Unique content should be in the top two or three on your list of High Priority items for you web site.  Unique content is not only an important issue for SEO but an equally important issue for your site visitors.  You need to provide content that has different, fresh information than you might find on other sites, or other Web page. A fresh approach will win readers so don’t just restate the accepted views… I hate to use an already over used phrase, but “Think Outside the Box” whenever possible.  

Unique content can be a fairly simple process if you’re familiar with the topic on which you are writing and, hopefully, you are very familiar with the topics related to your business.  Although some people are not good writing or simply do not like to write, while others don’t have the time and inclination to do so.  Regardless of which category on which you fall, it’s important that you make sure that what you put on your web site is original (as in, not plagiarized, at a minimum) and, better yet, unique and interesting enough to cause the search engines to take note and your readers to want to read more.  

It’s important to have unique content because search engines don’t like websites with duplicate content.  Using plagiarized information can not only cause you problems with the search engines, but it may also lead to issues with the original writer/owner of the content. If you are not good at, or don’t particularly like to write, there are other options.  Just click the “Contact Us” link and request the info and I’ll let you know about those options.

Finally, good quality, original content builds credibility.  Your readers will see that your content is unique and that you know what you’re talking about.  All-in-all, this can position you as a trusted authority on a topic and increased the odds that your readers will purchase from you, or come back again when they are looking for something related to the topics you cover on your site.

I’d love to hear your thoughts and opinions on this area.  Feel free to chime in!

Write great content

One if the fist things you should do, and one of your highest priority items, as it applies to SEO is to “Write Great Content”.  Great content is where it all starts. You can have all the keywords in the world, but if your content is no good, people won’t stick around on your site and search engines won’t find your site valuable. Great content starts with being relevant and interesting.  If what you write (subject matter) isn’t appealing to your target audience, your work will go unappreciated and possibly unnoticed.

Formatting is also important as it applies to great content.  Visual appeal will draw your audience in and may encourage them to read further. Some suggestions would include:

• Bulleted Lists
• Numbered Lists
• Headlines
• Sub-headlines
• Bolded words
• Blocking off or centering chunks of text
• Photos, pictures and images that are relevant to the topic

Spelling and Grammar are also a REALLY BIG issue.  I cannot emphasize this enough: always check your work after you are done.  Spell check isn’t enough and aren’t always accurate.  They sometimes changes words (aka, auto-correct) automatically that you may not notice as you type them.  Or, you may use the wrong form of a word and not realize it until later (i.e. their vs. there vs. they’re).  Always step away from the article for a while to give yourself time to refresh your thought process and give it a look with fresh eyes.  Even better, have someone else check your work.

Another thing that can actually improve your content is to add a call to action. People enjoy being drawn into the article… it makes them feel like they are part of it and not just a spectator.  Not giving them some type of call to action may leave the reader with that “hanging” feeling.  A call to action can bring someone closer, draw that “little extra” out of your reader and it might even help you to develop a deeper relationship with them.

By the way, can you proof read this for me and let me know if I forgot to make it interesting or missed any of my typos?  

Seriously, your thoughts and comments are welcome!