How do you identify outdated content and update?

Assuming you have a pretty extensive catalogue of pages and articles, how do you make sure that the content is up to date? Or it doesn't matter at long as it brings in traffic?

It’s important to keep content up-to-date, especially if it’s providing information or guidance. Outdated information can be misleading and harmful. Here are some ways to identify and update outdated content:

  • Set a regular review schedule: Establish a routine for checking your content. This could be monthly, quarterly, or even annually, depending on the topic and how quickly information changes.
  • Use content audits: Conduct regular audits of your content to identify outdated information. Look for outdated statistics, broken links, and information that is no longer accurate.
  • Utilize tools for tracking updates: There are tools and plugins available that can track changes in external websites and alert you when updates are needed.
  • Check for consistency: Make sure your content is consistent with other sources of information. If you find discrepancies, it’s a good indicator that your content needs updating.
  • Focus on evergreen content: While not everything can be evergreen, try to create content that has a longer shelf life. Focus on providing foundational knowledge or timeless principles that won’t become outdated quickly.
  • Monitor traffic and engagement: If you notice a decline in traffic or engagement for a particular piece of content, it might be a sign that it’s outdated and needs refreshing.
  • Prioritize updates: If you have a large amount of content, prioritize updating the most important or frequently accessed pieces first.
  • Don’t be afraid to remove content: If content is too outdated or irrelevant, it may be better to remove it altogether. This avoids confusion and maintains the credibility of your site.