You have likely heard about content quality, but what exactly does that mean? The answer is not a simple “good” or “bad.” How do you measure the quality and what are viewers looking for on a website? Before throwing up some outdated or messy content online, let’s explore a few questions you should ask yourself first.
Put your website a notch above the competition with quality content. Not sure how your content measures up? These questions will guide you towards an answer! Share on XWhat’s the Big Deal with Website Content Quality?
Website content quality refers to how relevant and useful the information on a website is. Imagine a website like a book – the quality of the content is like the writing in the book. It’s essential because it’s what people see and read when they visit a site.
Good content is like a friendly guide that helps visitors understand what the website is about and find what they need. When the content is clear, interesting, and up-to-date, it makes people more likely to trust the website and corresponding brand. Think of it as making a good impression when you meet someone for the first time. Thus, creating high-quality content is like having a well-written and friendly introduction for your website in the online world.
EXAMPLE OF GOOD CONTENT QUALITY
The homepage of the bakery’s website features high-quality content. It includes appealing visuals of freshly baked goods, a clear and concise menu with mouth-watering descriptions, and a section about the bakery’s commitment to using locally sourced, organic ingredients. The content is easy to read, provides useful information such as operating hours and location, and includes customer testimonials praising the delicious pastries and excellent service. There are also links to the bakery’s active social media pages, encouraging engagement and showcasing the latest offerings.
EXAMPLE OF POOR CONTENT QUALITY
In contrast, a poorly designed website for the same bakery might have a cluttered homepage with outdated images, and the menu is hard to find, making it frustrating for visitors to figure out what the bakery offers. The text contains numerous spelling and grammar errors, creating an unprofessional impression. Critical information like operating hours and location is missing, leaving visitors confused. Additionally, there are broken links and no engagement with customers through social media, giving the impression that the bakery isn’t actively involved with its community.
Website Content Quality Also Helps SEO
Good website content not only makes visitors happy but also makes Google happy. When you have well-written and helpful information on your website, it’s more likely to show up when people search for things online. On the other hand, if your content is confusing or not well put together, it not only drives people away but can also hinder your opportunities on search results. So, having good content is like making both your visitors and Google pleased, which is a win-win for your website!
Ask These 10 Questions to Determine Your Website’s Content Quality
If you can answer these ten crucial questions about your content quality, you will be in a much better position to know what to edit and how to start creating content that works. While these factors are by no means a complete list, they will get you thinking in the right direction for your website’s content strategy! Consider these questions:
- Is your website content valuable and updated?
- Does your content include keywords and other SEO essentials?
- Is your content grammatically correct on your website?
- Can your audience engage and interact with you?
- Is your website content optimized for mobile screens and devices?
- Can users with disabilities navigate easily on your website?
- Do users have to wait for pages or media to load?
- Have you shown yourself to be credible in your industry?
- Does the design of your website entice or repel users?
- Can users find contact information easily?
1) Is your website content valuable and updated?
Value is probably the most important factor in content quality. After all, what’s the point of writing blog posts or web pages if there is no end goal? You want users to be so engaged when they land on your site that they stay, browse, and perhaps even make a purchase or contact you!
Every sentence, paragraph, page, and headline should be written with your target audience’s search intent in mind. As you are writing as yourself, what’s the purpose of saying this? If it’s to better the customer experience, keep it. If your content doesn’t provide a benefit to the reader or doesn’t answer one of their pain points, ditch it (or reword it in a valuable way).
In addition, it’s important to make sure your content remains current and aligned with industry trends. Regularly update products and services to reflect the latest developments. The last thing you want is to be behind the ball or late to report the latest industry news.
2) Does your content include keywords and other SEO essentials?
If you don’t know the answer to this question, you should probably consult an SEO Specialist who can run an evaluation on your site. A qualified professional can help you determine which aspects should be altered, updated, or even removed.
As a basic rule of thumb, make sure your website includes these critical on-page optimization factors:
- Internal links
- Optimized keywords
- Easy navigation
- Clear Headings and subheadings
- Bullet points
- High-quality images
- Fast-loading videos
3) Is your content grammatically correct on your website?
While it may seem obvious, you would be surprised how many people don’t spell-check their content. If you are short on time, run the writing through a grammar checker like Grammarly or Hemingway Editor to make sure words are spelled correctly and punctuation is used the right way.
