Users visit (or should visit) your site for a given reason, and that reason has a name: content. Though the are mutiple types of web content (graphics, multimedia, downloads...) we will focus on the predominant one: textual content. In any case, the following definitions are also applicable to any other kind.

WHAT IS GOOD CONTENT?

Good content can be defined as that which attracts users and keeps them coming back to your site.

In addition, content is effective if it leads visitors to an specific goal. Always that goal exists, of course; for many people, attracting and keeping users will be more than enough. But effectiveness is another story and will be told another time.

Getting back to the main point, we can say that web content is good if it is:

• Valuable: Internet users pay limited attention to web sites so you need to ensure that your content is worth for them. Your visitors should perceive real and current value from your site in any form (information, advice, entertainment...) so content must be relevant and useful for them.
• Original: Your content will be worthless, even though being relevant and useful, if users can find the exact same thing on other web sites. Give your visitors a reason to choose your site over any other: a personal approach, some added value...
• Large: Valuable and original content will attract visitors; large content will make them come back. Once the users regard your site as a big source of high-quality content, it's only a matter of time before the amount of returning visitors to your site increases.
• Fresh: Following the previous point, fresh (current, up-to-date) content will also improve the perception of your site, and it will help to keep your visitors coming back. Of course for some kind of web sites (mainly informational) this will be a major issue, whereas for others it will not make such a difference.
• Attractive: This relates not to the content itself but to the way it is presented. You need great content but also that users fully realize it. An incorrect appreciation of your content will make all your efforts to be in vain.
• Free: The fact that your content neeeds to be valuable doesn't mean that it needs to have a commercial value for your visitors. Luckily the Internet is still the land of the free and, whatever the content you provide, probably someone is offering something similar for free.

  As a general rule, don't even bother trying to get paid directly for your content. Don't forget there are other ways to monetize your site, mainly through advertising.

THE IMPORTANCE OF FEEDBACK

Every different person is attracted to very different things, so "good" content as defined before is completely subjective. Hence the importance of knowing your users.

Ask their opinion (directly or indirectly) and find out what they really need from your web site, so you can adapt your content accordingly.

Original article published by Javier Garc