Barry Schwartz
Key takeaways
- 1:00Google bends the truth about its algorithm rather than outright lying, which Schwartz views as slightly better from an ethical standpoint.
- 2:01LLMs always try to give an answer even when they don't know it, leading to sometimes fabricated or inflated responses.
- 2:01Optimizing content specifically for LLMs can negatively impact traditional Google search rankings and performance.
- 3:02Google's silence on recent algorithm volatility and lack of confirmation about updates is a surprising and concerning trend.
- 4:02llms.txt files rate a 2 out of 10 in importance for SEO strategy, indicating they are not a priority concern.
Questions Barry Schwartz answered
Google doesn't outright lie but bends the truth and doesn't share the full truth about how the algorithm works.
Barry Schwartz on Google's lies, GEO, and why llms.txt is a waste of time1:00
LLMs always attempt to provide answers even when they lack information, sometimes giving users what they want to hear rather than accurate information.
Barry Schwartz on Google's lies, GEO, and why llms.txt is a waste of time2:01
Yes, making changes specifically for LLMs can negatively impact your actual Google search rankings and performance.
Barry Schwartz on Google's lies, GEO, and why llms.txt is a waste of time2:01
The lack of Google confirming significant algorithm volatility and the weirdness of recent updates like the Discover and core updates.
Barry Schwartz on Google's lies, GEO, and why llms.txt is a waste of time3:02
Barry Schwartz rates it a 2, indicating it has minimal importance for SEO strategy.
Barry Schwartz on Google's lies, GEO, and why llms.txt is a waste of time4:02
In Barry Schwartz's words
“I don't think they say the full truth. I don't think they outright lie. They bend the truth.”
Barry Schwartz on Google's lies, GEO, and why llms.txt is a waste of time1:00
“When you ask AI engine for a response, it will give you a response even if it doesn't know the answer.”
Barry Schwartz on Google's lies, GEO, and why llms.txt is a waste of time2:01
“The most surprising thing in the algorithm for me is the lack of Google confirming so much volatility.”
Barry Schwartz on Google's lies, GEO, and why llms.txt is a waste of time3:02
“It's just been weird the past few months with Google.”
Barry Schwartz on Google's lies, GEO, and why llms.txt is a waste of time3:02