The Challenge of Modern SEO: Why EverymanSci’s Quality Content Struggles to Gain Traction
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) has become an increasingly challenging game, especially for websites like EverymanSci.com, where high-quality, volunteer-driven content competes against high-profile publications. Despite over 360 unique articles and a Facebook following of 12,000, EverymanSci barely breaks even, covering only basic hosting costs. In this article, we’ll look at the SEO hurdles that smaller websites face, why content quality alone isn’t enough, and our plans to reach a wider audience without compromising our mission.
High-Quality Content Meets Modern SEO Demands – And Fails to Rise
EverymanSci.com was launched a year ago with the goal of bringing complex scientific ideas to a broader audience. With articles that break down scientific research, explain new discoveries, and analyze emerging tech trends, we strive to make science accessible for everyone—not just academics. However, this dedication to quality hasn’t translated into financial stability or significant growth in site traffic. In an average day, our site attracts around 30 visitors, a modest number considering our content depth and the labor involved.
Our content, written entirely by volunteers, aims to simplify science for the “everyman.” Yet, competing with established science magazines is difficult. Google’s algorithms are tough on newer, lesser-known websites, particularly those without a solid backlink profile. Building these backlinks is an uphill battle; larger magazines rarely link to smaller publications unless they are already well-established. SEO algorithms tend to reward already-recognized sites, making it difficult for newer players like EverymanSci to build initial visibility.
The Facebook Challenge: 12,000 Followers, 120 Impressions
Social media was initially expected to be a reliable traffic source. However, recent changes in Facebook’s algorithm have significantly limited our reach. Despite having 12,000 followers, posts on our page often see only around 120 impressions. This drastic decrease in visibility has made Facebook an ineffective promotional tool, especially when it comes to converting impressions to site visits. The irony? With 12,000 followers, we still struggle to attract even one visitor per post on average. This situation highlights how changes in platform algorithms can impact smaller sites, stifling their growth potential.
Sole Revenue Stream: Google Ads
Currently, our only monetization method is Google Ads. While ads do generate some revenue, it’s far from sufficient to support a paid content model. The revenue generated barely covers our hosting costs, making it challenging to invest in further site development or content marketing. Without a diversified income stream, we remain heavily reliant on organic traffic—an uphill struggle given the SEO challenges we face.
Our Plan to Boost Readership and Revenue
Given these challenges, we are exploring new ways to engage with our readers and generate revenue. Here are some of the ideas on our roadmap:
- Monthly Newsletter: We are considering implementing a monthly newsletter that would provide subscribers with a roundup of the month’s best articles. By curating highlights, we hope to retain loyal readers and keep them engaged with new content.
- Merchandise: To diversify revenue streams, we’re exploring the idea of offering EverymanSci-themed products, such as T-shirts with scientific graphics or witty designs. This would allow our audience to support our mission directly while wearing designs that reflect their love for science.
- Call for Contributions: Since all our content is created by unpaid volunteers, we would like to reach out to our audience for article submissions. If you have a background in science or a passion for simplifying complex topics, we encourage you to contribute. While we’d love to offer payment, our current revenue simply doesn’t allow for it—yet.
Staying True to Our Mission
Despite these hurdles, our mission remains clear: to make scientific knowledge accessible and engaging for everyone. At EverymanSci, we believe in the importance of democratizing science and presenting research in a way that resonates beyond academic circles. With your support, we can continue this journey, find new ways to grow our loyal audience, and maybe one day achieve the resources needed to pay our contributors.
Join us in this mission, subscribe to our upoming newsletter, explore our upcoming merchandise, or reach out if you have a story to share. Together, we can help EverymanSci reach new heights.
Contact: [email protected]
