As sure as day follows night, Google will always release updates with the aim of improving the quality of the organic results for people searching for answers. This week proved no different with the release of the "Helpful Content Update".
Huh, the Google Helpful Content Update?
The Google Helpful Content Update is an update to the way in which Google analyses and asses content which is published on the internet. Specifically, and as the rather unimaginative name suggests, this update is laser focused on promoting content which is, well, helpful.
What does the Helpful Content Update mean for my content?
The impact of any Google search update will ultimately depend on how well you're already obeying the laws of Google when it comes to SEO (you can check out our easy to follow SEO tips here). If you're pushing the boundaries of what Google deems acceptable, perhaps by creating loads of pointless and thin content with a view to making short term gains, then you could be in for a rough ride.
On the other hand, if you're towing the line and creating well researched, relevant content focused on what your users want to know more about, then updates like this really shouldn't be that much of a concern.
Ultimately, Google is trying to promote higher quality, well authored content and discourage people from writing crap. Simple really.
I Don't Have Time for Quality Content
Okay, we're all busy but creating quality content for your website is a gift that keeps on giving. You might think that you're just writing another piece of content for SEO (btw, this is what this update is targeting "SEO Content"), but a well thoguht out piece of content is an investment for all of your website users.
If you make your content accessible on your website through a blog for example, all of your website users will be able to access it. "So what?" you might ask, well, high quality content helps in a number of areas:
- User retention
- Keep users coming back for relevant content
- Authority building
- Establishes you as an expert in your field
- Improving conversion rate
- Good content helps sell your products
- Traffic acquisition
- Use quality content across all digital channels to attract traffic
When you start to think of content in the broader sense, the advantages of taking time to write even one piece of content per week really start to make sense.
Stuck for Really Helpful Content Ideas?
We're all busy and thinking of ideas to write about can feel like a burden. Who has the time to be creative at the end of a long, hard day? Why not check out out digital marketing content tips for thoughts and ideas on basic content ideas to get you started.
