Gone are the days when search engines favored content solely based on keyword inclusion. Google has publicly stated that it has flagged this approach and now prioritizes content created for human readers over search engine manipulation.
In its updated SEO starter guide, Google confirmed its focus on people-first content and emphasized that high-quality content will be rewarded regardless of a website's size. But what exactly is people-first content, and who can create it? This guide will explain it in detail.
What it means
People's first content is primarily created for human consumption rather than solely for manipulating search engine rankings. It aims to comprehensively cover a topic, making it compelling and useful for readers. It also focuses on the organization and presentation of information on the page to enhance user experience.
How to write
Everyone can write a person's first content. Below are the suggested approaches by Google to write such content.
1. Write content that comprehensively covers the topic:
In December 2022, Google rolled out its Helpful Content Update, introducing a content analysis bot aimed at identifying and removing doorway content. This low-quality content often lacks practical value for readers and serves primarily to manipulate search engine rankings.
People-first content prioritizes user needs over search engine optimization. It doesn't target a specific set of keywords; instead, it anticipates what users might genuinely intend to learn when they visit your site. This means going beyond basic information and diving deep into the topic, offering comprehensive explanations, insights, and practical guidance.
For example, imagine you're writing about camping. Instead of just covering tent setup basics, people-first content would explore various aspects, such as:
- Choosing the right gear based on experience and climate.
- Finding suitable campsites for different preferences and activities.
- Planning delicious and convenient meals for outdoor cooking.
- Sharing essential safety tips for a responsible and enjoyable camping trip.
Remember, quantity is not enough. High-quality writing is crucial for engaging and informing your audience. Invest in crafting clear, informative, and engaging content that truly serves your readers' needs.
2. The content must be unique
While maintaining comprehensiveness, Google requires you not to plagiarize text, images, or video either partially or entirely from another source to create your content. Google expects authors to demonstrate their expertise and knowledge of the topic they are writing about. While Google encourages uniqueness, it does not prohibit quoting another source, provided proper referencing or quoting is used, especially in cases of copyright infringement.
While this allowance exists, Google emphasizes the importance of adding additional value to demonstrate expertise on the topic. Failure to do so may lead to content duplication on your site, which could result in your site being penalized under Google's spam policies, negatively impacting your site's performance.
3. Content with Clear Sourcing:
Trust forms a cornerstone in Google's framework for evaluating web content quality. Demonstrating trustworthiness is crucial in writing effectively. Providing background information about the author or the publishing site, often through links to an author's page or the site's About page, can instill trust in your readers and enhance the credibility of your content.
4. Content with Insightful Analysis:
Accurate figures, charts, infographics, and other data presented in your content should be reliable, even when sourced from external websites. Ensuring the reliability of such information enhances the trustworthiness of your content. Ultimately, content that leaves your audience feeling informed and satisfied contributes to a positive user experience.
5. Structure for Easy Navigation:
While search engines can navigate your blog through its HTML structure, real humans rely on clear visual cues to find their way. Imagine facing a 3000-word wall of text with no breaks, headings, or clear sections. You'd likely lose focus quickly and feel overwhelmed. To ensure a smooth reading experience, it's crucial to structure your content effectively. Use heading tags to break down lengthy text, incorporate bullet points and numbered lists for clarity, and consider adding a table of contents for longer pieces.
Conclusion
The era of search engine dominance through keyword stuffing is over. Google now champions content tailored for human consumption, prioritizing quality over manipulation. Embracing this people-first approach not only aligns with Google's guidelines but also ensures engaging, informative content that truly serves the reader.