Are collaborative articles on LinkedIn a part of current SEO strategies? Should they be included?
The landscape of search engines has undergone significant changes in recent years, blurring the boundaries between search engines and search locations. With the widespread adoption of AI in content marketing and the latest updates from Google, such as the HCU, core updates, and spam updates, the search environment has evolved considerably.
User-generated and community-driven content appears to be receiving increased favor from search engine algorithms, aligning with user preferences. LinkedIn’s introduction of “collaborative articles” reflects this trend, combining authority from LinkedIn’s platform, AI-generated content, and user contributions.
But what are the potential pitfalls of this approach? In this article, we will delve into the following aspects:
- Understanding “collaborative articles” on LinkedIn
- Exploring their relevance in the realm of SEO
- Identifying key challenges associated with collaborative articles
- Examining Google’s treatment of such content
- Assessing their impact on organic performance
Exploring LinkedIn Collaborative Articles
LinkedIn introduced collaborative articles in March 2023, describing them as follows:
“These articles start as AI-generated conversation starters, refined by our editorial team, but they truly come to life with insights contributed by our members. A select group of experts are invited to share their ideas, examples, and experiences within these articles.”
Essentially, each collaborative article begins with AI-generated responses to FAQs or prompts on a specific topic. Community members can then add their perspectives, insights, and advice under these sections.
Contributors have the opportunity to earn a “Top Voice” badge on their profile by participating in these articles.
These articles are indexable and are housed under a common folder on LinkedIn’s platform (https://www.linkedin.com/advice/).
Contribution and Badge Acquisition Process
The process of contributing to these articles and earning badges is relatively straightforward. Upon receiving an invitation to contribute, users can easily engage with the articles and submit their insights. By accumulating likes for their contributions, contributors can earn badges.
Evaluating the Editorial Mix and Content Quality
While collaborative articles offer a promising concept of blending AI and human input, questions arise regarding the editorial oversight and content quality assurance processes. The level of involvement of editors before, during, and after the content creation phase remains ambiguous.
Issues such as misinformation, thin content, and missing information have been observed in some collaborative articles. The quality and accuracy of content, especially in areas like SEO and content marketing, raise concerns about the reliability and credibility of these articles.
Impact on SEO and Organic Performance
Initial data indicated a positive trend in the organic performance of LinkedIn articles post-launch. However, recent Google updates, including core updates, have led to fluctuations in the performance metrics of these articles. A decline in organic traffic, keyword rankings, and visibility in SERP features has been noted.
The evolving landscape of search engine algorithms and content evaluation criteria underscores the need for continuous monitoring and refinement of content strategies, including collaborative articles on LinkedIn. Aligning with Google’s guidelines for creating valuable, trustworthy, and user-centric content is imperative for maintaining organic visibility and relevance.
Future Outlook and Recommendations
As the SEO implications of collaborative articles continue to unfold, it is essential to approach this content format with caution and strategic foresight. Balancing experimentation with prudent resource allocation is key to leveraging the potential benefits of collaborative articles while mitigating risks associated with content quality and algorithmic changes.
In conclusion, the future trajectory of AI-driven content initiatives like LinkedIn’s collaborative articles remains uncertain. Adhering to best practices, adding unique value, and monitoring the evolving SEO landscape are crucial for optimizing the impact of such content on organic performance.
As the SEO landscape continues to evolve, staying informed and adaptive will be essential for navigating the complexities of content optimization and search engine visibility.
Feel free to share your thoughts and insights on the future of LinkedIn’s collaborative articles and their implications for SEO on LinkedIn.
