Updating old blog posts might not sound as exciting as creating shiny new content, but it can work wonders for your marketing performance. Think of it like updating some thrifted clothes with fresh, modern accessories—your blog still has the same foundation, but now it’s stylish and new. Plus, it’ll boost your SEO game to keep readers coming back for more.
If you’re still on the fence about updating old blog posts, here are a few reasons to convince you why it’s worth your time and effort.
The Affect of the 2023 Google Helpful Content Update
The 2023 Google Helpful Content Update was a game-changer in the digital world. It aimed to elevate the quality of content on the web by rewarding pages that provided genuine value to users. The update demoted sites that relied heavily on over-optimized content with little substance and prioritized helpful and informative content.
As a result, website content saw a significant shift towards authentic and human-centered material. Older blog posts using keyword-stuffing and robotic tones definitely needed some updating to meet the new standards.
Plus, Google clarified that they don’t blindly favor new content—instead, they focus on relevance to certain queries, like local searches or current events. Older content can rank well, especially since it builds authority over time. But it’s important to keep it up-to-date and relevant for both users and search engines.
5 Reasons to Start Updating Old Blog Posts
Now that Google has set the bar higher for helpful content, here are a few reasons why it’s worth your time to start updating old blog posts.
- Boost Your SEO & Organic Traffic: By refreshing and optimizing content with relevant keywords, information, and meta descriptions, you increase your chances of ranking higher on search engine results pages (SERPs). This can ultimately lead to more organic traffic and potential customers.
- Improve Content & Accuracy: It’s natural for information to change over time. Updating your old blog posts will ensure your content is accurate and up-to-date, which not only benefits your readers but also builds trust and credibility with search engines.
- Enhance User Experience: Poorly structured, outdated content can be a turn-off for readers. By adding a better structure, clear headers, and relevant internal links, you can improve the user experience and make your content more engaging and easier to navigate.
- Maximize Content ROI: Why let good content go to waste? Repurpose old blog posts to maximize the ROI of your original content. You can also use updated posts to promote products or services, giving them a fresh perspective and potentially increasing conversions.
- Keep Up with Industry Trends: Industries are constantly evolving, and it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments. Incorporate new information, tips, or strategies that align with current industry standards, and you’ll be seen as an authority in your field.
How to Update an Old Blog
Ready to hop on the updating train? Historically optimizing and updating old blog posts is a well-worth-it practice (and actually pretty easy). Here are some tips to get started:
Update Any Inaccurate or Old Content
This one is a no-brainer. Make sure all the information in your blog post is accurate and up-to-date. If you find any outdated information, replace it with current data or statistics. This will ensure your content is reliable and trustworthy.
Look for Places to Add Additional Sections
Go through your older posts and see where you can add more value. Maybe there are new tips, strategies, or insights you can incorporate into the post. Or perhaps you’ve learned something new since writing the post that would be beneficial to share with your readers.
Optimize Headings for SEO
Using clear and concise headings can improve the readability of your blog post and boost your SEO. Make sure your headings accurately reflect the content that follows and include relevant keywords to increase your chances of ranking higher on SERPs.
Update the Meta Description & Add Helpful Images
A catchy and informative meta description can entice users to click on your blog post. Update it with relevant keywords and ensure it accurately reflects the content of the post. You can also add helpful images or videos to make your post more visually appealing and engaging.
Add Internal & External Links
Is your blog missing internal or external links? Use this as an opportunity to add relevant and helpful links to other posts on your website or external sources. This is actually beneficial for both SEO and user experience.
Republish and Promote
Once you’ve updated your old blog post, don’t forget to republish it and promote it on social media or using a marketing strategy. This will give it a fresh boost and attract new readers who may have missed the original post.
Prioritize Valued, Informative Content Using Lemonade Stand
Updating all those old blog posts can take a lot of time and effort, but we know the results are well worth it. If you need professional help creating valuable and informative content, Lemonade Stand has got you covered.
Our team of expert content writers can help you historically optimize older blog posts and create fresh, new content to boost your marketing efforts. Each member has advanced industry experience and is committed to delivering quality content that aligns with your brand’s unique voice and goals.
Don’t let that old blog page collect dust—team up with Lemonade Stand to keep your content game strong!
