What is 10x Content?
10x content is the term used in content marketing to describe content that needs to be 10 times as good as the content that is already ranking for a given keyword or topic.
The term was originally coined by Moz’s Rand Fiskin in 2015 in one of his “Whiteboard Friday” episodes. 10x content applies to more than just written articles – it also applies to video content and landing page copy.
Why is 10x content important?
Fiskin developed this strategy after realizing just how competitive the content market was. The reality is that the internet is already so highly saturated with good content that in order to rank, you will need to create something so much better than your competitors that Google (and your users) can’t ignore it.
Google’s algorithms and user expectations have evolved dramatically since the early days of the internet. It is no longer enough just to fit a few keywords and backlinks into your content and expect to rank. Creating content that ranks in the number one spot on Google takes a lot of time and effort, and it’s something you will need to be prepared for.
Best Practices For Creating 10x Content
- Make sure your content looks more appealing
First impressions are everything online. In 2015, Microsoft conducted an oft-cited study that found that humans had an attention span of just eight seconds – and many worry that this has only gotten worse in the years since. Because you only have a few seconds to catch the reader’s attention, your webpage must look great and be well-written.
Take a look at what your competitors are doing and pinpoint ways that you can improve your site’s design and functionality. Even small changes like better formatting can make a huge difference when it comes to user impressions. Today’s consumers gravitate towards clean, modern web design. Dated web design not only looks unappealing, but your users may also wonder if your site has been abandoned. - Provide a unique angle
FAQ
While developing quality content is the most important piece of the puzzle, this doesn’t mean you should skimp on other aspects of your SEO strategy. Even the most amazing content in the world still might not rank without a robust backlinking strategy.
Voice and authority are two more key considerations to keep in mind when creating 10x content. Consumers want to know that they are getting their information from a qualified, trusted source.