If you’ve been tempted to borrow some content from your parent company for your blog, we get it. You’re busy, deadlines are looming, and let’s face it, creating original content can feel like trying to write the next great American novel while spinning a plate on your head. But before you copy-paste your way to blog content, listen up because this shortcut could lead you straight into a content dead end.
Here’s the deal, straight from the folks in the Website Department (that’s us, hello!): your blog deserves better. Original content isn’t just a “nice-to-have”—it’s the secret sauce that spices up your brand’s voice and helps your business stand out in a sea of sameness. Keep reading, and we’ll walk you through why reusing articles from your parent company might seem like a good idea but is actually a risky business.
The Problem With Reusing Articles From Your Parent Company
Alright, imagine this scenario. You need blog content, and it’s due yesterday. Your parent company dropped a handful of articles in your inbox. You copy one, slap your logo on it, hit “publish,” and voilà, you’re done! Seems like a win, right? Wrong.
Here’s why companies typically choose to use those provided articles:
- Time constraints: Writing original posts takes time, and you’ve got a thousand other things to do. Repurposing feels like a lifesaver.
- Brand consistency: Borrowing content helps maintain the overall brand alignment, which seems like a good thing at first glance.
- Lack of resources: If you’re short on writers or don’t have an in-house content team, existing articles become a go-to solution.
While these reasons seem logical in the moment, reusing content is like taking a shortcut on a scenic hiking trail. Sure, you get there faster, but you miss out on everything that makes the experience (and your brand) unique. Plus, the potential downsides far outweigh the convenience.
The Risks of Repurposing Content
OK, you’re probably thinking, “Is reusing content really that bad?” Spoiler alert: yep, it is. Here’s why repurposing content from your parent company can actually work against you.
1. Duplicate Content Hurts SEO
Search engines do not appreciate duplicate content. Google, the judgmental little algorithm that it is, penalizes websites that publish identical or near-identical content. This can tank your SEO rankings faster than you can say “organic traffic.”
If your blog looks like the copycat cousin of your parent company’s site, don’t be surprised when search engines put you in timeout. Instead of climbing the SEO ladder, you’ll be stuck on the first rung while your competitors are doing victory laps at the top.
2. Generic Content Doesn’t Resonate
Your audience isn’t just anyone; they’re your audience. Reusing content designed for another target group can make your blog feel about as personal as a generic birthday card from your dentist. If the content doesn’t speak directly to your readers’ specific needs, they’ll move on faster than you can say “unsubscribe.”
3. Loss of Brand Identity
Your blog is one of the best places to showcase your unique brand voice. Swapping this platform out for cookie-cutter content from your parent company waters down the personality and authenticity your audience craves. A borrowed voice is no voice at all.
The Benefits of Creating Original Content
Alright, enough with the doom and gloom. Here’s the silver lining: creating original content isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do. Why? Because the benefits are as clear as a freshly brewed cup of coffee on a Monday morning.
1. Boost Your SEO Rankings
Search engines love original content. When you publish fresh, high-quality posts tailored to your audience, you’re rewarded with better rankings and increased organic traffic. Think of it as an exclusive invite to the Google cool kids’ table.
2. Showcase Your Unique Voice
Your blog is your stage, and original content is your mic. Tell your story, share your insights, and connect on a personal level. When you develop your own voice and perspective, people won’t just read your blog; they’ll remember it.
3. Build Trust With Your Audience
Audiences are smart. They can sniff out a copied-and-pasted post in seconds. Original content demonstrates effort, care, and respect for your readers’ time. And trust breeds loyalty, which leads to long-term relationships and repeat customers.
Create Content that Boosts YOUR Brand
Now that you’re sold on creating original content, you might be wondering, “But how do I get started?” Don’t worry, we’ve got your back! Creating fresh, engaging content doesn’t have to feel like scaling Mount Everest. Here’s how you can tackle it effectively.
1. Research Like a Pro
Keeping up with trending topics and industry news is one of the easiest ways to inspire fresh content ideas. What’s hot? What’s engaging your audience today? A quick scroll through industry forums, LinkedIn, or Google Trends can work wonders.
2. Collaborate With Your Team
Tap into the minds of your employees across departments. Everyone has unique insights and experiences, whether it’s your customer service team who knows what questions get asked the most or your HR team with stories about unique employee initiatives. Getting input from different areas of the business can give your content an authentic, well-rounded feel.
3. Plan Ahead with a Content Calendar
If you’re flying by the seat of your pants, a content calendar is the trusty co-pilot you need. Scheduling blog topics in advance will ensure you consistently deliver fresh content without scrambling at the last minute.
4. Communicate Strongly Across Departments
Good content starts with good communication. Foster open and collaborative relationships between your Website Department (us!) and other teams. The more aligned everyone is, the better your content will be. Extra bonus? It makes your content production process run as smoothly as a well-oiled machine.
It’s Time to Give Reused Content the Boot
Reusing articles from your parent company may seem like an easy way out, but in reality, it’s more like a trapdoor into the depths of SEO purgatory. Original, high-quality content is your ticket to a more engaged audience, better brand recognition, and stronger search engine performance.
And hey, you don’t have to do it alone. Check Off Your List is here to guide you through this creative process and help turn your blog into a powerhouse of originality.
Got any tips or tricks up your sleeve for creating killer content? Drop us a comment below or reach out directly. We’d love to hear how you’re keeping your blog fresh and engaging. Happy blogging!
