Are you looking to stay ahead of the curve in understanding new developments in content marketing? Google recently launched a helpful content algorithm update to help reward creators of quality content. The helpful content system favors content that searchers will find useful and devalues content created primarily to manipulate search engine rankings. But do people-first practices still matter in this age of AI?

AI tools gather information from multiple online sources to produce various types of content. However, they still rely on humans to review and edit the content to ensure quality. Whether you use AI, humans, or both for content creation, it helps to understand what Google’s helpful content system update means for your content strategy.

Check out these tips for improving your SEO with the helpful content update rolled out by Google.

Create Content With Your Target Audience in Mind

When you post content on your website, the helpful content system will use machine learning algorithms to analyze the content and determine whether it satisfies searchers’ intent. Google checks various parameters to define quality content. These include:

• The quality of the writing: Is your content easily digestible?
• The structure and organization of the content: Is your content well-written and organized?
• The presence of visual tools: Does your content contain amazing images and videos?

Content that does not meet Google’s requirements for quality will not rank well. A low Google ranking will translate to a weak online presence and may significantly hurt your bottom line. Identify your target audience and produce informative, relevant, and engaging content to satisfy searcher intent. The best way to achieve this is to generate content demonstrating a depth of knowledge in particular niches.

Aim for expert-level content, no matter what type of business you open. If you are creating content on niche topics in which you have no real expertise, consider using expert content creators. Avoid thin or unhelpful content, as it can showcase your brand in a negative light and prove counterproductive to your content strategy.

De-Emphasize Content Created Primarily for Search Engines

According to Google, a search engine-first approach to content creation leads to content that searchers find unsatisfying. As Google renews its focus on people-first practices, websites that prioritize search engines over searchers will be hit.

Some common signs you create search engine-first content are:

• Lack of specialization: creating content on different topics to attract a wider audience
• Keyword stuffing: trying to include too many keywords in a single web page to manipulate rankings in search results
• Over-reliance on generative AI: using significant amounts of AI-generated content on your website
• Little to no value addition: reproducing widely available content without adding any significant value

While you may have previously seen high website traffic from search engine-first content, consider updating your content to focus on the people you are creating it for.

Get a Winning Content Marketing Strategy From Us

Are you a digitally inexperienced business owner looking to increase your business’s online presence? Creating content that ensures a satisfying user experience takes work, but we always look forward to the challenge. If you are looking for an SEO expert you can trust with your content marketing needs and strategy, don’t hesitate to contact us today. We’ll assess your situation and help devise the best content strategy for your business.

If this is something you need help with for your Business or Organization and are ready to get started – please click the link below to schedule a meeting to discuss!