6 Steps to Get AI to Recommend Your Brand

You may feel powerless against Google’s ranking algorithms. Many websites have seen their traffic skyrocket, while others have disappeared from search results overnight. Fortunately, Google has provided guidelines on what content is deemed helpful. If you adhere to these standards, your content has a better chance of succeeding in search results.

What Is Helpful Content?

Helpful content is designed to meet the needs of searchers. It should be written for people rather than search engines. Google’s Helpful Content Update (HCU) aims to reward original, people-first content while diminishing the visibility of pages created solely for search engine optimization.

Key Characteristics of Helpful Content:

• Provides trustworthy information backed by expertise
• Delivers substantial value compared to competing results
• Demonstrates firsthand experience with the topic
• Creates a satisfying user experience
• Serves a purpose beyond just ranking in search

10 Ways to Create Helpful Content That Google Rewards

1. Incorporate Firsthand Experiences
   Adding personal stories and examples can enhance the helpfulness of your content. It conveys expertise showcasing genuine knowledge.
   Example: The backlink guide by Brian Dean incorporates real email templates, screenshots, steps, and tool recommendations that worked in his experience.

2. Add Expert Insights and Quotes
   Expert quotes add authority and new perspectives that can make your content stand out.
   Example: Chewy includes insights from veterinarians to elevate the trustworthiness of its articles.

3. Create Content That Meets Search Intent
   Understanding search intent is crucial for creating helpful content. It’s essential to provide the precise information users seek.

   • Types of Search Intent:
     • Informational
     • Navigational
     • Commercial
     • Transactional

4. Use Reputable Sources
   High-quality sources lend credibility to your content. Citing original studies enhances your trustworthiness.

5. Hire Writers with Topical Experience
   Experienced writers provide nuanced insights and practical advice that enrich content.

6. Provide an Optimal Page Experience
   A good user experience entails fast load times and easy navigation.

   • Core Web Vitals to Monitor:
     • Largest Contentful Paint (LCP)
     • Interaction to Next Paint (INP)
     • Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS)

7. Seek Information Gain
   Adding unique insights or original research can give your content an edge.

   • Methods for Achieving Information Gain:
     • Original research
     • Proprietary frameworks
     • Product testing

8. Refresh Existing Content
   Updating existing articles can yield rapid results in traffic. It’s critical to enhance outdated information with current data and insights.

9. Create Helpful Graphics and Videos
   Visuals can clarify complex topics and keep readers engaged. Ensuring that graphics complement the written content is essential.

10. Be Strategic with AI Writing Tools
    While AI tools can assist in content creation, they should not replace human insight. Using AI responsibly involves focusing on quality enhancement rather than quantities of production.

Bonus: Evaluate Your Content’s Helpfulness with Google’s “Who-How-Why” Framework

• Who: Emphasizes the expertise of content creators. Detailed bios enhance credibility.
• How: Focuses on transparent research methods, backed by data.
• Why: Important to ensure content serves a genuine purpose, not just for traffic.

Employing these strategies will not only create valuable content for users but also align with Google’s guidelines, enhancing your chances of ranking well on search engine results.