Google’s “About The Source” Information Is Not A Ranking Signal

Do you think Google’s “About this site” or “About the source” section influences your site’s ranking?

What Was The Complaint?

A recent complaint on X raised this question when a publisher expressed frustration over Google not displaying these details for their site.

.@searchliaison Danny, help me understand here because it honestly feels like I have a target on my back!

After 10 years, several books, and plenty of backlinks, how does Google “not know” about my site? pic.twitter.com/UvlsKT3HnU

— Katie Berry 🤦🏻‍♀️ (@thatkatieberry) December 9, 2023

Response

Danny Sullivan, Google’s Search Liaison, stepped in to shed light on the matter. On X, he responded, “It’s not like you somehow rank any better because we show information about a source.” In other words, having or not having your site details there doesn’t sway your ranking fate.

It's not like you somehow rank any better because we show information about a source. It's also still an experimental feature as covered here: https://t.co/ycQcJhnKAp

But I'll pass this on to see how we might better improve generally.

— Google SearchLiaison (@searchliaison) December 9, 2023

Sullivan emphasized that this feature is merely experimental. He clarified, “It’s also still an experimental feature as covered here.”

So, if you’re not seeing your site’s information in the “About the source” section, fret not – it’s all part of Google’s testing ground.

What Exactly Does The “About the source” Section Entail?

According to Google, it provides information about the source of a web page. This includes details that might help users learn more about the source from other sites.

However, Sullivan’s response underscores a critical point – the absence of your site’s information there doesn’t impact your ranking for better or worse. It’s not a secret SEO ingredient that magically boosts your site’s visibility.

Google’s Message Is Clear

While the “About the source” section can offer valuable insights into a page’s background or perspective, it doesn’t play a role in the ranking game. It’s a tool for users to evaluate information on the web, not a secret weapon for SEO success.

For site owners and publishers, this insight from Google reinforces the importance of focusing on established SEO practices. Don’t bank on experimental features for a boost in rankings. Instead, prioritize quality content, relevant keywords, and user experience – the tried and true elements that truly impact SEO performance.

Finally…

To stay on top of the rapidly changing SEO world, you have to separate the essentials from the experimental stuff.

So, whether or not your site’s details grace the “About the source” section, keep your SEO strategies grounded in the fundamentals that truly drive success.