What?? I Need To Keep Adding Content To My Site?
Not many things inspire such dread in my clients as when I remind them they need to be adding content to their site. If you aren’t a writer naturally, it can be painful to have to produce content on a regular basis.
It’s important though and not just because I said so (although that should be a good enough reason! LOL)
Let’s take a look at why it’s important:
1. The search engines like it when you add content.
Why do they like it?
Their goal is to deliver the best and most relevant results when someone searches for something. If a site is rich with content, they see that site as a better resource. Also the more pages you have that offer good information, the more pages the engines have the possibility to rank.
Even more importantly than that it is good for your site visitors.
So often people tell me they don’t want to clutter their site with text – no one wants to read a ton of text. I beg to differ and here’s why:
If people are searching for information, as long as it is GOOD and actually INFORMATIVE they will read it. Sure some people skim and don’t read it all, but they appreciate that it’s there if they choose to read further.
If it’s formatted and easy to read and it doesn’t drone on and on pointlessly (in other words it is actually filled with good information) then people will appreciate it.
The other thing is when I say content needs to be added I am not saying it has to be 1600 word essays. Good content can be brief and to the point. You can convey a lot in 200 – 600 words.
Adding new content gives people a reason to return to your site, they see you as a resource and a wealth of information. There is extreme value (to you) in having people see your site as a “go to” source for information.
So my advice (OK I’m being nice, what I really want to say is MY DEMAND) is that you get to work on creating some good content for your site.
A couple rules to keep you in line:
Don’t keyword stuff. Sure, you have to use relevant keywords but it should still read well and not appear forced.
- Keep it around 200 – 600 words.
- Use formatting (bolding, bullet lists etc) to break things up.
- Make it interesting. Share information, facts and helpful tips and advice.
- Not sure where on the site to put the content? Create a section called Articles or Resources and organize it by category. You can also put it on your Blog.
- Keep it interesting and show some personality. Gone are the days of stuffy corporate text. Be conversational, people want you to talk TO them not AT them.
K, this is 492 words, so I am gonna wrap it up. Get writing!
To Your Success!
Jenn Horowitz, Director of Marketing
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Excellent post Jen. People often think (hope) creating a useful website is a one-shot deal, and it’s not. Good marketing is an ongoing process