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Thin Content

Thin content is content that does not provide any real value to readers, including lack of new information or satisfying search intent, regardless of character count. Google may derank or de-index thin content.

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Thin content is not only ‘thin’ because it has a low character count. Even if it is written in thousands of words, it is thin content if it contains no new information or substantive value. Google evaluates pages based on whether they sufficiently answer readers' questions and whether they provide better value than competing pages.

The main types of thin content are ① automatically generated content (template with only keywords replaced), ② scraping content (copying content from another site), ③ affiliate page (copy of manufacturer description + purchase link), ④ doorway page (empty landing page targeting only specific keywords), and ⑤ abuse of duplicate or similar content.

The problem of thin content is worsening with the spread of AI content creation tools. Even AI-generated content can be helpful if it is reviewed and supplemented by humans to add practical value, but AI-generated → unedited posting is a representative type of thin content.

Key takeaways

  • Absence of value: Content that does not actually answer the reader’s questions.
  • Automatic generation: Content created without editing by simply changing keywords or using AI.
  • Copy content: Scraping content that uses the content of another site.
  • Affiliate Abuse: This is a product introduction page that contains only the manufacturer's description and has no value from the reader's perspective.
  • After discovery through content audit, it is necessary to improve (refresh) or integrate or delete (pruning).

References

Frequently asked questions

When you come across thin content, should you delete it?

There is no need to necessarily delete it. If value can be added through content refresh (enhancement), improvement is a priority. If you have several thin pages with similar topics, it is a good idea to combine them into one. Pages that cannot add value and have no business purpose are deleted and then 301 redirected or noindexed.

Is all AI-generated content thin content?

The problem is not AI use itself, but whether it has been reviewed and supplemented by humans to add real value. Google evaluates whether content is actually helpful to people rather than whether AI was used to create it. Augmenting AI drafts with expert knowledge, real-world examples, and original data can create helpful content.

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