Hi, Oli!

Ugh, yeah. I hear what you’re saying about spammy content. It’s so hard to know why those pages position. Maybe it’s because there are a bunch of links pointing to the page. Maybe it’s because Google honestly “believes” that the page provides the best answer, despite its flaws. Maybe it’s something completely different. Google is like my cat — I can usually tell what it’s thinking, but sometimes, I just throw my hands up in frustration and give up.

On the flip side, I like to see competing pages like this when I’m creating new content. It’s a good sign that my quality page should position nicely. :)

Thanks for your comment!

SEO copy has always confused me though…I read a lot on the theory of it and what Google’s algorithms reward etc. and always seem to find examples that directly contradict them.

I read an article the other day that was something along the lines of “9 things you need to know about XYZ”…the grammar was terrible and 5 of the points were just rehashes of the same idea, but it was still first-page content!

Would love to know your thoughts on this.

Thanks, Michael! Thanks for your great comment — yes, search intent is so very important. :)

Hello!

Thanks, Michael! Thanks for your great comment — yes, search intent is so very important. :)

I love to use recipe sites as an example of long, boring copy. I understand why some bloggers go that route…but when I’m looking for cooking instructions, I don’t want to read about the history of the recipe, how the person felt when they first made the recipe, and all the ways their family loved (or didn’t love) the recipe. :)

From an SEO perspective, it also goes to search intent. What exactly does the reader want? Are they looking for informational or transactional?

Good post, as always, Heather.