Why It Matters
When content is written once and linked clearly, people trust it more. But if the same information appears in multiple places, it can:
- Confuse users
- Hurt search results
- Make our websites seem less reliable
If users find two similar pages, they may not know which one is right. That can lead to more calls or emails for help.
What You Should Do
Before you publish something, check if it already exists. Ask yourself:
- Has someone already written about this?
- Is the information easy to find?
- Are we giving users a clear and consistent message?
How to Check
- Search online using Google or Bing—just like your users would.
- Look for the source—If you're writing about a government service, check what the agency in charge has already published.
- Do a content audit—If you're starting a big project, review what content already exists. Ask:
- Is it helpful?
- Does it meet user needs?
- What needs to change?
Focus your work on improving or updating what’s already there, instead of creating something new that might compete with it.
