Updating old blog posts is a crucial aspect of maintaining a successful blog.
By revisiting and refreshing your existing content, you can enhance its relevance, improve search engine rankings, and provide value to your readers.
In this article, we’ll explore 40 effective tips to help you update your old blog posts and boost their performance.
But not just that,
These 40 tips are broken down into 7 core sections, and for each tip mentioned, I provide a much more in-depth guide on how to go about it stating available tools that can help streamline the process.
Without further ado, let’s get started.
Section 1: Content Updates
1. Update key information
Start by reviewing the outdated information in your blog posts and replace it with the most recent and accurate data.
This will ensure that your content remains relevant and reliable.
How to achieve this:
Conduct thorough research, consult trustworthy sources and verify the information before updating your blog post.
Helpful tools/resources:
Industry reports, case studies and news websites.
2. Add facts and statistics
Incorporate relevant facts and statistics to support your claims and enhance the credibility of your blog posts.
These additions can provide valuable insights and make your content more informative.
How to achieve this:
Look for up-to-date facts, figures, and research findings related to your topic. Make sure to cite your sources properly.
Helpful tools/resources:
Statista, official government websites, and academic journals.
3. Add new information
Keep your blog posts fresh and engaging by including new information that has emerged since their original publication.
This demonstrates your commitment to staying up-to-date with the latest trends and development increasing the overall value of your blog.
How to achieve this:
- Stay informed by following reputable niche sources, attending conferences, and engaging with experts in your field.
- Add new subheadings to address new findings
- Can be something simple as just adding a new paragraph to the content
Helpful tools/resources:
Social media platforms, industry newsletters, niche forums
4. Ensure content matches search intent
Review your old blog posts to ensure they align with the search intent of your target audience.
There are four main types of search intent: informational, transactional, navigational, and commercial investigation.
– Informational Search Intent: This is the type of search someone does when they want to learn more about a given topic.
Examples of informational search intent: “How to know a tie”.
– Navigational Search Intent: This is the type of search someone does when they need to get to a specific website.
Examples of navigational search intent include: “Twitter login”, “Website Hurdles Blog”.
– Commercial Search Intent: This is the type of search someone performs when they are thinking about purchasing or a service but yet to make a final decision on which solution is right for them.
Examples of commercial investigation search intent include: “Best laptops for blogging”
– Transactional Search Intent: The searcher is looking to make a purchase.
Examples of transactional search intent include: Buy iPhone 13 pro max silver color
Understanding what users are looking for will help you adjust and optimize your content accordingly.
For example, You shouldn’t be writing a product review-type article of a shirt tie (commercial intent) when the query is “How to know a tie” (informational search intent).
For such query, the reader is expected to see articles like “XX Simple Steps to Know a Tie”.
Preview your blog posts to make sure they all satisfy the search intent
How to achieve this:
To Identify the Search Intent of a Given Blog Post:
– Examine the SERP: Review the SERP (Search engine result page) and identify the underlying intent behind a given search query by checking the type of content that are ranking.
– Check the Keyword Modifier: Easily identify the search intent by checking for keyword modifiers or phrases that indicate the user’s intention.
See the table below:
| Search Intent | Keyword Modifiers |
|---|---|
| Informational | What, How, Why, Definition, Explanation, Guide, Tutorial, Tips, Best Practices, Pros and Cons, Examples |
| Navigational | Brand Name, Website Name, URL |
| Commercial | Review, Comparison, Rating, Test, Analysis, Top, Best, vs |
| Transactional | Buy, Purchase, Order, Price, Coupon, Discount, Deal, Sale, Shipping, Store Locator |
– Use Common Sense: Don’t over-sweat it, just put yourself in the place of the reader and think about what they expect to see for a given query.
Adjust your content accordingly to meet the expectations.
Helpful tools/resources:
- Google Search Engine Result page
- SEMrush (A reputable keyword research tool).
5. Optimize for featured snippets
Featured Snippets are short snippets of text that appear at the top of Google’s search results in order to quickly answer a searcher’s query.
Common types of Featured Snippets include definitions, tables, steps and lists.
Aim to have your content featured in the coveted “position zero” on search engine results pages.
Featured snippets can significantly increase your visibility and drive more organic traffic to your website.
How to achieve this:
Structure your content in a way that answers common questions directly.
Use concise and informative headings, bullet points, and tables to make your content more accessible.
Helpful tools/resources:
Moz’s “Featured Snippets” guide.
