Q for You
Be In The Know
- WordPress 5.6 Due December 2020 is Scaled Back
- Twitter to Let Users Crop Their Own Image Previews
- Instagram Releases New Features to Celebrate its 10th Birthday, Including Stories Map
- Facebook Announces New Emotional Health Resource Center
Updating Content for SEO: How to Teach Your Old Blog New Tricks (plus, 3 examples with ranking data)
If only marketing could be a “set it and forget it” kind of deal. A one-time, easy process then bang; sales. Contrary to some client’s beliefs, marketing doesn’t work that way.
In the same way appliances need maintenance and upkeep, so do all marketing efforts including blog posts. When well-oiled your blogs can work for you. Revisit existing blog posts and add quality, updated info to get the most out of your content.
Orbit Media talks all about updating content for SEO and how to teach your old blog new tricks.
Why Do It?
- Content has already been vetted
- You’ve done much of the leg work so no hours of research
- Backlinks and authority has been built up, which is good for ranking
Where to Start?
No need to start at square one with a blog piece you wrote in 2012. Here’s how Orbit Media suggests choosing which pieces to update.
- Articles that almost rank high and need a boost
- Articles that created a lot of buzz but have stalled out
- Out of date research articles
What to Update?
You can either add light touches to an existing post or do a complete overhaul. Build right off of your strengths.
- Simple: new headline and same URL
- Simple: check on and look for more relevant links
- Simple: add relevant keywords or phrases.
- Complex: update research, data points, or dates
- Complex: break up text with fresh images and diagram
- Complex: look for influencers to collaborate with
What to Do After?
When you update your blog think of it as recycling that URL. If you’ve earned a good deal of authority with backlinks to your post, don’t change your URL when you update. This is because those links back to you will remain and deliver people to your updated, and now more relevant, article.
Orbit Media has the tips for revisiting your blog and much more.
Old Blog Post Refresh Checklist
Writing new content keeps you plenty busy as it is. But revisiting an old piece can give you a break from hunting for something brand new and instead allow for refining some knowledge you already have. Jessica Green Marketing offers a handy dandy checklist you can use while refreshing old blog content.
Having defined steps or an outline makes most tasks easier. This checklist will get you on the right track so you can breathe new life into your posts.
Beyond the To-Do List Episode 344: Todd Henry on Motivation and Discovering the Hidden Forces That Drive Your Best Work
Erik Fisher is intent on helping you become a productivity powerhouse in this podcast. This episode features Todd Henry as he talks about his new book and the factors at play helping you reach your full potential.
Watch
Birds
Sometimes we like doing things a little fancier than usual. However, there can be a fine line between fancy and pretentious. For instance, a bowtie can be a fancy little touch on a classic outfit. But add a monocle, cane, and walking stick; now you’re over the top. At this point you’re either trapped in 19th century England, you’re the Monopoly Man, or you’re just a bit pretentious.
Savanna Jean shows us this trio of friends who don’t all align on what might be too pretentious. A decadent cocktail with Snow White-like powers proves too extraordinary for one of these friends in particular. In this case, keeping it simple is the best bet.
