Simple tips for getting listed in Google search results

Google's Matt Cutts explains, in plain English, the basics of how to get found on Google.

Free Content for Your Fact Sheets and Brochures

Fact sheets and brochures branded with your name can enhance your image as an expert. If the information is helpful, people will keep these items and pass them on to others.

You don’t need to write all the content yourself. Save time by using material that’s already out there. You can use documents produced by U.S. government agencies – such as NIMH – without getting in trouble for plagiarizing. Why? Anything produced by the U.S. government is in the public domain. It is not copyrighted. That means:

• You don’t need permission to use the content. 

• You don’t need to pay royalties.
• You are free to use the content in any way you like. You can modify it, adapt it, or use just parts of it.
• You are not obligated to cite the source. In fact you can put your own name on it.

Here are a few examples of publications from NIMH:

• Fact sheets on ADHD, PTSD, The teenage brain, Suicide warning signs

• Booklets (some have Spanish version) on Anxiety disorders, Autism spectrum disorder, Eating disorders, Men and depression

• Statistics on various mental conditions and disorders

• An image library with images (mostly of the brain) to enhance your brochures

All of the above publications from NIMH are in the public domain, absolutely free for your use. More resources on psychological topics are available at the websites of other government agencies. For example:

• Post-stroke rehabilitation fact sheet, from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
• Anger Management booklet from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
• Homework tips for Parents, from the Department of Education

How to find public domain content in government websites:

USA.gov is the main portal. From there you can search within specific agencies (e.g., NIH, NIMH, Department of Justice, etc.) or type your keywords into the search box to get results from more than one government agency.

Alternatively, you can search Google, adding the following to your keywords: site:gov (no spaces between the characters.) This tells Google to search only within government websites.

NOTE: Although all documents and images produced by the federal government are in the public domain, you may find some material on government websites that was produced by an outside contractor. Such material may be protected by copyright.

Therefore, when searching for public domain content, add the phrase  “public domain” (in quotes) to your search. A Google search for tips on anger management would look like this:
“anger management” tips “public domain” site:gov

With public domain content you can quickly churn out fact sheets and brochures on several topics. Just copy and paste. If you have more time, you can modify the content so that it better reflects you and your practice.

Where to Distribute Fact Sheets and Brochures:

• Give them to clients when appropriate.
• Drop them off (after getting permission) at the offices of other professionals (physicians, attorneys, etc.) as well as at hair salons, health clubs, schools and other places where your prospective clients hang out. 

• Post them for download on your website.

• Hand them out at your presentations.

Be sure to include your full contact information on every product. This not only makes it convenient for people to get in touch with you; it also helps to brand you as an expert on the topic.

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