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IMO they are creating problem for no reason. I can't think of any reason a separate server would be worth the headache. Just put it in it's own folder or subdomain if you really want to separate them. IMO.

Try changing the user agent to googlebot and see if it works

Great conversion. I appreciate hearing other peoples' experiences. For this project I came up with the following (after spending several hours reading about the numerous and varied disciplines that fall under the "content marketing" umbrella).

We are seeking a content development professional to produce core website content for our agency clients. The job is to flesh out existing assets and create new copy and content with the goals of attracting and engaging customers, driving leads, and meeting client business objectives. This person should understand how copy, content, and high-quality user experiences contribute to search engine performance.

We need 10 core web pages averaging between 800 and 1,500 words each, to be completed before June 1.

There are two essential characteristics that will make this project successful:

1) Develop compelling copy. This will require you to independently research the client, products/services, audience/customers, and market. We will provide briefs and support, but quality content comes from topical familiarity.

2) Develop and outline content tactics with an up-to-date understanding of SEO and the interplay of text, styling, layout, supporting assets and their impact on Google search and user experience.

Show me someone who can define "semantic content", explain how to optimize for SERP features, and name two SEO posts they've read in the last month, then write 1,000 coherent words on, well, anything, and I'll hire them tomorrow.

You don't need to be an expert in the topic. Far too many experts can't express their expertise in writing. You just have to be smart and curious. Oh, also you have to be able to write. So, this unicorn is someone who operates between fluffy "copywriters", bs marketers, and incoherent / overly cerebral experts. Bonus point: If a candidate can explain Rank Brain I'll boost their starting wage 10%.

You're exactly right, "clients need you to even create the content". Ergo, being an expert is not even a possibility. If they could do it they would have already done it! The client wants OUR expertise. That's why they hire us! A good journalist can do their research and write a reasonable article. What's wrong with asking a copywriter to do the same?

Thanks James - If I were starting out today I would very seriously consider the role I've described as a career path. You don't have to know everything. You just need to know enough. As an old dog myself I see my role (of many) as mentoring and getting across the finish line. I would be thrilled to have someone who can deliver B+ web content. We have specialists to handle the tech side, the dev, the UX. An apt wordsmith who reads SEO blogs could be looking at a six figure salary in short order.

A great web page (for organic search) needs more than great copy. Tons of articles tell us how important it is construct a web page. Others beat the drum of content, content, content. Who are these unicorns who understand on-page SEO and are great writers to boot?

I'm imagining a "content developer", or I might call it a "technical SEO writer. Neither really captures the need. I don't need a copywriter to deliver some text, nor an SEO who can't write their way out of the paper sack. I need an "SEO content specialist" who can craft an on-page experience; someone who thinks about things like SERP features and understands the concepts of semantic content.

The problem is that I have no idea how to find this person. "Content Marketing" is the buzz right now, but that's not it either. I'm not talking about a blogs and social media. I'm talking about building great, core web pages.

Does anyone else have this challenge? How have you been successful? Where do unicorns live?

Thomas, I agree with you about a copywriter's role and expertise. My point is that there ARE differences in the copy produced by a capable wordsmith versus a writer that understands and considers things like SERP features, semantic scope, mobile vs desktop experience, the role of supporting assets, etc. I've spent so much time massaging professional copy that, by the time it was passably optimized, I had basically done it myself. So yes, I already pay 2x for optimized web copy (and code). The problem is that_ half of that cost is my time_. I would definitely pay a premium for a copywriter with SEO chops.

I digress... The question is whether decent web page / blog copy published via wysiwyg is any more or less successful, SEO-wise, than the same copy coded by hand (by which I mean foundational SEO, not ninja guru jedi sh*t). I'm asking a specific technical question; wysiswyg vs hand coding.

There is clear consensus here that coding by hand (done well) has a better chance to rank on the Google. That's pretty obvious, really. That is not the thrust of the question. Good copywriters write good copy. Good SEOs do good SEO.

Copywriting is tough. We ask these professionals to become experts in topics (and their page-level details) in a matter of just a few (billable) hours. On the other hand, we SEOs spend weeks, months, and years with our clients. We understand their market, audience, vernacular, and differentiating nuance. I don't envy the copywriters' challenge, but I will pay a premium for a unicorn who can do it all.

...I digress again... This is a technical question: What is the delta for the same copy produced via wysiwyg vs. by hand?

Thanks everyone. It would be great if copywriters knew basic html and code. If you know anyone send them to me!! In my experience they don't and won't (HUGE opportunity here). You have all touched on the implications if wysiwyg IS a problem. If so I have to ask myself 1) how big is the problem, 2) how big is the opportunity, and therefore 3) how much are we willing to invest to hire or train these unicorns? Even bringing it up with some writers may be enough to ruffle their feathers so I'm looking for some data.

Many bloggers use a wysiwyg editor to write posts. Are there any drawbacks to wysiwyg vs plain text? When I write blogs I prefer to hand code my text to be sure everything is optimized. My feeling is that wysiwyg leads to code bloat and generally fewer optimization opportunities. I have no real evidence. Is there any reason not to use the wysiwyg editor?