The Internet is information intensive, with major search engines like Google and Bing assigning priority to content on websites that lend value to the end user. Gone are the days where SEO experts could simply employ search engine tactics to trick sites onto page one to increase their advertising revenues. As the Internet attracts more computer savvy enthusiasts, the value of search engines results pages (SERPS) increases in turn. The greatest content is of little value if no one sees it.

Content is KING

More and more, you’ll see websites on page one and two of search queries with relevant content. I personally hate clicking on a site that tells me nothing - instead just leading me to countless pages of links going nowhere. While the major search engines do not reveal their search algorithms, they do make recommendations, for instance with Google’s Webmasters Tools. Relevant content creates value, and value sells products and services - and advertising.

Content should have appeal and uniqueness. If a prospect were searching for a web hosting provider, and clicking between results, why would they be intrigued by your site? Do you have products or services that drastically vary from hundreds of competitive providers? Do you offer a knowledge base that’ll help with their research? Do you offer livechat or 800 phone services for those with questions? Does your site appeal to their senses? Is it graphically pleasing? Is the type well written and easy to read? Does the information on your site flow, and is it easily navigable? Do you have a site map? Is your pricing competitive? Do you offer the culture of your business - it’s management, history and valued clients?

Content is about supplying answers

I’ve always heard its best when asked a question you cannot answer off of the top of your head, to just admit you don’t know the answer, but promise you will find it. Or at least give the perception that you have the ability to get the answer. Most important is getting back to the prospect in a timely fashion, whether you have the answer they’re looking for or not. You can’t be everything to everybody, but you can be professional in every contact with every prospect and client. Under promise and over deliver is a phrase I’ve heard a lot. Don’t promise what you can’t deliver. Putting relevant content on your website is so much more than an SEO strategy. It’s a business strategy - one of providing value, and that’s what drives successful businesses.

Thanks for sharing steve.

Quality is more important than having numerous contents with no relevance to your niche at all..

Exactly - content has to be relevant to your business. One of the features I like about LiveZilla is that you can co-browse pages of your website with prospects - you can see what their interests are in real time as they're on your site. I'm actually surprised at how often the About, Management and History pages are viewed.

Content should have fidelity and quick find ability component.

Another great informative post by you Steve. Oh and speaking of LiveZilla it seems has been down for some time now.

content is king!
I am a believer of that.

Personally I go to a site for information and quickly type another page or close button if I don't get what I want. So lets give them what they want, information!

I agree. Content is very important, especially if you wish to attract new visitors via the search engines. The quality of content is very important and even more important if your goal is to retain visitors so that they become regular visitors.