How Does Google Identify Thin Pages

[JorgeV]

Hello-

Thin page / content, can be a problem in some cases. The size of a page (number of words/images/...) is one thing but the quality of the content is another.

Sometimes, a given subject will result in a very thin page. A couple of sentences can perfectly bring an accurate and pertinent answer to a given question.

Is Google really able to "understand" and "value" the content of a page, regardless of its thinness? In other word, should I/we worry, about thin pages even if they, in my opinion, they bring the appropriate answer?

[skaterpunk]

I would say, "think as a user". If you feel there is a answer that searchers are looking for and you want to fill that void, don't worry about if google thinks the content is too thin.

But, a short answer may be fully displayed in googles answer boxes, which may not lead to a click to your site.

[seo21]

Google say thin pages don't matter. Id say it depends on what keywords you are targeting on that page and what content the number one SERP result page features. If the top page on the SERP has lots of content and best serves the query then your likely to outrank it with a thin page regardless.

[JorgeV]

Thank you for your replies.

One more question.

I don't really mind that my "thin" pages rank well or not, however, I often read that, having "thin" pages, has a negative impact on the ranking of the "whole" site. (the site being "penalized"). Is that true, false, evidences, unrelated?

I could noindex my thin pages, but I see no point of the noindex tag. If a page/content has a legitimate existance, it's meant to be index, and eventually findable in SE.

[topr8]

@seo21

is there a typo in your answer? as it makes no sense - to me anyway!

eg .. did you mean: unlikely

[tangor]

My experience is that so-called "thin content" has other features that confirm it is less than desirable that simply because it is "short" or "brief".

That said, we really do not KNOW that g thinks is "thin" content. Until re-ranked/de-moted ... and by that time it is too late.

Sadly, the specter of "thin" has produced some of the ugliest pages of all time where worriers pad out SIMPLE and CONCISE with more words than are necessary, creating a less than desirable user experience ...

And THOSE folks wonder why they can't get a break in the serps.

Pick and chose, chose and pick ... find the sweet spot!

[seo21]

@topr8+

Yes a typo sorry. I meant unlikely.