As a small business owner, you know the power of positive word-of-mouth. When a respected community member or organization gives you a shout-out, it’s a huge win! When it happens online, you might be wondering how to share that fantastic news on your own website without getting into an SEO battle with a website that’s trying to support you.
Simply copying and pasting a third-party article can actually hurt your website’s search ranking. The good news is, there’s a simple, effective way to leverage these community endorsements that helps everyone involved.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to get it right.
1. Don’t Just Copy and Paste
The number one rule of thumb: never duplicate content. Search engines like Google can penalize websites that have identical content, creating confusion about which source is the original. This can hurt the SEO of both your site and the one that featured you. Instead, you need to create your own unique content that links to the original source.
2. Create a “Press” or “In the News” Page or Category
A dedicated page on your website is the perfect way to showcase all your positive press. It shows credibility and establishes you as a valued part of your community. Title the page something clear like “In the News,” “Community Support,” or “Press Mentions.”
3. Share with Strategic Links and Quotes
On your new page, you’ll want to highlight each mention with your own original content. Here’s how:
- Write a Brief Summary:
In one or two sentences, summarize what the article or post is about. - Pull a Positive Quote:
Find a quote from the original piece that sparks interest in reading more about the story and then use it on your page. For example, if a community calendar said your event was “a cornerstone for local action,” use that exact phrase. Be sure to attribute the quote to the source. - Link Directly to the Source:
This is the most critical step. Create a link that directs visitors to the original article. This sends traffic to the other site, gives them credit, and shows search engines that you’re not trying to steal their content.
4. Amplify on Social Media
Once you have your “In the News” page set up, you have a perfect reason to talk about it on social media. Share your new page with your followers and, most importantly, tag the organization that wrote the original piece. This not only gives them a heads-up but also encourages them to share your post with their own audience.
5. Measure Your Success
Part of a smart digital strategy is knowing what’s working. Pay attention to your website analytics. You should see an increase in referral traffic from the sites that have featured you, as well as more visits to your new “In the News” page. These are clear signs that your efforts are paying off and building valuable relationships.
Sharing community mentions is a fantastic way to build trust and show off your hard work. By using these strategies, you can highlight all of your successes without sacrificing your valuable online presence. It’s a win-win for everyone involved!