Am I writing helpful content? Whenever I start to write an article, especially about digital marketing, SEO or website design, I always ask myself this.
Will my content help my readers? Can they find value in my article?
Those are always my guiding questions and parameters when writing an article. Google has this in their sights especially when ranking content and articles for their search engines results page. That is why it is very important for me.
In this article, I will try to discuss and answer one of the basic questions we always should be asked first in writing an article. Is the article I am about to write going to be helpful?
I will try to answer it as an SEO and digital marketing practitioner.
Definition of helpful content
I’ve been a search engine optimization practitioner for almost a decade and for all of us SEO enthusiasts, Google is the most important search engine… at least for now and in a traditional way.
Google emphasizes that “helpful content” refers to content created or written with genuine human expertise and involvement on the specific subject, tailored for a defined target audience of real individuals and thoroughly addresses the intended query while providing substantial value, ultimately leaving the reader fulfilled.
Straightforward? Let’s dissect the 4 focus areas I see.
Tailored for a Specific Audience
When considering your business or site’s content, it’s crucial to reflect on whether there’s an existing or potential audience that would genuinely benefit from accessing your content directly.
Making sure your content meets the needs and interests of this specific audience ensures relevance and usefulness (HCU).
Moreover, defining your site’s primary purpose or focus is essential.
Ensuring that your content aligns with this overarching goal helps maintain coherence and clarity for your audience (HCU).
Avoiding the temptation to prioritize search engine algorithms over human engagement is very important.
Content created or written primarily to attract search engine traffic risks sacrificing quality and relevance for clicks, potentially alienating your audience (HCU).
Demonstrates Expertise in Content
When evaluating content, it’s essential to make sure whether it’s authored by a genuine expert or enthusiast with demonstrated knowledge of the subject matter (CU).
Moreover, content should showcase firsthand expertise and depth of understanding, providing valuable insights beyond the obvious (HCU).
Furthermore, if content draws from external sources, it should strive to offer substantial additional value and originality rather than mere duplication or rephrasing (CU).
Avoiding mass production or outsourcing ensures each piece receives enough attention and care, contributing to its overall quality (CU).
Content should stand out by delivering substantial value compared to other search results, avoiding mere summarization without adding significant insights (CU).
Additionally, entering niche topics should stem from genuine expertise rather than solely seeking search traffic (HCU).
In product reviews, demonstrating expertise involves discussing benefits, drawbacks, and product evolution based on original research (PRU). Evaluating key decision-making factors and design choices offers readers valuable insights beyond manufacturer claims (PRU).
Finally, recommendations should be supported by firsthand evidence, detailing why a product is deemed the best overall or for a specific purpose (PRU).
Trustworthiness and Credibility of Content
Trust is paramount when consuming online content. Assessing the reliability of the information presented is crucial to making informed decisions (PU).
Content that demonstrates transparency, clear sourcing, and evidence of expertise instills confidence and encourages trust (CU).
A reputable site should provide background information about the author or publisher, allowing readers to gauge its credibility (CU).
Additionally, the absence of easily-verified factual errors contributes to the overall trustworthiness of the content (CU).
Content that is well-researched, comprehensive, and free from sensationalism enhances its trustworthiness (CU).
Furthermore, clear, descriptive headlines and titles, devoid of exaggeration, contribute to a positive user experience (CU).
If content meets these criteria and offers valuable insights, readers are more likely to bookmark, share, or recommend it (CU).
Meeting the Searcher’s Wants or Needs
Leaving readers feeling adequately informed and empowered to achieve their goals is a sign of successful content (HCU). Additionally, ensuring a satisfying experience for readers enhances engagement and encourages them to return for more (HCU).
Content should strive to provide comprehensive information that eliminates the need for further searches elsewhere (HCU).
Avoiding false promises or incomplete information maintains the integrity of the content and fosters trust with the audience (HCU).
Moreover, optimizing content for mobile devices ensures accessibility and enhances user experience, catering to the preferences of a diverse audience (CU).
By prioritizing these factors, content creators can establish credibility and foster positive user interactions (PRU, PU).
Wrapping up
Google understands that people who seek information or answers in search engines or any other platforms want to discover the definitive answer to their queries. They also want to have it quick and understandable.
With this in mind, we now understand that having the 4 focus items discussed above in your content will not only help the searchers or readers, but it will also help search engines serve their users the best content needed.
Therefore, your content should strive to be the definitive solution to the searcher’s query.
In essence, helpful content should not only provide the optimal answer but also deliver it promptly.
Note:
Our next article will be about understanding the searcher’s intent or search intent. Understanding what is helpful content goes hand in hand with understanding search intent, so see you soon.
is a professional SEO specialist and a digital marketer. He also happens to be an accomplished content writer, website designer and digital strategist. Vicente’s clients love him for his unwavering dedication to their success, as well as his witty, intelligent demeanor. When he’s not helping businesses achieve their online marketing goals, Vicente can be found reading up on the latest SEO trends or spending time with his two sons.
