Why I Turned Down a Website Content Project

There are a lot of businesses that underestimate the importance of a unique and well-crafted website. Recently, a potential client approached me wanting a new website, but with a concerning request: They wanted me to simply copy content from a competitor's site. Their reasoning? "We sell the same thing, so it's all the same information. It's OK to do that, right?"

Well, no, it's not.

While this might seem like easy money (you're essentially re-inputting copy) and a quick solution for the client, I declined the project. Here's why:

• Duplicity Hurts Your SEO: Search engines penalize websites with duplicate content. Google (and other SEs) wants to show users original information. Copying another site basically makes yours invisible in search results.

• Lack of Brand Identity: Your website is your digital storefront and it should reflect your brand's unique voice and values. Copying another company erases this opportunity to tell your story and connect with your audience.

• Potential Legal Issues: Copyright infringement is a serious matter. Copying text, images, or design elements from another site can lead to legal trouble.

I explained to the client the importance of creating original content that highlights their brand's strengths and sets them apart from the competition. Building a unique website takes time, research, and effort, but the payoff is a powerful marketing tool that attracts customers and drives sales.

In the end, they decided it would be cheaper to copy - because OF COURSE it would be! I told them to give me a call when they want something that sets them apart from their competition.

Writers, have you ever turned down $$ because a client wants you to copy a website?

#websitecontent #contentmarketing #branding #noclonezone