Section 2: Performance Analysis
6. Identify blog posts with a high bounce rate
Analyzing your blog’s bounce rate can help you identify underperforming posts that need improvement.
By identifying posts with a high bounce rate, you can pinpoint areas where readers are losing interest.
How to achieve this:
In Google Analytics, navigate to Behavior > Site Content > All Pages.
Look for pages with a high bounce rate and analyze the content, user experience, and relevance.
Helpful tools/resources:
- Google Analytics
- heatmap tools (e.g., Hotjar, Crazy Egg)
7. Identify hidden ranking keywords using Google Search Console
Dive into Google Search Console to discover keywords that your blog posts are ranking for but may not be intentionally targeting.
Optimizing for these hidden ranking keywords can unlock additional organic traffic.
How to achieve this:
In Google Search Console, go to Performance > Queries.
Look for keywords that drive impressions and clicks but are not explicitly targeted in your content.
Helpful tools/resources:
Google Search Console, keyword research tools.
8. Identify Underperforming Posts
Evaluate the performance of your old blog posts based on metrics like organic traffic, engagement, and conversions.
Identifying underperforming posts allows you to prioritize updates and make them more impactful.
How to achieve this:
Use web analytics tools to analyze key metrics such as page views, time on page, and conversion rates.
Identify posts with low performance compared to your website’s average.
Helpful tools/resources:
- Google Analytics
- Content auditing tools (e.g., Screaming Frog, SEMrush’s Content Audit tool).
9. Fix broken links
Broken links not only harm the user experience but can also negatively impact your SEO.
Regularly check your old blog posts for broken links and fix them promptly.
How to achieve this:
Use online tools or website crawlers to identify broken links within your blog posts.
Replace broken links with updated URLs or relevant alternative resources.
Helpful tools/resources:
- Broken Link Checker
- Screaming Frog
- Ahrefs’ Broken Link Checker.
10. Expand and improve internal links
Strengthen the internal linking structure of your blog posts to improve user navigation, increase page views, and enhance SEO.
Internal links help search engines understand the relevance and hierarchy of your content.
How to achieve this:
Identify relevant anchor text within your blog posts and link them to other related posts or pages on your website. Ensure the linked pages provide value to the readers.
Helpful tools/resources:
- WordPress SEO plugins ex. RankMath SEO
- Premium Linking WordPress Plugin ex. Link Whisper
11. Add relevant external links
Enhance the credibility and authority of your blog posts by including outbound links to high-quality, authoritative sources.
External links provide additional context and resources for readers.
How to achieve this:
Research reputable websites, studies, and articles related to your blog post topic.
Include external links that support and add value to your content.
Helpful tools/resources:
Google SERP, industry-specific websites and authority niche websites.
Section 3: Visual Enhancements
12. Revamp your call-to-action (CTA)
Review and update the calls to action in your old blog posts to align them with your current marketing goals.
A compelling CTA can drive reader engagement, encourage conversions, and improve user experience.
How to achieve this:
Analyze your blog post objectives and determine the desired action you want readers to take.
Craft persuasive CTAs that clearly communicate the value and benefits of taking that action.
Helpful tools/resources:
Canva, Unbounce, and HubSpot’s CTA templates.
13. Optimize images for SEO
Images play a vital role in enhancing the visual appeal of your blog posts.
A well-optimized image drives more traffic to your site yielding maximum visibility and engagement.
How to achieve this:
- Use descriptive file names that include relevant keywords.
- Add alt text that accurately describes the image and its context.
- Compress images to reduce page load time
Helpful tools/resources:
Pixlr E: This is the image software I use for converting my image formats from Jpegs to Webp (A lighter image format).
Alternative Options: You can use WordPress image optimization plugins like ShortPixel.
14. Add relevant images and videos
Visual elements like images and videos can make your blog posts more engaging and shareable. Supplement your text with relevant visuals to improve the overall user experience.
How to achieve this:
- Use high-quality images and videos that are directly related to your blog post topic.
- Ensure they are properly formatted and optimized for web use.
Helpful tools/resources:
- Unsplash
- Deposit Photos
- Pexels
- Pixabay
- Shutterstock
- YouTube
- Vimeo
My Take: I often use Deposit Photos as they have a large library of unique images for every purpose saving me lots of time.
If you don’t have the budget for premium photos then there are still good free image websites that just get the job done.
For free image platforms, Pixabay does a nice job and Pexels is too good to be true.
