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Writing for the web course participants’ guide

Avoid content ‘ROT’

ROT is an acronym that stands for 'redundant', ''outdated', 'trivial' - all things you don't want your content to be.

Summary: Make sure your content is current and relevant to your users.

ROT is an acronym that stands for 'redundant', ''outdated', 'trivial' - all things you don't want your content to be.

ROT explained

Make sure your content is not:

Redundant – a copy or rehash of information published elsewhere. It frustrates search engines and confuses users.

Outdated – no longer current, or no longer relevant. Users may be misled, make errors or lose trust in your website as a source of useful information.

Trivial – tells users what they already know or they don’t need it so they’re unlikely to bother reading it.

Causes of content ROT

Content ROT is caused by:

  • a poor understanding of your users, why they came to the site and what they need
  • focusing too much on publishing/meeting a deadline
  • forgetting to evaluate, monitor or maintain content.