Reviving Old Content: SEO Strategies

Reviving Old Content: SEO Strategies
by
Taran Matson

In the dynamic world of SEO and digital marketing, new content is frequently touted as the cornerstone of an effective strategy. However, what about your old, perhaps goldmine, articles that are buried in the digital archives?  

At Charisma Communications, we believe in maximizing the value of every piece of content, old or new. The importance of revisiting and updating these pieces cannot be stressed enough!


Unlocking the Potential of Your Existing Assets

You’ve already created it and it’s gotten some time & traffic online. Using your current assets and linking new and old is a key strategy to better your rankings and the user experience.  

If executed correctly, updating them can lead to significant boosts in search engine rankings, user engagement, and conversions.

Trust us, these older blog articles can be an untapped resource of traffic and engagement. A few keys before jumping headfirst into updating old content:  

  • First, perform a comprehensive content audit.  
  • Prioritize your content based on factors like existing traffic, outdatedness of the information, and potential for re-engagement. This will help you allocate your resources where they can make the most impact.
  • Before editing, confirm its still valid information, services you offer - or you risk lowering your brand’s credibility

Content Refresh: Is it Still Relevant?

Initially, your older content must pass the relevance test. It's not just about revisiting; it's about evaluating the piece to see if the topic still holds importance for your target audience.

If the core subject is still pertinent, then it's worth investing your time and effort in the update. If not, it may be best to focus on other pieces that still resonate with the issues or needs of your audience today.


Strengthening Internal Links & Implementing Effective Redirects

Don't underestimate the power of well-placed internal links and strategic 301 redirects when updating your old content. If you find that an older article still ranks well but offers outdated information, don't just abandon it. Instead, consider the following:

Internal Linking: Incorporate internal links that point readers towards newer, more updated articles.

301 Redirects: Use 301 redirects to funnel the traffic from the older article to a more relevant and updated piece.

This approach not only retains the SEO equity that the older content has built but also ensures that your readers find value in what they're reading, keeping your credibility intact.

Marketing tip: Updated a page? Submit it to Google Search Console for reindexing!


Credibility: The Pillar of Digital Trust

In the digital realm, your credibility is your currency. An article that provides outdated or incorrect information is not just a lost opportunity—it's a credibility risk.  

This is why it's crucial to fact-check every statistic, update all data, and ensure that any expert quotes or studies referenced are still considered accurate and relevant.

For clients, we like to set aside time every month to see what older articles can be updated and linked to new content. You don’t know where prospective clients will land, and it’s likely your older better ranked article, so linking the old and new is important for the user experience & overall engagement.


Adapting to the Ever-changing Search Engine Algorithms

In the SEO world, the only constant is change. Search engine algorithms are ever evolving, which means the SEO strategies that worked a year ago might not be effective today. Here's how to keep your old content in sync with current SEO trends:

  • Keyword Reanalysis: Conduct a fresh keyword analysis, keeping an eye out for emerging long-tail keywords that may have gained importance.  
  • Natural Integration: Integrate the new keywords in a way that reads naturally, replacing outdated terms where possible.

By doing so, you adapt to new SEO paradigms, making your old content more competitive in the current digital landscape.

Updating Content: Don't Ignore the Visuals

Visual content, from images to infographics and videos, is an integral part of user engagement. If your old posts include outdated visual elements, they can be a major turn-off for your audience.  

Refresh these elements to make your old content more appealing and to align with any new branding or design updates your business may have undergone.

Ready for a Content Revival? It Calls for Charisma

From keyword updates to visual refreshes and credibility checks, reviving old content is a multifaceted task that requires a nuanced approach.

At Charisma Communications, we specialize in tailoring online marketing solutions to meet the unique needs of each client. When you need to create compelling content, it calls for Charisma. Book a marketing consultation today.