32: How to Create Unique Content for SEO [p1]

Summary

In this episode, Meredith’s husband breaks down how to create resourceful, helpful content for websites in light of Google's "Helpful Content" update. He emphasizes avoiding generic, affiliate-driven lists and instead advises website owners to focus on unique, valuable content that showcases their personal expertise. His tips are practical, encouraging creators to reflect on what makes their approach different and to provide authentic, helpful information.

Blog Post: Creating Resourceful Content for Google’s Helpful Content Update

With the recent rollout of Google’s "Helpful Content" update, it’s more important than ever for website owners to shift their focus toward creating valuable, user-centered content. Google’s new algorithm prioritizes content that genuinely benefits users over material created solely to rank well in search engine results. In this podcast episode, Meredith’s husband offers insight into how you can adjust your content strategy to align with these changes. Here’s how you can stay ahead of the curve and make the most of the update.

What Not to Do: Avoid Generic Listicles

One of the first things Meredith’s husband points out is a common mistake many websites make: publishing generic listicles that claim to offer resources but provide little actual value. Examples include articles like “The Top 13 SEO Tools You Need Right Now.” While such lists can look helpful on the surface, they often serve the creator more than the user, aiming to generate affiliate income rather than offering real insights.

Often, these lists contain multiple tools that perform the same task, overwhelming readers with unnecessary choices. In many cases, such articles are either written by affiliate marketers hoping to earn commissions or by junior writers who rehash information from other sources. This type of content is far from the user-focused material that Google now favors.

What to Do: Create Unique, Resourceful Content

To succeed in today’s SEO landscape, you need to create content that stands out and genuinely helps your audience. Instead of following the formula of affiliate-heavy listicles, focus on producing unique, resourceful content that reflects your personal expertise.

Meredith’s husband offers a simple framework for identifying what makes your content different. Think about what you do in your business that’s unique—what sets you apart from others in your industry? This could be anything from your customer service approach to the way you conduct your business or even your creative process.

Here are some key points to consider when creating helpful content:

• Be Authentic: Reflect on your unique strengths and experiences. Share insights that only you can provide based on your expertise and approach.

• Make It Practical: Provide actionable tips or steps that readers can follow. This makes your content not only informative but also genuinely useful.

• Avoid Overwhelm: Don’t bombard readers with a long list of tools or options. Instead, offer a few well-chosen resources or techniques that you’ve personally found effective.

Example: Personalized Photography Tips

As an example, Meredith’s husband uses her photography business to illustrate how personalized content can create value. He highlights how her engagement with her subjects makes her photography stand out. By sharing tips on how to connect with subjects for more natural photos, she offers unique insights that other photographers might not.

Here’s how Meredith might create resourceful content based on her expertise:

• Be Curious: Approach every photoshoot with genuine curiosity about your subjects. Ask questions, show interest in their story, and make them feel comfortable.

• Speak from the Heart: Be authentic in your interactions. The more genuine your communication, the more natural and engaging the photos will be.

• Give Full Attention: During the shoot, focus entirely on your subjects, making them feel seen and heard. This personal connection is key to capturing memorable moments.

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Conclusion

Google’s Helpful Content update is a powerful reminder that quality, user-centered content should be at the heart of every SEO strategy. By focusing on creating helpful, authentic, and unique content, you can not only improve your search rankings but also provide real value to your audience. Avoid the temptation to create content solely for SEO purposes, and instead, focus on what sets you apart. By doing so, you’ll be in a strong position to succeed under Google’s new algorithm.

Resources

Meredith’s husband mentions that listeners can find more tips on creating resourceful content in previous episodes. Check out episodes 17 and 20 for a deeper dive into blogging strategies.