Introduction to Search Results Scraping
Google is hiring a new anti-scraping expert to analyze search traffic and identify patterns of search scrapers. This move is aimed at improving anti-scraping defenses and reducing the impact of scrapers on search results. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) professionals rely on companies that track search results to understand search ranking trends and gain competitive intelligence. However, these companies often use automated crawling to collect data, which can cause significant changes to the data reported in Google Search Console.
The Impact of Search Scraping
In the past, SEOs used Yahoo’s Overture service to get free keyword data. However, this led to inflated keyword volumes as SEOs would search for keywords repeatedly, unintentionally skewing the data. Some SEOs may have even intentionally scraped Yahoo’s search results using fake keyword phrases to mislead competitors. This practice has been suspected to be ongoing, with some companies using automated crawling to collect search results data.
The &num=100 Results Parameter
Recently, Google took action to block generating 100 search results with one search query, a technique used by various keyword tracking tools. This move has led to a suspicion that search result scraping may have inflated the official keyword impression data. The suspicion is backed by Google Search Console data, which shows falling keyword impressions that correlate with Google’s recent action. This has raised questions about the accuracy of Search Console data and the impact of search scraping on search results.
Google’s Anti-Scraping Efforts
Google is looking to hire an Engineering Analyst to focus on combatting search scraping. The responsibilities of the job include investigating and analyzing patterns of abuse on Google Search, developing countermeasures, and enhancing platform security. The analyst will also develop and track metrics to measure scraper impact and the effectiveness of anti-scraping defenses. Additionally, they will collaborate with engineering teams to design, test, and launch new anti-scraper rules, models, and system enhancements.
The Role of the Anti-Scraping Expert
The anti-scraping expert will play a crucial role in identifying trends, patterns, and anomalies that may indicate abuse within Google Search. They will also investigate proof-of-concept attacks and research reports to guide the engineering team’s development priorities. Furthermore, they will contribute to the development of signals and features for machine learning models to detect abusive behavior and develop threat intelligence on scraper actors, motivations, tactics, and the scraper ecosystem.
What Does It Mean?
The hiring of an anti-scraping expert by Google is a significant move that may put a stop to search results scrapers. This could result in more accurate Search Console data, which would be a positive development for SEO professionals. While there has been no official statement from Google, it is clear that the company is taking steps to combat search scraping and improve the accuracy of its search results.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Google’s move to hire an anti-scraping expert is a significant step in combating search scraping and improving the accuracy of its search results. The role of the anti-scraping expert will be crucial in identifying and preventing abusive behavior, and their work will have a significant impact on the SEO industry. As Google continues to evolve and improve its search results, it is likely that we will see more efforts to combat search scraping and improve the overall quality of search results.