Avast – Broad Content Library and User Guides

Like its rival, Avast (a cybersecurity software giant) invested in scalable content portals to draw in users via search. Avast’s approach combined a content “Academy” for security topics with programmatic elements to cover many long-tail searches related to PC security, privacy, and device optimization:

Avast Academy Knowledge Base

Avast created an extensive library of articles on threats and security best practices under the “Avast Academy” (or blog). These articles follow repeatable templates focusing on key SEO terms.

For example, Avast publishes pieces like “Macro Virus: What Is It and How to Remove It?”, which thoroughly explains the threat and then pitches Avast’s solution.

The Academy is organized by categories (Malware, Viruses, Ransomware, Phishing, Privacy, Performance, etc.) with hundreds of pages targeting virtually every relevant keyword in those spaces. Each category page and article is structured similarly (definition, how it works, tips, and how Avast can help), enabling efficient content production at scale.

Automated Insertion of Product CTAs

These pages use a consistent template that automatically pulls in Avast product mentions or download links in relevant sections. For instance, every “How to remove [malware]” guide dynamically includes a “Free Virus Scan” or “Download Avast Free Antivirus” banner (inserted via CMS across all such pages).

This scalable approach ensures that whether a user lands on “What is a VPN?” or “How to stop spyware”, they encounter a contextual offer for Avast’s VPN or anti-spyware tool. It’s a programmatic way to insert conversion elements across a vast content set without manual editing on each page.

Localized and Long-Tail Reach

Avast replicated this content in multiple languages and regions, leveraging its global user base. Through programmatic translation and region-specific pages (accessible via subdomains or directories for languages), Avast’s educational content captures searches in various markets. Additionally, Avast’s site features automated pages for technical info like antivirus definitions updates, virus encyclopedia entries, and even lists of virus names (similar to Malwarebytes).

One user noted the lack of an obvious “threat encyclopedia” on Avast’s main site, but in practice Avast surfaces much of this via community forums and support pages. By programmatically optimizing those support Q&As (e.g. a forum thread titled “What is Win32:Farfli-AF?” ranks for that malware name), Avast indirectly benefits from SEO without formal articles.

Complementary Growth Tactics

Outside of pure SEO content, Avast’s massive install base contributes to its SEO dominance. The company’s software (free antivirus) is used by millions, generating brand searches and word-of-mouth that bolster organic performance. Moreover, Avast’s PR and research teams often publish high-profile findings (e.g. quarterly threat reports) that earn news backlinks.

All these signals improve domain authority, helping the programmatic “Academy” pages rank even higher. In essence, Avast’s strategy combines quantity (a page for every topic) with quality (trusted domain and regular updates), ensuring its pages outrank less authoritative content. This drives a steady flow of traffic that converts into product downloads, contributing to Avast’s large user base and upsell revenue.