With Google algorithm updates coming hard and fast, it can feel daunting to keep up your SEO efforts. But fear not – you can maximize your impact with these 8 evergreen tactics, each doable in just minutes:
1.Refresh and Update Old Content
Like a fine wine, your existing content improves with age – when you give it some TLC! Updating old posts boosts search visibility and website authority.
- Rethink Your Keywords:Start by revisiting your keyword strategy. The first thing you should do is run your previous material through SEO tools. You may use any of the following:
Did you miss the mark on your initial keyword selection? This is your chance to refocus on targeted keywords with better search volume and traffic potential.
- Identify Evergreen Gems: Target Evergreen content with optimization potential. Audit site content regularly using Google Search Console to identify articles that need refreshing.
- Prioritize High-Performers: Look for posts that are over 2 years old and have driven traffic and conversions historically. These valuable assets deserve your attention. Content decay is real, so fix it with regular updates!
2.Optimize Headers for Scannability and SEO
Headers make your content easily scannable for readers, helping them understand the structure and find the information they need quickly. They also help search engines understand your content’s topic and organization, which is crucial for SEO.
- Ensure headers help readers navigate content easily: Align them with searcher intent and target keywords to accurately reflect the content beneath them. This improves both user experience and search engine relevance.
- Structure your content headers logically:
- One H1 title tag: This is the main headline of your page, summarizing its central theme.
- H2 and H3 should support the H1 topic: Use subheadings to break down the main topic into smaller, more manageable sections.
- Answer questions/subtopics clearly under the headers: Ensure each subheading accurately reflects the content it covers, guiding readers to the information they seek.
3.Craft Compelling Meta Descriptions
Meta descriptions are snippets that appear under your website title in search results. They act as your sales pitch in search listings, influencing whether users click on your content.
- Short and compelling descriptions boost click-through rates: Aim for concise and engaging descriptions that accurately represent your content and entice users to click.
- For best results, align descriptions closely with headline topics: This creates consistency and ensures users know what to expect when they click. Include relevant keywords naturally, but avoid keyword stuffing. Keep it under 160 characters for optimal display.
Pro tip: Running paid search campaigns for the same keyword? Repurpose your meta descriptions as ad copy to test click-through rates (CTR) quickly. This provides valuable insights within a week, compared to waiting for organic traffic data.
4.Create Magnetic Headlines
Headlines are the first things users see, and 80% of people read them, but only 20% go on to read the content. Effective headlines are crucial for grabbing attention and encouraging users to engage.
- Leverage Listicles: People love numbered lists, so use them to your advantage! Example: “2024’s Top 10 Strategies to Dominate SEO Marketing”
- Tap into Curiosity: Spark interest with questions that address current trends or pain points. Example: “Has SEO Marketing Completely Transformed in 2024?”
- Employ Clickbait (Ethically): Use attention-grabbing headlines, but ensure they accurately reflect the content. Example: “Boost Your SEO by 30% This Year: 5 Powerful Hacks Revealed” ( Note: Be cautious with percentages and claims, ensure they are realistic and backed by evidence)
- Utilize Checklists: Offer practical steps in an easy-to-follow format. Example: “The Ultimate SEO Marketing Checklist for B2B Success in 2024”
Remember
- : While these formats can be effective, prioritize honesty and avoid misleading your audience. Always deliver on the promise of your headline with valuable and informative content.
5.Check for Grammatical and Spelling Errors
Ever cringe at typos in an article? Us too!
Bad grammar and spelling hurt both your readers’ experience and your SEO. Google prioritizes user-friendliness, so clean up your old content with a quick grammar and spell check.
- Bad grammar hurts user experience: Typos and grammatical errors can make your content difficult to read and understand, negatively impacting user engagement. Since search algorithms now prioritize user experience, good grammar is essential for SEO.
- Run old and new posts through Grammarly: Utilize tools like Grammarly to identify and correct grammatical errors in your content. Offer readers a smooth and professional experience.
6.Optimize Images for Crawlability
Search engine crawlers can’t see images. They rely on text descriptions to understand the content of your images. Optimizing images helps search engines understand them better, improving your website’s SEO.
- Descriptive Filenames: Ditch generic names like “IMG0001.” Use keywords that describe the image content (e.g., “red-running-shoes.jpg”).
- Informative Alt Text: Briefly describe the image (ideally under 120 characters) and include relevant keywords naturally (e.g., “A pair of red running shoes”).
- Speed Optimization: Resize images, choose appropriate formats (JPEG for photos, PNG for graphics), compress files, and enable browser caching for faster loading.
These simple steps improve SEO and user experience by making your images informative and ensuring they load quickly.
7.Keep Your Content on Point!
The world keeps spinning, so your content should too! Give your older pieces a quick fact check and update any outdated info with the latest scoop.
Remember, the best content calendar in 2020 wouldn’t hold a candle to one created today.
Fresh facts = happy readers and a more reliable website.
Dig into the latest scoop! Search for fresh information related to your content and seamlessly integrate it into the original piece. This keeps your readers informed and enhances their experience. 
8.Take Care of Broken Links
Stale links can trip up users and hurt your SEO. When refreshing old content, give your links a quick check-up:
- Remove dead ends: Ditch broken links if they’re no longer relevant.
- Replace & redirect: Find new, working links for outdated ones.
- Connect internally: Add fresh internal links to relevant content on your site.
- Cite your sources: Update external links with verified sources.
Bonus Tip: Building backlinks before updating content can be more efficient for articles on the 9th page with no backlinks compared to those on the 2nd page with 83 backlinks.
Final Thoughts!
Regularly updating your content with fresh information and relevant keywords entices search engines to crawl and index it more often. This, in turn, improves your website’s search visibility and SEO performance.
Need a helping hand? 42Works is here to guide you through the SEO maze. We offer expert assistance to create and optimize content that ranks high and resonates with your audience. Let’s work together to unlock your website’s full potential!
