It takes time to create original web page content, but it is worth the effort in the long run
Duplicate Content may affect Ranking
One of the biggest challenges with a website or blog, is having the time to create original and interesting content. The problem is it takes a lot of time to do the research and write and edit the content.
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Buying web page content in, may not be such a good idea
So it has been quite tempting for website owners to buy content from other sources, use outside agencies to rework as needed or simply use a copywriter; who may not know your products or services as well as you do.
Too much web page duplication in Google’s eyes
The result of all this is there is too much duplicate, or similar content, that is occupying high positions on Google and this is leading to a poor user experience. So now, as a result of the “Panda” and other updates, the Google search engine is being much stricter on duplicate content; so you use it at your peril.
Will people steal your unique compelling content?
If you do go to all the trouble of create unique compelling content, won’t others be tempted to steal it and use it on their websites? The answer is quite possibly, and it’s your job to protect it. If your content does get used, it means Google will be finding other versions of your content, and may reduce your websites ranking, because of it; even if the content has be taken without your permission.
Add copyright symbol and think carefully before letting others use your content
Make sure you have the copyright symbol, on the bottom of every page and if people do contact you asking to use it think very carefully before letting them (this can happen quite a lot if you have product background information).
Online tool to check your content has not been copied
There is a very useful tool called Copyscape you can use to check if anyone has copied your current page content. On the free version you can only check one page at a time, but try it out on a few of the more popular pages and you’ll soon get an idea if your pages have been copied.
This post is an extract from my SEO Lesson: “Keeping on the Right Side of Google“.
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Nice post. Thanks for the article.
To check if content is copied, simply Google chunks of it that are likely to be unique.
A search for “quantum finance schrodingers brother” will produce two results that are copies of an article I wrote for my long gone Moneyweb site.
And if duplicates are unavoidable – as they are in my case with editors publishing to multiple Likals according to need, robotstxt is your friend – use it to ensure only one copy visible to google.
Hi Ian,
You have made a very good point, sometimes duplicates are unavoidable and so a robots text file, would be a good solution. My main concern here was that my article will be read by readers of all abilities with regard to SEO skills, and gaining an understanding of the robots text file, may be a little challenging for some. There is the risk of getting it wrong and causing more harm than good. However you have made a good point, so many thanks for that.