You should also have a second set of eyes to review your website content. Ask a detailed-oriented team member to read through every piece of content and look for things like:
- Simple to understand
- Flows well from one paragraph and idea to the next
- Information is organized in an easy-to-digest way
- Spelling and grammar mistakes
- Check that links go to the right locations
- Images are clear and go with the associated content
4) Can your audience engage and interact with you?
The vitality of your website hinges on its ability to foster engagement with your audience. Are there clear calls to action, encouraging users to leave comments, ask questions, or share their experiences? A dynamic and interactive platform not only keeps visitors on your site but also establishes a sense of community. If your content is a one-way street, consider incorporating interactive elements that invite users to participate, ensuring a richer and more satisfying experience for all.
5) Is your website content optimized for mobile screens and devices?
In today’s digital landscape, a significant portion of internet users access content through mobile devices. Ensuring that your website is responsive and optimized for various screen sizes is paramount. A seamless and visually appealing experience on smartphones and tablets enhances user satisfaction and contributes to higher retention rates. Don’t risk alienating a substantial audience segment by neglecting mobile optimization – it’s a non-negotiable aspect of maintaining a competitive online presence.
6) Can users with disabilities navigate easily on your website?
Web accessibility is not just a legal requirement; it’s a moral imperative. Ensure that your website is designed with inclusivity in mind. Consider users with disabilities by providing alternative text for images, ensuring keyboard navigation is seamless, and adhering to accessibility standards. An inclusive website not only broadens your audience but also reflects a commitment to equal access and usability for everyone.
7) Do users have to wait for pages or media to load?
Users have little patience for slow-loading pages. If your various types of content take an eternity to load, you risk losing valuable traffic. Optimize images, utilize efficient coding practices, and consider content delivery networks to expedite load times. A swift and responsive website not only enhances user experience but also positively influences your search engine rankings.
8) Have you shown yourself to be credible in your industry?
Credibility is the cornerstone of trust, and your website content should exude it. Feature testimonials, case studies, recognitions, or any other relevant credentials that showcase your expertise. Consistently providing accurate and valuable information establishes your authority in the industry and fosters trust among your audience. Remember, a credible online presence is built on transparency, integrity, and a commitment to delivering great content.
9) Does the design of your website entice or repel users?
The visual appeal of your website plays a pivotal role in user engagement. A well-thought-out design should not only be aesthetically pleasing but also intuitive and user-friendly. Cluttered layouts, confusing navigation, or outdated visuals can repel users.
Invest in a design that aligns with your brand identity, communicates professionalism, and guides users seamlessly through your content. A visually appealing website creates a positive first impression, inviting users to explore further.
10) Can users find contact information easily?
Ensuring that users can easily find contact information on your website is pivotal when it comes to customer service and content quality. A user-friendly website should prominently display contact details, such as a dedicated “Contact Us” page or a clear link in the main navigation. Visitors seeking information or assistance should not have to navigate through a maze to connect with you. Whether it’s for inquiries, feedback, or support, the accessibility of contact information enables users to provide even more trust in the types of content you’re sharing.
What Happens if You Aren’t Measuring Content Quality
If you don’t keep an eye on how good your website content is, a few not-so-great things can happen.
- Missed connection opportunities with visitors due to a lack of knowledge about their preferences
- Potential loss of visitor interest and reduced site engagement
- Lower perceived trustworthiness of the website if the content quality is subpar
- Inability to identify effective content, hindering improvement efforts
- Negative impact on search engine favorability, potentially reducing online visibility
Simply put, evaluating content quality is like having a map to enhance your website. It helps you make your site more interesting, trustworthy, and easier for people to find. By understanding what works, you can tweak your website to match what your audience wants. It’s about creating a website that not only grabs attention but also shines in the crowded online world.
Need Your Website Content Edited?
Now that you have gone through some starting points for measuring your website’s content quality, you probably want to implement these key things right away! While you may be able to do simple editing in-house, it’s always a good idea to have content marketers by your side to make sure every detail is covered.
Hire a local digital marketing company that has the knowledge and ability to work through your content and get more visitors attracted to your site. Contact us for more information about our website editing and design services.
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED MARCH 2019
