The website of my client is highly popular in its sector, with a total of 12,000 posts dating back to 2006 consisting mainly of reviews and news articles. It receives thousands of daily visitors and ranks well on Google and Google News within its country. Given the frequent changes in the industry, deleting posts older than 10 years seems reasonable; however, I am worried that abruptly removing thousands of posts could harm the site's SEO. What would be the optimal course of action in this scenario?
A phased approach is generally recommended to minimize potential SEO impact. Instead of deleting all old posts at once, consider gradually removing them over time.
Here’s a possible strategy:
- Identify and prioritize low-value content: Start by analyzing the oldest posts and identifying those that offer little value to your audience. This could include outdated information, duplicate content, or posts with low engagement.
- Redirect old URLs: When removing a post, redirect its URL to a relevant, more recent post on your website. This helps maintain SEO value and prevents broken links.
- Use a 301 redirect: This type of redirect tells search engines that the content has permanently moved to a new location, ensuring that link juice and authority are transferred smoothly.
- Monitor your website’s performance: Keep a close eye on your website’s traffic, rankings, and other metrics during and after the removal process. Be prepared to make adjustments if necessary.
It’s also important to consider the potential impact on your site’s archive and user experience. You may want to keep a historical archive of your older posts, perhaps in a dedicated section, to provide context and preserve historical information. This can be achieved through a separate page or a dedicated archive section.
Remember, the best approach will depend on your specific website and goals. Consulting with an SEO expert could provide valuable insights and help you develop a tailored strategy.