Google representatives advised against creating "bite-sized" content specifically for large language models (LLMs) like Gemini, stating that this practice does not improve search engine ranking. The guidance came during the latest episode of Google's "Search Off the Record" podcast, featuring John Mueller and Danny Sullivan. They addressed the growing trend of "content chunking," where websites break down information into smaller paragraphs and sections, often with numerous subheadings formatted as questions, in an attempt to be more easily ingested and cited by generative AI bots.

Sullivan stated that Google does not utilize such signals to enhance ranking. "One of the things I keep seeing over and over in some of the SEO advice is, you should make things really bite-sized for LLMs," Sullivan said. "That's a misconception." This approach, while intended to cater to AI algorithms, often results in content that is less user-friendly and less valuable to human readers.

Search engine optimization (SEO) is a significant aspect of online visibility, but many commonly held SEO practices are based on speculation rather than concrete evidence. The rise of LLMs has led to new SEO strategies, including content chunking, which some believe will improve a website's chances of being featured in AI-generated content. However, Google's stance suggests that focusing on creating high-quality, comprehensive content for human users remains the most effective approach for improving search ranking.

LLMs, like Google's Gemini, are sophisticated AI models trained on vast amounts of text data. They can generate human-like text, translate languages, and answer questions. The increasing prevalence of LLMs has prompted content creators to adapt their strategies in hopes of gaining visibility within AI-driven platforms.

The advice from Google underscores the importance of prioritizing user experience over algorithmic manipulation. Creating well-structured, in-depth content that addresses user needs is more likely to result in higher search rankings and greater online visibility, according to Google's representatives. The company continues to refine its search algorithms to prioritize content that is both informative and engaging for human readers.