Duplicate Content is BAD?
Bad Duplicate Content
In most cases duplicate content is bad. Google crawls the web and when it finds the same content on more than one site it gives credit to only one site. Generally, the search engine gives credit to the more authoritative website. Plus, Google can place a small penalty on the websites with copied content.
Even if you have permission to share an article or post, it will still be counted as duplicate content! If you have an eCommerce site where the specs are similar not only on your site but possibly hundreds of others it is important to set your site apart unique content. This can involve writing new product descriptions, taking new photos, and hopefully adding unique content like product reviews.
Post Panda Update
Since Panda updates that started in 2011, the impact of duplicate content has become much more severe in some cases. MOZ says “Panda made duplicate content part of a broader quality equation – now, a duplicate content problem can impact your entire site. If you’re hit by Panda, non-duplicate pages may lose ranking power, stop ranking altogether, or even fall out of the index. Duplicate content is no longer an isolated problem.”
Duplicate Content From Canonical URLs
Pick a canonical (preferred) URL as the preferred version of the page. If you do not do this a search engine can look at every variation and choose which one if any to rank for the content.
For example a search engine can count each of the following as a completely different URL.
- www.2xsales.com
- 2xsales.com/
- www.2xsales.com/index.html
- 2xsales.com/home.asp
For more information about canonical URLs read our blog post WWW vs Non WWW Canonical Domain URL
If you are unsure and need advise or help with content writing contact the 2X Sales Team
Good Duplicate Content
Yes, there is such a thing as good duplicate content. Duplicate content can be rank individually if the content is in different media formats. For example – a blog post, YouTube video, Slideshare, and Postcast with the exact same content can rank individually for each.
Another instance where duplicate content can be beneficial is on article sites that have their own search engine. The site search engine is not going to penalize you for duplicate content
Where To Find Original Content
The best place to find original content is to write it yourself. It’s OK to do some research if needed, just be sure to write it in your own words. Of course, if you need help there are companies like us to write some copy for you. My experience with content generating software was been awful. Please do this yourself or hire a real person to do it for you.
What To Do If Someone Copies Your Content.
First, contact the owner of the website. Sometimes just bringing it to their attention will get them to remove it. However, if that does not work you can take further action. Google Support says – If you believe that another site is duplicating your content in violation of copyright law, you may contact the site’s host to request removal. In addition, you can request that Google remove the infringing page from our search results by filing a request under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act.
