When we talk about content writing, one constant thing is change. One needs to keep evolving as a content writer. It could be pleasing a reader with your content or ranking well on Google (in terms of SEO).
However, balancing both these factors can be challenging. That's where "Google helpful content guidelines" come into the picture. If you follow the guidelines and revise the content accordingly, it becomes very easy for you to rank well and provide value for your reader.
So, read this post until the end and find useful tips for improving your content according to Google's helpful content update.
Understanding Google's Helpful Update
Google's Helpful Content Update is an algorithm update designed to reward content where visitors have a great experience. It also penalizes content that doesn't meet visitors' expectations. The update rolled out in August 2022 and is still going live.
Google constantly improves search results and ensures users see the most accurate and helpful content. The company has said that the update is not about focusing on any specific type of content. Rather, it identifies and rewards truly helpful content.
Top 5 Tips to Update Your Content For Google's Helpful Content Update
By considering these five tips when creating your content, you will create content that aligns with your audience's interest and ranks for its relevant keywords.
1. Ask Yourself, "Who Is My Audience, and What Do They Need To Know?"
This is one of the most important things to remember when crafting helpful content. You need to know who your target audience is. What do they want? What is their search intent for a particular topic?
Understanding this allows you to tailor your content according to their search intent.
Take a look at these questions:
- What are my target audience's pain points and challenges?
- What do they look for when they search?
- What type of content would be most helpful to them?
- What could be their expectations from the content?
2. Make Sure Your Content Is Accurate and Up to Date
Google wants to provide users with the most accurate and up-to-date information. It's a must, especially for constantly changing technology and medicine-related topics.
So, the most crucial thing to remember is to verify the accuracy of the facts. Ensure you check your facts and information for accuracy when revising your content.
3. Provide Unique Value
Your content should offer something unique that others don't offer. This could be a unique take on things, new information, or a different way of explaining a complex topic.
If you are copying content already out there, Google won't consider it helpful. Just think about what you can offer your audience that makes your content unique. You can also enrol in online content writing courses to improve your content writing. It gives you a unique perspective and enhances your writing abilities.
4. Write Clearly and Concisely
The content you write should be easy to read and understand. Avoid using jargon and technical terms that confuse your audience.
Your content should also be well-structured and simple. Use headings, sub-headings, and bullet points to make your text more readable and easier to understand.
5. Get Feedback from Others
Ask one of your friends, colleagues, or family members to read your content and give feedback. This will help you correct mistakes if there are any and improve your content.
You can also use online tools like Grammarly and Readable to optimize the content; Grammarly can help you identify grammar and spelling errors. On the other hand, readability can help you measure the content's readability.
Conclusion
So, you need to constantly update your content as per Google's helpful content guidelines to stay relevant. The content must be high quality and useful to readers rather than focusing on engagement.
It becomes easy for your reader to follow your content if you keep it simple. Do not complicate things, and avoid jargon as much as possible.
