I love the Google BERT update. Why? Because they just presented web writers with an amazing gift.
We’ll get to that shortly. But first, let’s say g’day (hi) to BERT.
Meet BERT
Google has an algorithm called BERT or Bi-directional Encoder Representations from Transformers. I wonder how many committee meetings were needed to create that masterpiece of corporate-speak…
Anyhow, in short, BERT looks at copy and understands what the words within a sentence mean. And now, it looks at context. There’s a really good explanation of BERT’s amazing powers of understanding here.
Now more than ever, high-quality content is super-important.
However, this isn’t the part that has me high-fiving Google. What I really love about BERT is the impact he’s had on Google search results… the “People Also Ask” section.
Let’s type in a question and see what happens.
An Endless Stream of Questions
Say you’re writing an article about copywriters. You explain what they do and the benefits of hiring a trained copywriter.
At the end of the article, you decide to add a list of frequently asked questions about copywriting. Until now, this has involved detailed keyword research and head-scratching about the types of questions people might ask.
Now though? Have a look below.
At the top is my question “What does a copywriter do?” Below it is a Featured Snippet, then we come to the part which gets me really excited.
It’s the “People Also Ask” section.
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11 Comments
Great article Andrew.
Thanks – – –
Thanks Andy!
Thanks Andrew, Love this article. Great information you are sharing and many writer’s can get lots of ideas from it.
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you Andrew! That’s quite helpful. I will initially use this information to bolster a website(s) I will be coming out with early next year for my copywriting business (B to B, Web Writing, Travel Writing) and my blog on Medium.
If you are on LinkedIn please look for and add me. Would love to follow you and what you are doing.
Hi Jeffrey,
Thanks, it’s certainly a useful way to add valuable content to your site.
Will look you up on LinkedIn.
Hi Jeffrey,
It might be easier to search for me on LinkedIn by the search term Top Wire Traveller. There’s lots of Jeffrey Adams out there… unlike Andrew Murray 🙂
Mind is blown with possibilities!!!
Hi Eric,
Yes, BERT certainly opens up a new world of possibilities.
Andrew: Thanks for the insights of the new change with Google. I love how simple it is to use.
Hi Jim. I’m pleased you found the article helpful! And I agree, it’s definitely simple to use.