All over the internet you read about “content marketing,” “quality content” and how providing value to the reader is what it’s all about. What exactly does that mean today, in light of all of the Google updates? It’s simple, really. Today, SEO is just as important as it ever was, but OVER-optimization is something you definitely want to avoid if you don’t want to be found in the bottom of the barrel when it comes to search results.
So, just what the heck is quality content? Here are a few pointers for crafting web pages, articles and blog posts that will put you in favor with the search engines, and that your visitors actually want to read.
First of all, does your content make sense? It’s hard to be objective when you’re reading your own work. Your pages should be easy to read and understand – no grammar or spelling errors in sight. When you place your focus on creating a page your reader will enjoy or find useful, instead of focusing on how many times you’ve used a certain keyword, your text will be understandable and engaging.
Is your purpose to serve yourself, or your reader? Make it original. Unfortunately, many times content is written for the purpose of ranking a website or blog higher in the search engine results instead of for the reader. This can lead to thin articles and recycled garbage. Original content that thoroughly covers your topic and isn’t just reworded copy from another website is what you should be after. If your reader doesn’t find your copy useful and informative, you can bet Google won’t, either.
Is your content good enough to stand out? We’ve all read blog posts or articles on websites that really inspire, motivate or answer a question – and then we’ve read those that bored us to tears as well. Sure, your content should be good on a level that it is well-written, informative and original. But does it stand out in some way from a similar message your competitors are sending out? After all, when you sell a similar product or service, the message often sounds the same. Make your content really stand out whether you occasionally get a little controversial, humorous or entertaining.
Does your content offer all of the above, or is it just average? To get ahead in the game, give what you’re writing careful thought; read it as if you were a visitor and seeing it for the first time. Is it useful, valuable, engaging? Will it hold the reader’s attention and make him or her want more? If your readers like your content and share it socially, you will have no worries when it comes to search engines.
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