Google Says Cut the Fluff: Filler Content Doesn’t Help Rankings
Ever wonder if adding extra paragraphs just to make a page longer actually helps your site rank? Well, Google’s basically saying, “Cut the fluff!” Roger Montti recently covered Google’s advice about something they call “filler content,” and it’s a wake-up call for anyone creating stuff online.
What Exactly is ‘Filler Content’?
Now, this isn’t quite the same as “thin content,” where a whole page just doesn’t offer much value. Filler content is different – it’s the unnecessary words, the extra sections, the rambling bits you add to an otherwise decent page, maybe hoping to hit a word count or stuff in more keywords.
Focus on User Needs, Not Word Count
Think about it: Does adding a long, boring history section really help someone looking for a quick product comparison? Probably not. Google wants content creators and SEO pros to focus laser-sharp on giving users what they came for, quickly and clearly.
Value Beats Volume: The Takeaway for Creators
My take? This confirms what savvy marketers already know: value beats volume every single time. Google is getting smarter about understanding what’s truly helpful versus what’s just taking up space. Adding words for the sake of words can actually hurt you now, making your page less helpful and potentially signaling low quality. It’s time to trim the fat, get straight to the point, and make sure every sentence serves the reader.
Audit Your Pages and Learn More
Are you ready to audit your own pages?
For a deeper dive into what Google said and what counts as filler, you should definitely read Roger Montti’s full breakdown on filler content.