Best practices for archiving old blog articles?

[TaraLeigh]

Hello! I'm going through years of blog posts to re-optimize. Looking for best practices on when to archive blog posts. For example, we have a post that was pretty well performing about a charity event we took part in. There's not a lot of relevant info for our business in the article except that we participated in this event a long time ago. Any reasons to keep it published?

[Josh · Accepted solution]

Hi @TaraLeigh,

I think you're on the right track.

Re-optimize decaying blog posts that can still have value. It's a great way to drive new traffic.

Old posts that provide no value and may even be inaccurate at this point probably should be archived. However, there is a chance that there are inbound links to some of these older articles, so 301 redirects should be set up accordingly. 

In all reality, they probably aren't hurting you all that much, so if you are going to take the effort to do it, just do it right, otherwise, I'd hold off.

I hope that's helpful!

Josh

[Nynke_HM · Accepted solution]

Hi @TaraLeigh ,

Great question. A while ago, I answered a silimar question from another user. He wanted to know in what ways you could re-purpose old, not very well-ranking blogs. 

My answer back then, was to create other forms of content from it (for example a video script, infographic or webinar) and put it on other pages related to the subject, pillar pages for example. Also, I advised him to look at the linking of the old post to the website, maybe linking to the post in newer news or blog articles, could revive the performance.

An event like you mention as example, could be great on a page where you explain how your company is involved in the local community or what charities are important to your company. It shows this is included in your company culture.

This information could be really valuable to potential customers that select suppliers on their social or environmental awareness or potential hires that would rather work at a company that's involved in the local community.

Hope this helps to make a decision!

Kind regards,

Nynke

[TaraLeigh]

Hi Nynke -

Thanks for responding! - That's a great idea. 

[MFrankJohnson]

Agree with @Josh ...

Also, may want to watch this EXCELLENT HubSpot Academy video that details what HubSpot did/does with its old blog posts and why.

[TaraLeigh]

Thank you! I was looking for a video reference as well!

[Josh · Accepted solution]

Hi @TaraLeigh,

I think you're on the right track.

Re-optimize decaying blog posts that can still have value. It's a great way to drive new traffic.

Old posts that provide no value and may even be inaccurate at this point probably should be archived. However, there is a chance that there are inbound links to some of these older articles, so 301 redirects should be set up accordingly. 

In all reality, they probably aren't hurting you all that much, so if you are going to take the effort to do it, just do it right, otherwise, I'd hold off.

I hope that's helpful!

Josh

[TaraLeigh]

Absolutely helpful! Many thanks!