You can see my article on “13 Best Paid and Free Stock Photo Websites for Serious Bloggers.
15. Add infographics
Infographics are a visually appealing way to present complex information and data.
Create or find relevant infographics to include in your old blog posts, making them more informative and shareable.
How to achieve this:
Use online infographic makers or hire a designer to create visually appealing infographics. Include key points and data from your blog post to enhance its value.
Helpful tools/resources:
- Canva (Every blogger’s favorite)
- Piktochart
- Venngage
16. Add custom images and graphics to popular posts
Identify your most popular blog posts and create custom images or graphics that are tailored to those specific topics.
Custom visuals can make your content more unique and memorable.
How to achieve this:
Analyze your website analytics to identify popular blog posts.
Create custom images or graphics using design software or hire a professional designer to create visually appealing visuals.
Helpful tools/resources:
- Canva
- Adobe Creative Cloud
- Upwork/Fiverr (For Hiring Designers)
Section 4: Content Improvements
17. Add a table of contents
Long-form blog posts can benefit from a table of contents that provides an overview and easy navigation.
This improves the user experience and helps readers find specific sections quickly.
How to achieve this:
Create a clear and organized table of contents that lists the main sections and subsections of your blog post.
Use anchor links to enable users to jump to specific sections.
Helpful tools/resources:
WordPress plugins (e.g., LuckyWP Table of Contents), HTML anchor tags.
18. Improve content readability
Enhance the readability of your old blog posts by using clear and concise language.
Break up lengthy paragraphs, use subheadings, and employ bullet points or numbered lists to improve readability.
How to achieve this:
- Edit your content for clarity, remove unnecessary jargon, and simplify complex concepts.
- Use shorter sentences and paragraphs to make your content more digestible.
Helpful tools/resources: Grammarly, Hemingway Editor
19. Improve content formatting
Enhance the visual presentation of your blog posts by improving their formatting.
Use headings, subheadings, bold text, and italics strategically to highlight key points and improve scannability.
How to achieve this:
- Break your content into sections with clear headings and subheadings.
- Use formatting options to emphasize important information and guide readers through the content.
Helpful tools/resources: WordPress editor, Google Docs, Microsoft Word.
20. Improve page load speed
A slow-loading website can negatively impact user experience and SEO.
Optimize your blog posts by minimizing code, compressing images, and leveraging browser caching to improve page load speed.
How to achieve this:
- Use caching plugins
- Compress images without compromising quality
- Minify CSS and JavaScript files
- Use quality website hosting
- Utilize Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) if necessary.
Helpful tools/resources:
- Google PageSpeed Insights (for checking page speed)
- GTmetrix
- WP Rocket (WordPress plugin).
21. Eliminate fluff
Review your old blog posts to remove any unnecessary or repetitive content that doesn’t add value to the reader.
Updating old blog posts is not always about adding new information, basic things like removing unnecessary paragraphs also count as a viable update.
Keep your writing concise, focused, and informative.
How to achieve this:
- Edit your content ruthlessly, removing redundant sentences, excessive adjectives, and repetitive information.
- Ensure each sentence and paragraph contributes meaningfully to the overall message.
Helpful tools/resources: Hemingway Editor, Grammarly, Readable.
22. Avoid keyword stuffing
While it’s essential to optimize your blog posts for SEO, avoid keyword stuffing, which can harm your search engine rankings.
Focus on creating valuable content that naturally incorporates relevant keywords.
How to achieve this:
Conduct keyword research to identify relevant keywords and phrases. Incorporate them naturally into your content, ensuring they flow seamlessly and make sense in the context.
Helpful tools/resources: SEMrush, Ahrefs, Google Keyword Planner.
Section 5: Optimization Updates
23. Check for grammar and spelling errors
Poor grammar and spelling mistakes can undermine the credibility of your blog posts. Take the time to proofread and edit your old content to ensure it is error-free.
How to achieve this:
- Use grammar and spelling checkers or enlist the help of a professional editor.
- Read your content aloud to catch any errors that may have been overlooked.
Helpful tools/resources: Grammarly
24. Update meta description
Craft compelling meta descriptions for your old blog posts to improve click-through rates from search engine results.
A well-written meta description can entice users to click and visit your website.
How to achieve this:
- Write concise and engaging meta descriptions that accurately summarize the content of your blog post.
- Include relevant keywords and a clear call to action.
