Forbes Cuts Freelancers for Product Reviews

In a surprising turn of events, Forbes has announced it will indefinitely cease employing freelance writers for certain sections of its platform, specifically targeting its product review segment known as Forbes Vetted. This significant change has been attributed to a recent update in Google’s search policies, particularly focused on combating “site reputation abuse.”

Impact of Google’s New Policies

According to an insider familiar with the situation, Forbes has informed freelance contributors that their services will no longer be required due to what the publication refers to as “Google's site reputation abuse” policy. This regulation aims to tackle issues related to “parasite SEO,” where websites publish large amounts of off-brand or irrelevant content that leverages the hosting site’s credibility and search rankings. This often includes ads or promotional content that lurks in the background, unnoticeable to most users.

Future of Freelance Contributors

As this new policy rolls out, it's unclear whether the pause on freelance hiring will extend to further sections of the Forbes site. Some contributors, like journalist Cassandra Brooklyn, have reported receiving similar notifications regarding the changes.

Diverse Community of Writers

Forbes has fostered a diverse community of freelance writers, many of whom are credible journalists providing thorough reporting. However, there’s also a significant contingent of contributors from various fields, including marketers and CEOs, who have occasionally been criticized for publishing questionable content under the reputable Forbes banner.

Google's Broader Crackdown on Spammy Content

This move comes as part of a broader crackdown by Google on spammy content that floods the web. In a blog post earlier this fall, the tech giant emphasized that even with involvement from first-party contributors, any content still deemed “third-party” and exploitative would come under scrutiny. This shift presents a notable challenge for Forbes as other media outlets continue to rely on freelancers.

Revenue Generation Concerns

Forbes Vetted, like many review sites, generates revenue through affiliate links—earning a commission whenever a reader purchases a product through these links. A freelance writer, who prefers to remain anonymous, expressed concerns over the rigorous editorial process that was previously in place. They stated that producing high-quality reviews required extensive testing and multiple rounds of edits, with some articles costing upwards of $3,000 to create—a significant investment for Forbes to now potentially replace with in-house staff.

The Dilemma for Freelance Writers

Despite the backlash, it’s important to note that Google’s spam policies indicate that merely having freelance writers is not a violation in itself. The crux of the issue lies in whether the content is strategically designed to manipulate the site's ranking signals.

Looking Ahead

As Forbes navigates these turbulent waters, the future of its freelance workforce hangs in the balance. Will this change lead to a more trustworthy platform, or will it stifle diverse perspectives from independent contributors? Stay tuned as this story develops!