Ever since Google jumped into the search scene in 1998, it’s been making changes to its algorithm to provide users with the best results to their queries. One of those recurring updates is known as Google Panda, which was updated for the 26th time last week. For those unfamiliar, Panda is what Google uses to identify and monitor low quality content across the web. If your website’s content isn’t up to Google’s standards, there’s a chance that you have been affected by at least one Panda update in the past and the only way to get back in the web company’s good graces is to improve your site’s content. Listen to this week’s TM podcast to learn more about how not only to improve the content on your site, but create high quality original content as well!
Identify and cater to your audience
One of the biggest mistakes online publishers make is that they produce content without knowing who their audience is. Check your Google Analytics and Facebook Insights to see what kind of people are interested in your product or service, those are the people you should target your content toward. By producing content that is relevant to your customers, you will give them a reason to come back to your site or social networks time and time again, which can help increase conversions.
It’s also important to remember that you don’t always have to sell your product or service 100% of the time. Sometimes, a simple how-to guide or a checklist is just as effective as a blog post about a new addition to your product line.
Fill a void with your content
When you produce content, don’t do what everyone else is doing all the time. Try to find a niche within your industry that is important and interesting to your customers and produce blog posts, videos, infographics, etc. all aimed becoming an authority in that niche. One you’re viewed as an authority, people will keep coming back for more.
Keep it Simple
Don’t create overly complicated and convoluted content, otherwise most people won’t read, watch or listen. People lose interest on the internet very quickly, so it’s essential to get their attention with a good lede or introduction and then give them all the necessary information as quickly and effectively as possible. Sometimes a blog post should be 750 words, but most of the time, you can do it in fewer words.
Don’t limit yourself to the written word
The word content is more often than not associated with blog posts, essays and other forms of the written material, but in this day and age, content can be ANYTHING! This means a photo gallery, a series of GIFs, a video and a podcast all qualify as content. Mix it up a bit. Not only will it keep things interesting for your readers, viewers and listeners, but it will keep you engaged, too.
Test and confirm!
It’s essential that you test the content your producing for effectiveness and conversion. See how photos and videos do versus blog posts and podcasts in Google Analytics. Once you know what’s working, keep doing more of that! By keeping a close eye on your content’s performance, you’ll be able to better cater it to your customers, keeping them engaged even more.
Take a listen!
Would you like to know more about Google Panda 26 and how to create quality content for your website? Take a listen to our podcast above. And remember, if you have comments or questions, don’t hesitate to let us know!
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