Helpful tools/resources: RankMath SEO (WordPress plugin)
25. Optimize post title for higher click-through rate (CTR)
A catchy and descriptive blog post title can significantly impact the click-through rate from search engine results. Update your old post titles to make them more compelling and click-worthy.
How to achieve this:
Craft attention-grabbing titles that accurately represent the content of your blog post.
Use action words, numbers, and power words to make your titles more enticing.
Helpful tools/resources:
- CoSchedule’s Headline Analyzer
- BuzzSumo
Learn More: How to Write Catchy Blog Post Titles that Generates Clicks
26. Update introduction and conclusion
The introduction and conclusion of your blog posts are crucial for capturing readers’ attention and leaving a lasting impression.
Revise and optimize these sections to make them engaging and impactful.
How to achieve this:
- Craft compelling introductions that hook the reader and clearly state the value of the content.
- Conclude with a strong call to action or a thought-provoking statement that leaves a lasting impression.
Helpful tools/resources: Copyblogger site.
27. Update the Publishing Date
Updating the publishing date of your old blog posts can signal to search engines that the content is fresh and relevant.
This can boost your search engine rankings and attract more organic traffic.
How to achieve this:
- Edit the publishing date within your content management system (CMS) or use plugins specifically designed for updating the date.
- Ensure you make substantial updates to the content as well.
Helpful tools/resources:
- WordPress plugins (e.g., WP Last Modified Info)
- Manually Update (Recommended)
28. Optimize for voice search
With the rise of voice assistants and smart devices, optimizing your content for voice search is essential.
Update your old blog posts to include natural language and long-tail keywords that align with voice search queries.
How to achieve this:
- Research voice search queries related to your blog post topics.
- Incorporate natural language and conversational phrases into your content.
- Answer common voice search questions directly.
Helpful tools/resources:
Section 6: Repurposing and Engagement
29. Incorporate long-tail keywords
Identify long-tail keywords relevant to your blog posts and incorporate them naturally within your content.
Long-tail keywords often have lower competition and can attract highly targeted traffic.
How to achieve this:
Use keyword research tools to find long-tail keywords related to your blog post topic.
Include them in headings, subheadings, and throughout the content where they fit naturally.
Helpful tools/resources:
SEMrush
Ahrefs
30. Implement latent semantic indexing (LSI)
LSI keywords are terms and phrases that are semantically related to your main keyword.
Including LSI keywords in your blog posts can improve search engine rankings and enhance the relevance of your content.
How to achieve this:
Use LSI keyword research tools or explore related search terms provided by search engines. Incorporate LSI keywords naturally throughout your content.
Helpful tools/resources:
- LSIGraph
- Google Search Console
- Google Autocomplete
- Answer The Public
- AlsoAsked
31. Implement schema markup
Schema markup enhances the visibility and appearance of your blog posts in search engine results.
It provides additional context to search engines, enabling them to display rich snippets or other enhanced features.
How to achieve this:
Implement schema markup using Schema.org vocabulary.
Use structured data markup for elements such as articles, authors, headlines, and images.
Helpful tools/resources:
- Google’s Structured Data Markup Helper
- Schema.org
- RankMath SEO Plugin
32. Ensure mobile responsiveness
With the majority of internet users accessing websites through mobile devices, it’s crucial to ensure your blog posts are optimized for mobile viewing.
Responsive design improves user experience and search engine rankings.
How to achieve this:
Use a mobile-friendly theme or ensure your website is responsive.
Test your blog posts on various mobile devices and screen sizes to ensure they display properly.
Helpful tools/resources:
DIVI theme (Mobile-Friendly WordPress themes)
33. Repurpose Content & Embed New Content Variation
Take advantage of your existing blog posts by repurposing them into different formats, such as videos, podcasts, or slideshows.
Embedding these variations within your old posts can provide fresh content and attract new audiences.
How to achieve this:
- Take your popular blog posts and convert them into different formats using relevant tools or repurpose them into different mediums.
- Use relevant plugins or add-ons to embed the new content variations within the old posts to add value.
Helpful tools/resources:
- Lumen5 (video creation)
- Anchor (podcast creation)
- SlideShare.
34. Check if Writing Tone is Engaging & Conversational
Engaging and conversational writing can captivate your readers and encourage them to interact with your content.
Assess the tone of your old blog posts and make necessary adjustments to make them more relatable.
How to achieve this:
- Read your old blog posts with a critical eye and ensure they have a conversational tone.
