Google is the largest and most popular search engine available across the world, so, of course, what those in charge of search engine optimization want more than anything is a way to understand and provide exactly what the Google algorithm thinks is a quality webpage. Google loves content and, within that factor, Google loves fresh, new, and consistently updated content; even if it’s just rewriting content already existing within a webpage, Google loves it. When Googlebot crawls through webpages, it is not only looking at the content itself, but also examining how often content is updated and added to a website. There are four easy ways that fresh content can be assured on a website: do it yourself, social media, blogs, and user generated content.
Content created by the actual webpage creator (or whoever is in charge of updates) is the most tried and true method of providing fresh content. After all, the person who is in charge of the website and updating can easily be on the lookout for fresh content. Of course, finding fresh content is one thing, and writing it up in a way that will please both visitors and search engine crawlers is an entirely different matter. While relying on somebody directly related to the website has its pluses, sometimes it’s nice to look outwards to other sources of consistent and fresh information.
Social media, while being a factor for optimization in itself, is also a way to ensure fresh content. The easy system of posting updates, statuses etc. that is afforded by social media sites ensures a steady stream of fresh content that search engine crawlers will love.
Another method closely related to social media sites is the use of blogs for fresh content. A website with a blog setup or a blog somehow related to it creates an easy platform from which new content can be easily and consistently launched. Traditionally, blogs are written by the owner of the website (making it closely related to the first provided tip), but new websites are making it possible for website owners to easily look outwards to find the articles necessary for regular and reliable blog updates. Sites such as MyBlogGuest and other guest blogging sites provide articles and bloggers who are willing to give the updates to make a website appear fresh and new.
One of the newest accepted methods to produce fresh content is the incorporation of user generated content into websites. In the past, those attempting to optimize a website have been wary of relying on user generated content (USG) to fuel search engine optimization. While USG certainly gives websites the “human” element that Google’s search engine crawlers crave, it can often be riddled with inappropriate or irrelevant discussion. Sites like Wikipedia, which rely almost exclusively on user generated content, are often criticized for lack of professionalism and trustworthiness people are more willing to trust a business than an amateur who happened to post on a website. It is also uncontrollable; optimizers can control content they create, including keywords and structure that will undeniably optimize a webpage, but user generated content often does not contain the keywords that optimizers want to add to webpages.
However, despite the criticisms of USG, it is a very powerful tool to create consistent fresh content on sites, as well as increase traffic and the likelihood of visitors returning because of interactive and relevant elements within the site. The most often suggested solution to incorporating USG into a website while avoiding some of its downfalls is to include Q & A sections on a webpage. Q & A and other form-like sections appeal to visitors and web crawlers alike.