How to Stop People From Copying Your Website or Blog Content

Hey content creators! Tired of finding your hard-written articles copied on other sites? While there’s no foolproof way to completely prevent content theft, there are several effective methods to discourage casual copiers and make it harder for scrapers to steal your work. Let’s explore your options.

1. Disable Right-Click and Text Selection

The simplest method to deter casual copiers:

  /* Add this to your CSS */
  body {
    user-select: none;
    -webkit-user-select: none;
    -moz-user-select: none;
    -ms-user-select: none;
  }
  
  /* And this JavaScript */
  document.addEventListener('contextmenu', function(e) {
    e.preventDefault();
  });
  

Pros: Stops most non-tech-savvy users
Cons: Can be bypassed easily (view source, browser tools)

2. Add Copyright Watermarks to Images

For visual content protection:

1. Use Photoshop or free tools like Canva to add watermarks
2. Place them prominently but not obtrusively
3. Consider using semi-transparent text across the image

3. Implement DMCA Protection

Legal protection measures:

• Add a DMCA badge to your site (free from dmca.com)
• Include clear copyright notices in your footer
• Register your content with DMCA for automated takedowns

4. Use Content Protection Plugins (WordPress)

Effective WordPress plugins:

1. WP Content Copy Protection – Disables right-click and text selection
2. Content Protector – Password protects specific content
3. Copyright Proof – Timestamps your content for legal evidence

5. Obfuscate Your Text

Make copying messy with this JavaScript trick:

  document.oncopy = function() {
    alert("Please don't copy our content!");
    return false;
  };
  
  // Or add hidden characters
  function addHiddenChars(text) {
    return text.split('').join('​');
  }
  

6. Monitor Your Content

Tools to find stolen content:

• Google Alerts – Set alerts for unique phrases
• Copyscape – Professional plagiarism checker
• PlagiarismGuard – Automated monitoring service

7. Serve Dynamic Content

Advanced protection methods:

• Load content via AJAX after page load
• Use Canvas to render text as images
• Implement a paywall for premium content

8. Legal Protection

Essential legal steps:

1. Add a clear copyright notice (© Year Your Name)
2. Create detailed Terms of Service
3. Register your copyrights officially

What Doesn’t Work

Avoid these ineffective methods:

• Blanket disabling JavaScript (hurts UX and SEO)
• Overly aggressive protection that annoys real visitors
• Thinking you can completely stop determined scrapers

Final Thoughts

While no method is 100% effective, combining several of these techniques will significantly reduce casual content theft. Focus on making your content less attractive to steal while maintaining a good user experience for legitimate visitors.

Remember: The best protection is creating such unique, valuable content that even if someone copies it, your original will always be the authoritative source!

Have you dealt with content theft before? Share your experiences in the comments!