Google’s User Generated Content Guidelines

A new guide from Google details acceptable ways to incorporate user-generated content (UGC) on your website to ensure you follow the company’s guidelines.

To help websites use UGC correctly, Google has created an infographic with a yes/no flow chart and interactive troubleshooting procedures.

Knowing how to use this type of content in the right way is important because Google treats the same As the main content of the web page.

This means that low-quality content created by users will reduce the overall quality of the web page.

Worse, if it is not reviewed, spam UGC may result in penalties by Google.

If you advertise on your website, you also need to pay close attention to the content submitted by users, as Google explains:

“But if a publisher wants to place ads on pages where user comments appear, all content on those pages (including comments) must comply with our publisher policies.

Publishers are responsible for ensuring that comment sections, forums, social media posts, or any other content generated by users on their website or app complies with our program policies. This content is also restricted by our publisher. “

The website is not obligated to allow UGC, nor does it have any inherent benefits.

However, user-submitted comments are an effective way to promote article discussion and participation, and many publishers choose to allow this.

There are pros and cons to allowing content from site visitors, and Google’s flowchart can help you decide if it’s worth the trouble.

Should I allow UGC on my website?

Google’s flowchart begins with the question: Do you plan to join UGC?

If the answer is Yes, Then Google will ask you to consider the following:

“As a publisher, you are responsible for ensuring that all content on your website or application complies with all our applicable program policies on all pages where the Google ad code appears. This includes comments that users add to your page.”

With this in mind, Google asked: “Should I manage it myself?”

If your answer is Yes, Then Google would like you to consider the amount of work involved in reviewing it.

To assist your efforts, Google has compiled a series of strategies for managing UGC.

6 strategies for managing UGC

1. Post content policy: You should tell your users what is allowed and what is not allowed.
2. Recruit user moderators: Enlist the help of the community to flag inappropriate content.
3. Regular review of UGC: Allow time to view your page.
4. Add a link to report bad content: Add a “Report Violation” link to allow your users to report problematic content.
5. Automated review process: Based on the type of content on your website, you can create filters to automatically detect certain content.
6. Use verification code: Before users submit content, please make sure
   By using verification codes, they are humans rather than robots.

Or, if you are unwilling or unable to strictly review the content that people submit to your website, Google says that you can change your website design at any time.

You can open the comment in a new window instead of displaying the comment on the same page as the main content.

For more guidance on incorporating UGC, please refer to Google’s Official guide.

Featured image: Sammby/Shutterstock