But really doing all of these things and being consistent are probably your best bet.
What Does “Helpful” Content Mean in SEO Context?
The concept of “helpful” content is Google’s way of saying stop producing content only meant for the crawlers and bots to consume, and make it more about the humans that are supposed to be reading this stuff. Since the internet became a thing, humans have been cluttering it up with garbage. And once we realized we could sell stuff it’s just gotten worse and worse. Now throw in generative AI, the noise has gotten even worse.
And it’s not going to get any better. But just like this newsletter is an example of helpful content. I write it, you read it, and then the crawlers find it, and my content is found. So what should you do? Well, write better content meant for humans to consume. They should be the first priority. If it’s well written, you’ll be rewarded, eventually.
How Can I Demonstrate Expertise in My Content?
You demonstrate your expertise by creating reliable content for a really long time. Seth Godin isn’t an expert in the marketing world because of one blog post, he’s an expert because he has written 2 dozen books, and thousands of articles. He’s also been on a ton of podcasts and other media.
One effective way you can show your expertise is not JUST by creating a lot of content, but also by creating a lot of content that’s accessible and helpful to your audience. You can also borrow expertise, by asking other experts to guest post on your blog/website. A great fit for an insurance agency, would be to have a realtor, lawyer, or contracter contribute content to your site.
What Are the Best Practices to Establish Authority in My Field Through Online Content?
Authority is all about how the world views you, your perceived knowledge and expertise by your audience. Just like expertise it’s not going to happen overnight. If you’ve paid attention to things I’ve written, this is a long term play. If all of the sudden I switched up what I talk about on social media from marketing and sales to say fitness and weight loss, I’m going to lose most of the authority with my audience. Heck probably all of it. I like donuts way too much for that anyways.
One way to start building authority is to appear on podcasts, guest posting or contribute to other sites/media/magazines. And keep producing that high quality, expert content for a really long time.
How Can I Make Sure My Content is Perceived as Trustworthy?
You can build expertise and authority over time, but if the content you’re producing isn’t accurate, well-researched and backed by reliable sources, your audience will eventually catch on. And you’ll lose credibility.
One way to boost your credibility is to gather testimonials and reviews. Display them on your site, on landing and sales pages. You don’t need a perfect 5 star google rating either. Having a 4.9 might give people more peace of mind that hey this is a real human on the other side of this screen.
What Are Some Common Mistakes to Avoid When Trying to Meet These Google Criteria?
One common mistake is keyword stuffing. While keywords are important, stuffing them awkwardly into content can harm readability and user experience. Another misstep is using outdated information or neglecting the latest trends and changes in SEO. Google regularly tweaks their algorithms so staying on top of that is important.
When I create content, I do some very basic keyword research. Normally it involves taking my ideas, searching for them and using Keywords Everywhere to see if anyone’s even searching for that phrase or keyword. If so, I make sure it’s not hyper competitive. And then I just write using the same framework you see in all of my newsletters.
How Does Consistency And Frequency Impact All Of This?
Consistency and frequency in content creation are not just buzzwords; they are fundamental pillars of a successful SEO strategy. Think of your website as a living, breathing entity in the digital ecosystem. Regular updates with fresh, quality content keep it vibrant and noticeable, much like watering a plant to keep it thriving. For search engines, a website that frequently updates its content is a beacon of relevancy and dynamism. This constant stream of new information gives search engines more opportunities to index your site, increasing the chances of your content appearing in search results.
However, it’s not just about quantity – the quality of your content is equally crucial. While maintaining a consistent posting schedule, your focus should always be on providing value to your audience. Each piece of content should be a brick in the building of your online authority and trustworthiness. By regularly delivering valuable insights, tips, or solutions, you not only keep your audience engaged but also establish your site as a go-to resource in your industry. This consistency in quality and frequency cultivates a loyal audience base and signals to search engines that your site is a reliable source of information, thereby enhancing your SEO efforts.
Elevating Your Content Game
As we wrap up our exploration of creating Google-friendly content, it’s clear that the journey to mastering SEO is both exciting and challenging. Remember, while understanding and applying these principles is key, the real magic happens when you consistently produce content that resonates with your audience and meets these high standards.
But let’s be real – it’s a lot to juggle, especially when you’re busy running a business. That’s where finding the right support can make all the difference. Imagine having a partner who not only understands these intricate details but also breathes life into your content strategy with expertise and creativity.
This is where services like Content Catalyst shine. Tailored specifically for insurance agents, it’s more than just a content creation service. It’s a partnership that aligns with the very principles we’ve discussed – helpfulness, expertise, authority, and trustworthiness. They take on the heavy lifting of content creation, allowing you to focus on what you do best – growing your business.
As you move forward in your SEO journey, consider the value of having a dedicated team that not only crafts your content but aligns it perfectly with Google’s criteria. Whether you choose to go it alone or seek support, remember the goal is always to create content that informs, engages, and connects.
