Using (duplicate) content in different contexts

[SYSE]

I have three distinct hosting products, each solving three different problems. While these three products have different features in terms of functionality, they are all built on the same platform. Now, in terms of marketing some features of the platform, f.ex. High Availability, is significant to all of the products. How do I go about to include information about this feature on all product pages without getting penalized for duplicate content?

Is there a way to tell Google that parts of the content on the pages for product 1-3 is duplicated with intent, or duplicated from f.ex. a page that explains the technical aspects of the platform?

[LynnPatchett]

Hi,

If the 3 products are aimed at solving three different problems then I would think you could write enough unique content for each page that you wont have a problem. Explain what each product is good for, how it differs from the others, what kind of customer it is aimed at etc. As long as you dont have just one unique sentence at the top of each page and then a massive list of features duplicated across the pages you should be ok.

[SYSE]

I've come to the same conclusion myself, but I still find it to be a huge drawback. Consider three different cars, all using the same fantastic engine technology; you won't be able to elaborate on the different landing pages because Google find it to be duplicate content. You would have to link to it, and thus leading the customer to another page, with the engine technology as topic. You'll lose focus, risk losing interest and sales and would have to put a lot of work into maintaining a positive and selling experience just because you want to use key engine features in the content on the actual product page.

A plausible workaround is using an IFRAME and/or JavaScript, but that is not a very nice approach. When Google is measuring (ranking) pages they also skew the web in how we design pages, layouts, content, and IMHO the absence of something like rel canonical for content sections is fueling bad approaches in webdesign. (Read it and weep, Matt)

[LynnPatchett]

I know it can be tough but even in the car example I don't think it is so difficult to get unique content. Different cars = different target groups with different interests, needs etc. It forces you to try to get inside the mind of your various target audiences, but that is a good thing right?! I wouldnt often consider trying to hide the content with javascript etc, I am sure you can get enough unique content to make it non duplicate with a bit of brainstorming about what each product means to each group.

[SYSE]

Agreed, but the point isn't that it's hard to create enough unique content; I got unique content up the yingyang My point is that I'm unable to elaborate on (important) key features of a product - on the product page - just because other products share those features. And that's just stupid

[LynnPatchett]

I guess it might depend a bit on what are the most important features of each product. Are the differences most important or the generic (but important) features across all products more important? If the first then separate pages makes sense, if the second then maybe consolidating onto one page makes more sense. You could also try giving a full feature rundown on your most important/visible product page and then give a shortened version on the other two referencing the first one with a "for a complete rundown of all features" type link.