I have a client whose website was initially created by a web design agency that duplicated the format and content for multiple similar businesses in the local area. Despite a revamp by another agency a couple of years ago that only updated the visuals and not the content itself, my client's website was still facing challenges with its online performance. I noticed the duplicate content issue and made updates to differentiate the copy from the other sites, resulting in some improvements. However, I am concerned about the lasting impacts of having so much unoriginal content on the website. Will it permanently discredit or flag my client's website? Are there any recommendations I can make to address this issue, considering their past negative experiences with agencies?
Duplicate content can have lasting impacts on a website’s performance, even after addressing the issue. While Google’s algorithms are designed to identify and prioritize unique content, the past use of duplicated material can create a lingering negative perception of the website.
While updating the content to be unique is a positive step, it’s important to be aware that past issues can impact your client’s website’s authority and trust in the eyes of search engines. To minimize these impacts, consider the following recommendations:
- Invest in high-quality, original content: Continuously create fresh, valuable content that is relevant to your target audience. This can help demonstrate the website’s commitment to providing unique information and experiences.
- Build backlinks from reputable sources: Backlinks from relevant and authoritative websites can help improve your website’s ranking and credibility in search results.
- Monitor your website’s performance: Track key metrics like organic traffic, keyword rankings, and bounce rate to understand the website’s progress and identify any areas for improvement.
- Engage with users: Encourage user engagement through social media, comments, and other interactive elements to demonstrate the website’s value and trustworthiness.
- Be patient and consistent: Building a strong online presence takes time and effort. Focus on creating high-quality content and implementing SEO best practices for long-term success.
It’s crucial to be transparent with your client about the potential challenges and provide them with a clear roadmap for rebuilding their website’s reputation. By prioritizing original content and focusing on long-term SEO strategies, you can help your client overcome the negative impacts of past duplicate content and achieve a stronger online presence.