOs have a less favorable view of Google compared to previous years. In contrast, only 6.5% expressed a more positive sentiment towards the tech giant. The survey, which garnered 1,769 votes, reflects a significant shift in the perception of Google among SEO professionals.
The dissatisfaction with Google is attributed to various factors, including concerns about search quality, recurring search bugs, and the recent revelations from the DOJ investigation. Additionally, there has been confusion surrounding click data, issues with Gemini, and a general decline in Google’s reputation. Despite Google’s evolution from a startup to a corporate behemoth over the past 25 years, it appears that the company’s standing among SEOs has diminished.
Barry Schwartz’s poll on Twitter further underscored the prevailing sentiment within the SEO community. The poll, which questioned SEOs about their current feelings towards Google, highlighted the widespread discontent among industry professionals. A pie chart depicting the survey results revealed a substantial majority expressing a negative outlook towards Google.
The growing disenchantment with Google’s brand is evident in the escalating volume of complaints and criticism directed at the company. This sentiment is particularly noteworthy given Schwartz’s extensive coverage of Google over the past two decades. The recurring issues with search quality, unfulfilled promises of improvement, and the detrimental impact on businesses and individuals have contributed to the erosion of Google’s once-sterling reputation.
Moreover, the release of documents pertaining to the DOJ investigation has further tarnished Google’s public image. The cumulative effect of these challenges has led to a palpable shift in sentiment, with many industry professionals expressing disillusionment with the company they once admired.
While it is plausible that Google is cognizant of these concerns and is contemplating strategies for improvement, the question remains whether these efforts will be sufficient to reverse the current trend. The SEO community’s evolving perception of Google underscores the need for the tech giant to address the underlying issues and regain the trust of industry professionals.
