In a Google Search Office Hours video, Google representative Lizzi Sassman addressed a query related to thin content, dispelling a common misconception about its definition.
Thin Content:
The term “thin” typically refers to lacking thickness or width. While the immediate interpretation might associate thin content with a webpage having minimal content, the accurate definition revolves around content lacking added value. Examples include cookie-cutter pages closely resembling others and webpages copied from retailers or manufacturers without additional content.
Google’s Product Review Update specifically targets thin pages, such as review pages consisting only of product summaries. Thin pages share characteristics of lacking originality, minimal differentiation from others, and providing no distinct added value. Doorway pages, designed to rank for specific keywords, exemplify a form of thin content, often identical except for varying city names.
Are Short Articles Considered Thin Content?
The question posed inquired whether breaking down a lengthy article into shorter, interlinked articles would result in thin content. Lizzi Sassman responded, emphasizing that word count alone does not indicate thin content. Both having a comprehensive article exploring a topic deeply and breaking it into more digestible topics are valid approaches. The determination depends on the topic, audience, and the value provided on each page.
Splitting a Long Article Into Multiple Pages:
The question might refer to the practice of pagination, where a lengthy article is divided into interlinked pages, allowing users to click through for continued reading. While the Googler assumed the query involved breaking down a lengthy article into shorter articles on various topics, the non-live format of the SEO office hours prevented clarifying. Regardless, pagination is an acceptable method to present extensive content, and Google Search Central offers best practices for pagination.