I was reading that it is recommended to regularly update posts with new information, but it can be challenging to manage over 7 thousand articles. How can one effectively update or improve such a large amount of content? Should a posted update date be added to indicate that it has been revised on WordPress? Do the titles need to be changed? If the articles are old and lacking in depth, like a news press release, should they be deleted and redirected to a 404 error page?
It’s a common dilemma for websites with a large volume of content. Updating every post is time-consuming, but neglecting them can hurt your SEO and user experience.
Here’s a balanced approach:
- Prioritize Updates: Focus on updating content that still receives traffic, is relevant to current events, or needs factual corrections.
- Use a Content Calendar: Track which posts are due for review based on factors like age, relevance, and traffic.
- Add Update Dates: Adding a “Last Updated” date clearly indicates revisions to users and search engines. This can be done with plugins on platforms like WordPress.
- Don’t Always Redirect to 404: While deleting old, irrelevant content is good practice, consider redirecting it to relevant, updated content if possible. This keeps traffic flowing and avoids potential SEO penalties.
- Title Changes: If a title no longer accurately reflects the content after an update, consider changing it. However, avoid changing titles solely for SEO purposes; prioritize clarity and user experience.
Remember, finding the right balance between updating and maintaining a large content library requires strategy and ongoing assessment.