Copyscape has revolutionized the way we approach Web writing. Not only will it show duplicate copy matches, it will pinpoint the location, number of matches and whether or not the original text has been cited.

We all know that plagiarism is wrong. Unethical, stealing, unoriginal— plagiarism has been called many things. But how does duplicate content affect a Web site’s SEO strategy? First the obvious: a visitor will notice if something sounds all too familiar, so say goodbye to a potential customer right there. But there is a less apparent reason for saying no-no to copying and pasting: it weakens both pages’ rankings by diluting the original site’s “juice.” Those pesky spiders don’t appreciate wannabes. According to the algorithms that be, imitation is not the sincerest form of flattery.

So Web writers, pay attention. You have a new incentive for creating new and original content for your clients. Organic material will drive organic searches for your work. Remember, Copyscape doesn’t lie.