You’ve probably heard people preaching about the evils of “duplicate content” – somewhere along the line duplicate content became synonymous with forms of “Syndicated Content” that have left many bloggers avoiding the promotional method altogether. It’s my own opinion that avoiding the opportunity altogether is a big mistake!
The debate of duplicate content versus syndicated content has been one that I’ve observed from a distance and could never settle on a solid belief. While some of my most admired mentors have sworn off the possibilities and advised me against it, something kept telling me there was more to it and it wasn’t nearly as bad as so many believe.
After careful pondering and many, many, MANY hours of research, I decided to conduct my own test using syndication as a means of promoting one of my blogs.
Before I get into the study, let me tough briefly on what I have found to be my truths with regards to duplicate content and syndicated content – from that, you can develop your own opinion.
What exactly is “Duplicate Content” and what is “Content Syndication“ – and what are they not?
According to Google, duplicate Content is the same or extremely similar content appearing on the SAME website.
Now, let’s think about this for a minute – you’ve seen the label ”Syndicated Columnist” most likely in a story reported by the A.P. (Associated Press) in your newspaper or on television, right?
When you see the label “Syndicated Content” – that means that particular story has been sent to many news outlets that have expressed permission to share it with their readers or viewers. This practice is syndicated content at work.
When you search Google News and find the same news stories being shared by multiple websites – That is syndicated content!
Content like news, press releases and articles are similar and are considered Syndicated Content. If the content is of good quality or vast public interest, you will probably end up seeing it in multiple places.
Syndicated Content is not evil like so many think it is. Syndicated Content has been around much longer than Google and it’s not going anywhere simply because some have labeled it as “duplicate content” which it is NOT.
In all fairness, quality syndicated content does not mean it’s okay to run out and grab a bunch of PLR (private label rights) articles to use.
Syndicated Content is original pieces where the author retains ownership, but shares it with other blogs or websites.
Myth: Using Syndicated Content Will Get You Banned From Google
I’m not asking you to take my word for it, see what Google has to say about it here: http://www.google.com/support/webmasters/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=66359
Specifically, about Syndicated Content, Google says:
“If you syndicate your content on other sites, Google will always show the version we think is most appropriate for users in each given search, which may or may not be the version you’d prefer.”
And about Duplicate Content, Google says:
- “However, in some cases, content is deliberately duplicated across domains in an attempt to manipulate search engine rankings or win more traffic. Deceptive practices like this can result in a poor user experience, when a visitor sees substantially the same content repeated within a set of search results.”
- “Duplicate content on a site is not grounds for action on that site unless it appears that the intent of the duplicate content is to be deceptive and manipulate search engine results.”
- “In the rare cases in which Google perceives that duplicate content may be shown with intent to manipulate our rankings and deceive our users, we’ll also make appropriate adjustments in the indexing and ranking of the sites involved.”
When it comes to SEO and your blog, keep the White-Hat! Don’t try to manipulate Google using techniques that are sneaky and violate Google’s Terms of Use. Instead, use a mix of quality syndicated content and original content.
With that said, I am opening up my doors for bloggers to share their posts on my blogs. Writers/Bloggers are invited to guest post or become regular contributors where they are free to bring content previously posted on their OWN blogs and provide a link back to the original. As long as there is a full week between postings in the two locations, Google will get the “original version” right.
If you are interested in guest posting and regular contributor opportunities let me know by visiting the link provided or dropping a comment below.
Opportunities available in the following niches: Dating & Relationships ~ Diet & Weight Loss ~ Parenting, Family, Marriage & Divorce ~ Holiday Shopping ~ Bullying
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My Comment Commitment: If you leave an approved comment on any of my posts, I will visit your blog and “share it” in some way whether on StumbleUpon, Twitter or Facebook depending on if I can find a nice fit.
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