SEO TIPS: Using Known Entities for SEO Content

Writing your own content for your site often seems like the most cost effective route you can take, but is it? Have you ever considered the opportunity cost of going DIY with you content? Have you ever considered the difference that content created by a proffesional SEO copywriter carries over that of someone that is less experienced can make in SERP rankings? Most webmasters don’t, and sometimes, that difference in PR and SERP ranking can all be traced back to the quality of the content on a site.

Not everyone can retain a copywriter fulltime meaning they have to outsource it. In too many instances webmasters find themselves being burned by people purporting them self to sell custom content on demand. In some cases, inexperienced or cash strapped webmasters purchase limited rights granting the ability to repost a piece of content from an aggregate site thinking it is the perfect solution to their needs. What is a webmaster to do? Is there a correct answer to the question even? Let’s take a look at the options.

Another option is purchasing custom content which is original and written to your specifications. The problem here is that good custom content can be expensive. While it is true that there are copywriters offering their services for cut-rate fees, usually these are people that lack industry specific knowledge and strong SEO/SMO skills. There is after all a reason they are willing to work so cheap and it isn’t always just a matter of geography and exchange rates.

The second problem that can be encountered is that there are copywriters that do what is called “spinning articles” which is the practice of changing existing content just enough to pass plagiarism checking services to be considered original. Although those programs may be fooled, the SERPs usually are not and you leave yourself open to DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act) claims which can force to remove the content from your site rendering it useless leaving you without content and the money you shelled out for it. It is NEVER a good idea to take someone else’ content and try to play games with it to make it “your own.” It is more trouble than you want to get into.

 The solution is that you choose copywriters that are known entities. You don’t want someone learning the ropes, or language for that matter, honing their skills on your site.Take a few minutes to review their portfolio before spending money. If they have no portfolio to present, ask for a sample of their writing that demonstrates they have the ability to meet your needs. Any good copywriter will do this.

Aside from producing your own content, the only other viable option is employing a service that has a staff of copywriters that can meet your content needs. While it may cost more to go with proved copywriters, it sure beats buying content that is not delivered in a finished state requiring editorial work, is already in one or more locations on the web, or may very well be plagiarized. Remember, quality going in means quality coming back. Considering the resources it takes to go cheap and get something that is merely okay versus spending a bit more to get what is just right, always opt for just right.