- Use personal pronouns, tell stories, and ask questions to engage readers.
Helpful tools/resources:
Grammarly Tone Checker.
35. Explore User Comments
User comments provide valuable feedback and insights.
Engage with your audience by responding to comments and incorporating relevant information or updates into your blog posts.
How to achieve this:
- Regularly monitor and respond to comments on your blog posts.
- Consider user suggestions, answer questions, and use their feedback to improve and update your content.
Helpful tools/resources:
- Disqus (commenting system)
- DIY (Manally respond to comments yourself)
Section 7: Brand Alignment and Promotion
36. Align content with your brand voice
Ensure that your old blog posts reflect the voice and tone of your brand.
Consistency in messaging and style helps strengthen your brand identity and fosters a connection with your audience.
How to achieve this:
Define your brand voice and guidelines.
Review your old blog posts and make necessary edits to align them with your brand’s personality, values, and tone.
Helpful tools/resources:
37. Add expert quotes
Enhance the credibility and value of your blog posts by including quotes from industry experts. Expert insights and opinions can enrich your content and provide a different perspective.
How to achieve this:
Research authoritative experts in your field and select relevant quotes that support or provide additional insights into your blog post topic.
Properly attribute the quotes and links to the experts’ websites or profiles.
Helpful tools/resources:
- HARO (Help a Reporter Out)
- Industry conferences.
38. Optimize URL structure
A clean and optimized URL structure contributes to a better user experience and SEO.
However, it’s recommended to keep the same URL to maintain any existing backlinks.
If the post already has ample backlinks, then just leave the URL as it is but if there’s a strong reason to update the URL, then remember to implement a 301 redirect to preserve all backlink juice and SEO value.
Right after updating blog URL, scout for all internal blog posts pointing to the blog with the previous URL and update the internal links.
Your blog post URL should be descriptive, concise, and include relevant keywords.
How to achieve this:
Modify the URLs within your CMS or website platform to reflect the main topic of your blog posts.
Ensure they are readable, using hyphens to separate words.
Helpful tools/resources:
RankMath SEO
39. Update Old Posts with Trending Topics
Stay current and relevant by updating your old blog posts with information related to trending topics in your industry.
This demonstrates your expertise and keeps your content fresh.
How to achieve this:
Monitor industry news, social media trends, and online discussions to identify emerging topics. Incorporate relevant updates or new angles into your old blog posts.
Helpful tools/resources:
- Google Trends
- Twitter trends
- Industry-specific forums.
40. Promote sharing on social media
Encourage social media sharing of your old blog posts to extend their reach and increase engagement.
Make it easy for readers to share your content by incorporating social sharing buttons and optimizing your post for different social media platforms.
How to achieve this:
Add social sharing buttons to your blog posts.
Craft engaging social media snippets and headlines when sharing your old posts on various platforms.
Helpful tools/resources:
- Social sharing plugins (e.g., AddThis, ShareThis)
- ClickToTweet.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
– How often should I update my old blog posts?
It depends on various factors such as the industry, the pace of changes, and the relevance of the content. As a general guideline, aim to review and update your blog posts at least once a year.
– How can I measure the success of my updated blog posts?
Use performance metrics such as organic traffic, time on page, bounce rate, and conversion rate. Compare these metrics before and after updating the blog posts to assess the impact of the updates.
– Is it necessary to update all of my old blog posts?
While it’s not necessary to update every single old blog post, it’s recommended to prioritize updates based on performance, relevance, and value.
Focus on the posts that have the potential for improvement and align with your current content strategy.
– Can I update my old blog posts without changing the URL?
Yes, you can update your blog posts without changing the URL.
In fact, it’s recommended to keep the same URL to maintain any existing backlinks and ensure a seamless user experience.
However, if you make significant changes that warrant a new URL, implement 301 redirects to preserve SEO value.
– How can I repurpose my old blog posts?
There are many ways to repurpose old content. You could turn a blog post into a podcast episode, an infographic, a video, or even a series of social media posts. It’s all about getting creative with your content.
Final Thoughts on Updating Old Blog Posts
Updating old blog posts is an essential part of maintaining a thriving website.
By implementing these 40 best tips, you can enhance the quality, relevance, and visibility of your old content. Remember to analyze performance, optimize for SEO, and engage your audience through a variety of strategies.
Stay proactive in keeping your blog posts up to date and ensure they continue to provide value to your readers.
Till we meet again on another article,
..do have a nice day.
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