Duplicate content

[peterm2]

Hello mozzers,

I have an unusual question. I've created a page that I am fully aware that it is near 100% duplicate content. It quotes the law, so it's not changeable. The page is very linkable in my niche. Is there a way I can build quality links to it that benefit my overall websites DA (i'm not bothered about the linkable page being ranked) without risking panda/dupe content issues?

Thanks,

Peter

[Andy.Drinkwater]

Hi Peter,

First of all, I would ensure the page is noindexed as this will prevent issues. As long as the page is followed (don't set nofollow) then page rank will flow from this. All noindex does is prevent Google from showing the page. However, this will only benefit other pages linked from there as you will get pass-through page rank - Google isn't going to rank a noindexed page or one that is just duplication.

Is there a way I can build quality links to it that benefit my overall websites DA

So to answer your question, yes.

Alternatively, try and get people to link to your homepage?

-Andy

[CleverPhD]

If you have to quote the law, then why not make the page more unique and provide more analysis around it.  Why not add information from other laws and legal input.  Nothing is ever 100% original.  All modern science is built upon the "shoulders of giants", they reference previous works and expand from there, but very commonly, summarizing (known as a meta analysis) is a new way of looking at old data and is considered original and helpful.

Say you needed to quote the law on drunk driving in a particular city. You probably need to not just quote the law, but answer the question, "If I get pulled over for drunk driving, what should I do?"  "If I need a lawyer what should I do?" "How do I find a good lawyer who specializes in drunk driving?"  Show stats on how many drunk driving offenses occur in that particular city and suburbs.  You get the idea.   If it is appropriate quote the law and then link back to the government page that you found it on.   Shoot a video with an expert talking about all these things - you get the idea.

None of the individual pieces are "original" per se, but pulling it all together is, and this is not only helpful to the user (who now does not have to spend all this time researching), but you have a great page that covers a nice range of keywords related to drunk driving laws.  The page I mention above is a very linkable and shareable page on the topic.

Quote the law, link to the reference, but build content around it and you can potentially rank for it.

Good luck!

[Stramark]

Using Noindex is a solution to prevent any problems,

but what about linking to your original (law) source? The page could be indexed and as long as you have enough good quality content on your website you should not have any trouble i think.

CleverPHD makes a good point about writing some text of your own!