Don't let old content gather dust! Here are the major benefits of taking time to update your blog, and get practical tips on how to do it.
In this article:
As a blogger, you know that creating high-quality content is critical to driving traffic to your website and building your online authority. However, many bloggers make the mistake of focusing solely on producing new posts, neglecting the potential benefits of reviewing and updating their old blog posts.
In this article, we’ll explore why consistently posting on your blog and updating old blog posts matters and provide tips for how you can do both effectively.
Why consistent blogging matters
Maintaining a consistent blogging schedule is essential for bloggers who want to grow their website traffic, establish authority in their niche, and keep their readers engaged.
Consistent blogging can help boost your website’s search engine optimization (SEO) and rankings. Search engine algorithms favor fresh content, so by regularly posting new content to your blog, you’re signaling to Google that your site is active and relevant, leading to higher rankings in search engine results pages (SERPs) and, ultimately, more website traffic.
In addition to SEO benefits, consistent blogging can help you establish authority and credibility in your industry. Regularly sharing your thoughts and insights on industry topics shows your readers that you’re knowledgeable and passionate about your subject matter.
Consistent blogging is vital to keeping your readers engaged. By providing regular updates and fresh content, you’re giving your readers a reason to keep returning to your site again and again. Over time, this can help build a community around your brand and blog and establish a loyal following.
Tips for consistent posting
Of course, maintaining a consistent posting schedule is easier said than done. Here are a few tips to help you stay on track:
Set a realistic posting schedule. Be honest with yourself about how much time you can realistically devote to blogging each week. Whether you decide to post once a week or three times a week, make sure you’re setting a schedule that you can stick to.
Create an editorial calendar. An editorial calendar is a helpful tool for planning out your blog content in advance, and I bet you’ll be surprised with how many ideas you come up with by focusing time on creating your calendar. By mapping out your posts ahead of time, you can ensure that you have a steady stream of content ready to go, even on busy weeks.
Repurpose old content. Don’t be afraid to repurpose old blog posts into new formats. For example, you could transition your long-form content into short-form content by turning a popular blog post into a video or infographic for social media.
Update old content. You’ll drastically improve the success of your content by updating old posts with new information and republishing them.
Why updating old blog posts matters
Search engines like Google constantly update their algorithm and favor websites with fresh, relevant content. Updating your old blog posts with new information can improve your website’s SEO and search engine ranking, making it easier for readers to find your content.
You can appeal to new readers who may not have seen your older content, attracting more traffic to your website and increasing your online visibility.
The online world moves wicked fast, and what was relevant a year ago (or even a month ago) may no longer be so. You wouldn’t want your readers to land on outdated content compared to industry standards.Â
So, by updating your old blog posts, you ensure that your content remains fresh and relevant to your readers. You demonstrate your expertise and authority in your niche, especially if there have been any major industry shifts since you initially posted your content, and this can help build your credibility with your readers because it establishes you as a reliable source of information.
When to review and updated old blog posts
It’s important to prioritize which blog posts to update because not all will be worth the effort. Here are some guidelines to help you decide:
Identify your most popular blog posts. Check your analytics and identify which posts have organically attracted the most traffic. These blog posts likely have the highest potential for increasing traffic and engagement by updating the post with fresh information or keywords.
Look for outdated information. Outdated information can be misleading to your readers and harm your credibility as a writer. Review your older blog posts for any outdated information and those that include dates, and make sure that they reflect the most current and accurate information available.
Identify opportunities for improvement. Look for opportunities to improve your older blog posts, such as adding more detail, including new research or data, or improving the formatting.
Tips for updating old health blog posts
Once you’ve identified which blog posts to update, it’s time to improve them. Here are some tips to help you do so effectively:
Optimize your content for SEO. To make your posts more discoverable, use keyword research to identify relevant keywords for your post and include them in your title, headings, meta descriptions, image alt-text, and throughout your content. Your newly updated keywords will help your post rank higher in search engines and increase your online visibility overall.
Update images and media. Include new, high-quality images and media in your post to make it more engaging and visually appealing, which keeps your readers interested and encourages them to share your content with others.
Improve formatting. Making your post easier to read can keep readers engaged and encourage them to stay on your site longer. To improve formatting, use headings, bullet points, and short paragraphs to break up the text, making your post easier to scan and more visually appealing.
Add new information. Include new research, data, or examples to make your post more informative and relevant to your readers, establishing your blog as a reliable source of information and keeping your readers coming back for more. Be sure to include only high-quality, accurate information that is relevant to your post and adds value to your readers.
It's a wrap!
Updating your old blog posts is an effective way to improve your website’s SEO, keep your content fresh and relevant, attract new readers, and establish credibility and authority in your industry.
You ensure that your blog posts continue to drive traffic and engagement long after their original publish date, leading to higher rankings in search engine results pages and, ultimately, more website traffic.
Bridget Montes is a nurse and website copywriter. Read more about her work at https://www.sleepdeprivednurse.com/