Content
The term “content” describes the content of a website, blog or community. The term was coined in the mid-nineties in the context of new media and stands for both text and image material that is integrated on a website. In the course of digitization, media content is now available in a wide variety of forms. In addition to text and image files, digital content also includes video and audio data.
Content – important for search engine rankings
The content of a website is still the most important factor for ranking in search engines. In order to rank high in search engine results, websites must be regularly updated with fresh content and the appropriate keywords in the text and metadata. Texts, videos and images are of central importance for search engines. In the meantime, the time that Internet users spend on a website is also taken into account in the Google ranking. In order for Internet users to stay on one’s own website for a long time, it is relevant that the content corresponds to the users’ search queries and the content is unique. Unique content on the Internet also has the advantage that it does not violate the copyrights of third parties, because it is not copied text or images. Content agencies deliver unique content for website operators and online stores, which benefits both the reader and the search engine ranking.
Paid content versus open content
In connection with the term content, the terms “paid content” or “open content” are often used. Paid content refers to text, image, sound or video content that can only be accessed in return for payment. This includes, for example, downloading a newspaper article, a music or film file. In contrast to such paid content is “open content”. Open content is content that is available for free use and redistribution. The free content may not only be used for private and commercial purposes, it can also be modified as desired.
User-generated content
With the spread of interactive Internet platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Wikipedia, blogs and communities, a transformation has taken place on the Internet. More and more users are taking advantage of the opportunity to help shape the Web with their own user-generated content. The term Web 2.0 was henceforth coined for the interactive design and participation possibilities of the users on the Internet.
