7 Ways To Update Old Blog Posts for SEO

Unlock higher search rankings and gain fresh traffic for old content by learning how to update old blog posts for SEO with these 7 proven strategies.

Maintaining a blog requires constant effort and creativity. For more than ten years, I’ve been writing on this blog and the amount that I’ve learned in that period is often overwhelming. One topic I didn’t embrace right away that I wish I would have is SEO.

Over time, your blog accumulates a treasure trove of content, some of which might be outdated or overlooked. That said, with a little strategic optimization, you can breathe new life into your old blog posts and boost their visibility on search engine results pages (SERPs). Today I’m sharing the best ways to optimize your old blog content for SEO, from finding keywords to refreshing the content itself.

7 Strategies To Update Old Blog Posts for SEO

Keyword Research Revisited

Keyword research is the cornerstone of effective SEO. Start by revisiting your old blog posts and identifying the primary and secondary keywords that were targeted in the original content. Then, use keyword research tools like Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush or AHREFS to identify new keyword opportunities.

Additionally, consider long-tail keywords and questions that users might now use to search for similar information. These can provide insights into what users are currently interested in. Incorporate these keywords strategically into your old posts to make them more relevant and appealing to people searching the internet.

Update and Expand Content

Content that was comprehensive and accurate when it was first published might need updates to remain relevant. Review your old blog posts for outdated information, broken links and any changes in industry trends or best practices. Update statistics, examples, and any references that have evolved since the post was originally written and if you’re writing travel content, check to make sure locations are still accepting travelers, and restaurants/shops/adventure tours are still operating.

By making your content more comprehensive and up-to-date, you increase its value to both readers and search engines.

Improve Readability and Engagement

Engagement metrics like bounce rate, time on page and click-through rate influence search engine rankings. If your old blog posts have a high bounce rate or low engagement, consider reformatting them to enhance readability. Use shorter paragraphs, bullet points, subheadings and images to break up text and improve the overall user experience.

Optimize Meta Tags

Meta tags, including the title tag and meta description, play a vital role in attracting users to click on your link in search results. Craft compelling, keyword-rich titles and descriptions that accurately represent the content of your posts. While optimizing these elements, keep in mind that they should encourage users to click through to your content.

A good thing to keep in mind is: what would you search for when looking about information on this topic? That usually helps me get started in figuring out what to write.

Internal and External Linking

Internal linking helps users navigate through your blog, while also distributing authority and ranking power across your site. Review your old posts and identify opportunities to link to more recent content that’s related to the topic. This not only improves the user experience but also signals to search engines that your content is interconnected and valuable.

Don’t forget external linking as well. Include links to reputable sources that provide additional value to your readers. This can boost the credibility of your content and improve its search engine ranking.

Repromote and Share

Once you’ve optimized your old blog posts, don’t miss the chance to repromote them. Share the updated content on your social media channels, in your email newsletters if you have one and on relevant online communities. This can attract new readers and potentially earn you backlinks, both of which can positively impact your SEO.

Monitor and Analyze

After optimizing your old blog posts, closely monitor their performance using tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console (my personal favorite!!) Track changes in organic traffic, click-through rates and keyword rankings. This data will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of your optimization efforts and guide further adjustments if needed. 

A dear friend once recommended I start keeping track of my blog posts in an Excel document for ease on what has been updated, what needs updated and performance tracking. I cannot say enough good things about that!

Your blog’s archive of old posts holds immense potential for improving your website’s SEO and attracting new readers. By revisiting and optimizing these posts with strategic keyword research, content updates and improved readability, you can give your old content new life and enhance its visibility on Google rankings….and reap the rewards in page views 😉