Duplicate Content - Avoiding the Google Slap

There’s a lot of talk on the net about what constitutes as duplicate content and what doesn’t. In reality, no one can really tell you for certain whether your site will be penalized for duplicate content. However, there are a few key things you can do to avoid getting hit with the Google slap.  

First, Here are Google’s official guidelines for what constitutes a quality site:

• Avoid hidden text or hidden links.

• Don’t employ cloaking or sneaky redirects.

• Don’t send automated queries to Google.

• Don’t load pages with irrelevant words.

• Don’t create multiple pages, subdomains, or domains with substantially duplicate content.

• Don’t create pages that install viruses, Trojans, or other badware.

• Avoid “doorway” pages created just for search engines, or other “cookie cutter” approaches such as affiliate programs with little or no original content.

• If your site participates in an affiliate program, make sure that your site adds value. Provide unique and relevant content that gives users a reason to visit your site first.

You’ll notice Google’s guidelines for duplicate content read “Don’t create multiple pages, subdomains, or domains with substantially duplicate content.”

When Google speaks of duplicate content they’re not talking about the occasional snippet or quote or even syndicated article. Google’s main purpose is to provide quality content for their visitors. If your site is offering relevant and quality content, the occasional quality reprint article should not be a problem.

The problem arises when business owners build sites specifically without their visitors in mind. i.e., the site is built to make money without taking what the visitor actually needs and wants into account.  

Here’s another quote from Google’s official website (source Google.com blog – Adam Lasnik) 

“Though we do offer a handy translation utility, our algorithms won’t view the same article written in English and Spanish as duplicate content. Similarly, you shouldn’t worry about occasional snippets (quotes and otherwise) being flagged as duplicate content.” 

Remember, Google has a job to do and that is to provide their customers with the most targeted and quality search results. Instead of working yourself into a frenzy or living in fear of your site being penalized, start taking proactive measures to ensure your site meets all the guidelines for quality.  

One of the main guidelines is “Make pages for users, not for search engines.” You can easily do this by keeping your customers best interest in mind at all times.  

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