Does Great Content Really Equal Great Rankings?
I’m sure you’ve heard the saying “content is king” hundreds of times. Great content is supposed to be all you need for web success if you listen to most of the blogs online. But how true is this saying really? I work as a copywriter, and so am a firm believer in great content, however I also know from running my own website that great content won’t instantly get you the success that you are looking for. Content is only king if you know what you’re doing.
What Defines Great Content?
One of the problems nowadays is that many websites tell the everyday web user that anyone can write great content. Now this is where I struggle, as, after browsing the web on a daily basis I see dozens of websites that could do with a good edit. You may have seen shows like Pop Idol and America’s Got Talent where a young wannabe appears on the stage thinking that they can sing like Madonna – this is very rarely the case, but they believe they are “great” because that’s what their friends and family have told them. Great is a very ambiguous word, and if it’s anyone but an expert that is saying it, you’d be wise to get a second opinion.
What Makes Great Content?
Everyone knows what great content looks like, but the problem with most of this is that it is seen in hindsight. A blog post is great because it received thousands of shares; that’s all well and good, but how do you know it is going to be “great” before you post it? Most truly great pieces of content are due to at least one of the following:
- It took a lot of time and effort to research and write.
- It is credible – the author knew what they were talking about when they wrote it.
- It has a share factor – people who read the content will instantly want their friends to read it too.
- It is actionable – it guides the reader through a process that they would have been unable to do on their own.
Great content not only needs to fall into one of the above categories but it also needs to be well written. It’s all well and good being an expert in a subject but if you can’t put pen to paper and express your thoughts clearly, your readers aren’t going to be interested in what you have to say. If this is something you struggle with you have two options. One – get an editor or two – hire a copywriter to write your content for you.
Great Content Success Isn’t Instant
Another gripe I have about many online blogs is that many writers try and tell their readers that anyone can make a fortune online. This is not true and is in my mind the reason why there are so many people trying to make a living online and failing badly – I could blame Pop Idol for this as well (the thought that anyone can become famous overnight). Success does not happen overnight and you might not start making a penny until you have put months of effort in… sometimes even years. Great content needs to be backed up with an SEO marketing strategy that includes keyword research and back-linking strategies at the very least.
Before you start marketing yourself as a “great” article writer, or complaining because your “great” content isn’t doing as well as you thought it would, take my advice and get a second opinion – from an expert.
If you are struggling to write great content, you may need the help of an SEO copywriting company. The writers at Apple Copywriting will ensure your blog or website receives the content it deserves.