(2024) Google's Helpful Content Update: Does Your Website Pass?

Ever landed on a website looking for answers, only to find confusing jargon and sales pitches? Your search rankings might suffer because of the unhelpful content on your website. Google’s “Helpful Content Update” prioritises websites that provide genuine value to users.

Google’s recent algorithm updates, including the “Helpful Content Update,” place a strong emphasis on providing genuine value to searchers. Websites with useful, informative content rank better than those filled with generic, uninspired fluff.

So, how do you make sure your professional services website passes the “helpfulness” test? Let’s dive in!

What is Google’s “Helpful Content” Update?

In a nutshell, Google wants to reward websites that put the user experience first. It’s all about answering the questions people are actually searching for, in a way that’s clear, insightful, and satisfying. Websites that prioritise this kind of content will see a boost in their search rankings, while those filled with unhelpful content may get penalised.

Key Criteria for Google’s “Helpfulness” Test

Does your website copy show the following traits?

Expertise: Your content should showcase your knowledge and establish you as an authority in your field.
User Experience: Is your website easy to navigate? Are pages well-structured for readability?
Straightforward Answers: Do you directly address the questions or needs that users are likely searching for?
Unique Insights: Does your content offer fresh perspectives or go deeper than generic information?
Reader Satisfaction: Do users leave your website feeling like they’ve genuinely learned something or had their problems addressed?

Analysing Your Website Copy – Does It Pass the Test?

Be honest with yourself – how helpful is your website copy? Consider these questions:

Does your copy use language that your ideal client would use?
Can a visitor quickly understand what you offer and how you can help them?
Is your content overloaded with industry jargon, or is it written in plain language?
Do your service pages focus on features, or do they highlight the benefits and outcomes for clients?

If you’re unsure, look at your website analytics. High bounce rates or short time-on-page metrics could show your copy needs improvement.

Actionable Tips to Upgrade Your Copy

Here’s how to create website copy that aligns with Google’s “helpfulness” guidelines:

Thorough research helps you understand their challenges and what they’re searching for.
Focus on solving client problems. You can weave in subtle self-promotion, but avoid overt sales pitches.
Use headings, brief paragraphs, and bullet points for easy scanning.
Conduct keyword research to identify what people are searching for, then naturally integrate those terms.

Conclusion

Google’s “helpfulness” update is a wake-up call for professional services websites. It’s time to ditch the generic fluff and focus on creating content that truly answers user questions, showcases expertise, and builds trust. Not only will this improve your search rankings, but it will turn website visitors into loyal clients.

Want to improve the content on your website? I can help. I offer website copywriting services that can help transform your online presence.

(2024) Google’s Helpful Content Update: Does Your Website Pass?

What is Google’s “Helpful Content” Update?

Key Criteria for Google’s “Helpfulness” Test

Analysing Your Website Copy – Does It Pass the Test?

Actionable Tips to Upgrade Your Copy

Conclusion