Google nags us to do a blog post update to keep our content fresh and relevant. But every time I read that, I have flashbacks of Mom scolding my siblings and me over our messy rooms.

Despite our knee-jerk resistance, we know cleaning up piles of stuff is a good thing. I’ve been updating old blog posts for the last couple of years. In doing that, I stumbled over several posts associated with the Ultimate Blog Challenge.

So, this is the first blog post update from that series. And, boy, it sure revealed why updating is a good idea.

Why do a Blog Post Update?

A nagging Google is not the only reason for updating your blog posts. Although the reason Google nags is valid. So, the following are 5 reasons to consider updating your blog posts.

#1 – Fresh Look

Have you redesigned your website since its original publication? Even if you have not done a full-blown redesign, I bet you’ve changed the look in some way.

• The images you use
• Your layout or colors used
• Optimizing for mobile viewing

By reviewing old blog posts, you may discover some do not fit your new look. That’s a place to start. Although I recommend not stopping at the physical look. Explore other ways to bring a fresh look.

• Have your views on a topic changed? Update how and why.
• Is there new information since you first wrote the post? Add or update links and references.
• Does the old post fit your writing style now? Clean up bad habits, such as overused or repeated words.

#2 – Improve Quality

Hopefully, you learned a thing or two since you first introduced your blog. I know I have.

• Is the post’s message clear? Perhaps a little reorganizing can help. Consider a Table of Contents for longer posts.
• Are posts too short? Or too long? The blogosphere constantly flips on the “ideal” length of blog posts. Fit the length to the topic. Keep it simple and clear. 😉
• Would better images work? I have a strange mind. What I see as a clear connection between image and text may not work for all readers. Update images (if necessary) to elevate the post quality.

Plenty of tools exist to check the quality of your post. Use what works for you. Remember to keep your unique flavor. The following are a few tools.

• Readability tests, such as Flesch Reading
• Built-in and online tools for grammar, spelling, and writing style, such as, Microsoft Word Editor, Grammarly, and Hemingway Editor
• Simple editing checklists – yours or one you download (SSB’s A-B-C Business Writing Checklist)

#3 – Increase Traffic

It wouldn’t take much to increase traffic from my early days of blogging. But one of the nice outcomes from the Ultimate Blog Challenge was meeting my fellow participants. I am still in touch with many of them today – even though I accepted the challenge way back in 2010.

• Loyal readers are more likely to share your posts, which generates new readers.
• As you gain more followers, the updated posts are new to someone. Heck, with my boomer brain, some of the older posts are new to me, too. 😊
• More click-throughs. Think about it. When you’re searching for a topic, which link are you more likely to click on? The one with a recent date or one from 5 to 10 years ago?

#4 – Add Revenue

How does updating old posts produce revenue? Quality posts = bankable content. Updating won’t automatically add revenue but hidden in those posts may be your next ebook, online course, or new product.

Tools like Designrr can pull from several posts to begin the process.

#5 – SEO Benefits

One thing I discovered through updates, there are a lot of forgotten posts sitting among the newer ones. Too many of them signal to Google and other search engines that not much is going on at your site.

Outdated posts damage your credibility when pulled into an online search. While most of us strive for evergreen content, old posts have tell-tale signs of age. Like the wrinkles on older bloggers like me. 😊

For example, the global pandemic had a huge impact on our business and personal lives. Ignoring that took potshots at posts discussing customer service, supply chains, or life as we knew it.

Regularly publishing fresh content (whether new or updated older posts) improves search engine results for your site.

Red-faced Moments of a Blog Post Update

I was less than a year into my freelancing career when I launched Simply Stated Business (SSB). Talk about a total newb to blogging and social media.

When I look back on some of its earliest posts, I am thrilled I am most likely the only one looking at them.

• Repeating myself proved I had senior moments even back then.
• Formatting for scanning was an unknown asset. Fortunately, that was an easy fix.
• And forget SEO. I’m not sure I knew what that was. Many headlines had me laughing out loud.

The whole blogging thing was as foreign to me as quantum mechanics. But for all the red-faced moments, a blog theme developed. So, there was hope.

The Ultimate Theme

The first blog post I wrote for the Ultimate Blog Challenge introduced the theme behind SSB.

Keep it simple, clear, and uniquely yours.

Those of you who are longtime followers may be sick of hearing that theme. But what was interesting about the challenge of writing a blog post every day for 30 days was how often I found the theme fit.

That theme formed the framework for what SSB is about. When updating old blog posts, I check to ensure the message supports the theme for better business communication.

A bonus for a regular blog post update is you have ample content. I look forward to updating the posts from the 30-day challenge. Could prove interesting. Or not. 😊

Do you regularly update your blog posts? What have you learned from the process? Please share your experience in Comments.

Note: This post originally published on August 1, 2010 under the title, Keep it Simple, Clear, and Uniquely Yours. This October 13, 2023 version updates the original.

Credit: Bigstock Photo
Credit: Canva

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