11 I agree with the general approach

I agree with the general approach. However, when it comes to SEO it seems (at least from what I’ve noticed) that content is not the most important part of it. For example, flash sites that rank well even when the Search engines don’t see their actual content, or commercial sites that don’t have content at all (other than products to sell..) and rank well.

In any case, thanks for a well writen article!

posted at 08:20 am on August 21, 2009 by forex

12 Content Strategy runs with SEO

Margot,

Hi.

To realize success, esp. when success is defined as an increase in return on investment, ROI, it’s mandatory to be able to differentiate between the segment of the populace you’ve referred to as “click-through tourists” and those who will participate in a “success event”. To continue with the gym example, a “success event” is, of course, a gym membership. Depending on offerings, a “success event” could also include registration for packages of classes (volume discount incentives), an individual class, or an event; an ability to book court time, steam room time, whirl pool time, a trainer; or subscribe to a news letter, etc.

To make such a differentiation, the long tail (search term) used by the sub-segment of the populace who both participates in a success event and reached the site after clicking through from a search engine results page, SERP, or have participated in the site’s internal search (assuming the site has one) must be harvested. In this sense, implementing web analytics tags on each click though event is the single most important task to building a strategy of engagement for a successful search engine optimization, SEO, campaign. It is with these long tail phrases that one begins SEO keyword research and with which one peppers the page content, including placement of those long tails in some 200 attributes, elements, and tags (as appropriate) to which Google pays attention.

Thanks for the thoroughness which which you’ve presented a “Case for Content Strategy”.

Rob

posted at 01:07 pm on August 24, 2009 by PageRankSEO

13

I especially like the second tip at the end. It’s true that sometimes one reads too much in what the client says and that causes the work to become less unique and more routine.

posted at 11:19 am on August 25, 2009 by patrick_l

14 Content is King. Design is its Tailor.

Coming from the design side of the fence, this article sums up nearly every discussion I’ve had with other designers, developers and clients in recent weeks. Everyone has an opinion—and all agree on the principle of “content strategy”—but few follow through.

Why is that?

For one, Websites these days are often populated with content derived from multiple sources. When a dozen/hundred/thousand people in an organization are all responsible for writing articles, blog posts and other content, it’s difficult to harness their collective voice into a singular, coherent message. It requires a deep understanding of how one writes for the Web, and how your piece relates to the larger pie.

Some still think of a Website as a container to fill. But a Website should be an immersive experience—from aethetics to the actual content (and everything in between). To neglect the substance is both a disappointment and a disservice to the User.

posted at 11:41 am on August 25, 2009 by Ruthless Mind

15 Such an abstract concept, but yet so necessary

I have not been following the whole IA as an actual practice in recent years, that kind of thing seemed to always just happen. But later on down the road, something feels wrong with the site, they can often feel disassociated… and I believe IA just puts a name to that problem. We have a general idea for a site, and it’s content, but never take the time to sit down and plan how it’ll all come together.

It seems that combining proper IA with SEO practices is a good fit. In my opinion, SEO and IA can conflict – at least in that when site owner focuses too much on SEO, IA sort of naturally degrades. Interesting article.. thanks!

posted at 04:18 pm on August 26, 2009 by web page designer

16 Thank you for this article

I have this problem a lot with my web design projects (don’t most web designers/architects/search engine marketers I hear you cry!).

I’ve picked up some really valuable points here, which have have been jotted down for a meeting next week.

Many thanks again for this post :-)

Karl

posted at 10:47 am on August 28, 2009 by Karlosb

17 Clients Aren't Always Convinced Before the Results

I was just working on a new article today discussing the difference between simple content and targeted/optimized content – I’ve found that, as you point out, it can take a bit of work convincing a client of the sort of work that’s required to build effective content. I’ve found that many clients are very skeptical until after you start working with them and “prove” that content management is important and effective.

Excellent post, and I’m looking forward to reading more.

posted at 12:45 pm on August 30, 2009 by rdube

18 An instant classic

I’ve told Margot this personally, but I just wanted to go on the record to say that this article will be shared with organizational teams for years to come. It’s an accessible and articulate approach to breaking down the benefits content strategy offers to projects and other disciplines alike. I love it, it’s awesome, and it makes me proud to call myself a content strategist.

I couldn’t be more thrilled that this article has the pass-along power that we’ve seen since its publication. Keep spreading the news, folks… content strategy’s time has come.

posted at 03:23 pm on September 5, 2009 by Kristina Halvorson

19 Nice read.

Your descriptions had me nodding along.

Recently I took for granted the qualities of a solid content strategist. Never again.

posted at 10:39 pm on September 15, 2009 by Joe Doyle

20 Every project needs long term Content Strategy

It seems like more and more of the projects I’m working on are in need of short term and long term messaging and content strategy. In the past, most of our clients have had a pretty strong vision of what their brand owned and how they were going to proceed with those assets. Not these days. It’s like everyone is waking up to the potential of their site and realizing that brochures don’t work so well.

I really liked the SEO implications section, something that is also on everyone’s minds, but they don’t know how to incorporate it into their greater strategy.

posted at 01:02 pm on September 23, 2009 by brettwebb

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