TLDR: Google is releasing a sitewide algorithm update next week that will lower the value of content written solely for search engine optimization.
Next week, we will launch the “helpful content update” to better ensure people see more original, helpful content written by people, for people, rather than content made primarily for search engine traffic. Learn more & advice creators should consider: https://t.co/fgf2TPNIqD pic.twitter.com/xOuX2iVk2d
— Google Search Central (@googlesearchc) August 18, 2022
The update is designed to prioritize helpful and informative content rather than simply keyword-rich content. If you have been writing content with the sole purpose of ranking high on Google, you may want to reconsider your strategy.
There are a few things you can do to ensure that your content is Google-approved:
Add Statistics and External Links
Adding external links to back up your claims shows that you have done your research and adds credibility to your content. Likewise, including statistics (beyond what is found in SERPs) gives your readers valuable information and reinforces the idea that you have put effort into your writing.
Break Up Your Text
If your text is one big block, it can be off-putting to readers. Breaking up your text into manageable chunks makes it more user-friendly and shows that you consider the user’s experience – a critical ranking factor for Google.
Add a Unique Perspective
To stand out, offering a unique perspective on a topic can be helpful. For product pages, for example, try breaking the section on the product into pros, cons, features, pricing, reviews, and highlights. This shows that you have looked at the topic from multiple angles and gives readers comprehensive information.
Rewrite from a First-Person Perspective
One easy way to make your content more unique is to rewrite it from a first-person perspective. This gives the impression that the writing comes directly from you and adds a personal touch.
Remove Unnecessary Content
If there is content on your page that is not relevant or useful, remove it. This will help to streamline your page and make it more user-friendly.
Add “Surprising” Words
To make your content more exciting and engaging, try adding words that are surprising but still read like a human. For example, instead of writing “There are many benefits of writing SEO content,” try “There are primarily 11 benefits of writing SEO content.” This will add an element of surprise that AI has difficulty replicating.
Use Examples
Examples are a great way to show, not tell, what you mean. In each section, try to include at least one example. This could be a screenshot, an anecdote, or a quote. Showing readers what you mean will make your writing more understandable and engaging.
Pay Attention to Keyword Density
Using keywords in your content is essential, but be careful not to overdo it. Google’s algorithm is designed to prioritize content that is helpful and informative, not just keyword-rich. Try to use keywords thoughtfully and sparingly to avoid coming across as spammy.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your content is Google-approved and stands out from the competition.
Stay tuned for more information about how our clients’ sites weather the algorithm update!
Contact our team today if you have any questions or want help with your content. We are always happy to help!
