8 Proven Methods to Promote Old Posts in WordPress

When it comes to managing a WordPress blog, it’s easy to focus all your energy on creating new content. However, overlooking your older posts can be a missed opportunity for traffic, engagement, and conversions. Just because a post is older doesn’t mean it’s any less valuable. In fact, some of your best content might just be buried under newer posts, waiting to be rediscovered. In this article, we’ll explore 8 proven methods to promote your old posts effectively in WordPress. By implementing these strategies, you can breathe new life into your existing content and maximize its reach.

1. Update and Refresh Your Content

One of the most effective ways to promote old posts is by updating and refreshing the content. Search engines prioritize fresh content, so making necessary updates can significantly improve your posts’ visibility.

Tips for Updating Content:

• Check for Relevance: Evaluate if the information is still relevant and update it accordingly.
• Add Examples: Include recent case studies or examples.
• Enhance SEO: Optimize the post with keywords that are currently trending.

Example:

Suppose you have a post on “Top 10 SEO Tips for 2020.” Updating it to reflect current trends in 2023 can attract new readers and keep your content relevant.

2. Leverage Social Media Platforms

Utilizing social media to promote older content can generate traffic and engagement. Share your posts across various platforms, tailoring your message to fit the audience.

Effective Social Media Strategies:

• Use Visuals: Create eye-catching graphics to accompany your posts.
• Schedule Regular Posts: Use tools like Buffer or Hootsuite for scheduling.
• Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments and encourage sharing.

Example:

A travel blog might share a post on “Best Destinations of 2018” by creating stunning visuals from those locations, prompting readers to engage.

3. Utilize Email Marketing

Email marketing is another potent method for promoting old posts. You can reshape your emails to highlight valuable content that has provided insights in the past.

Strategies for Email Promotion:

• Segment Your Audience: Send targeted emails based on reader interests.
• Include CTAs: Encourage readers to revisit or share your posts.
• Repurpose Content: Create newsletters that feature older posts in a new context.

Example:

A health blog might send out a monthly newsletter that includes wellness tips from several older posts, generating additional traffic.

4. Interlink Related Posts

Interlinking older posts within your new content not only helps with SEO but also encourages readers to spend more time on your site.

Interlinking Techniques:

• Identify Related Content: Look for older posts that are relevant to your new articles.
• Use Anchor Text Wisely: Utilize clear and descriptive anchor text for links.
• Add an Internal Links Section: Create a segment in your posts that lists related articles.

Example:

A fashion blog might link a seasonal outfit post to older articles on essential wardrobe pieces, driving traffic back to valuable content.

5. Republish and Promote on Blogging Platforms

Consider republishing your old posts on platforms like Medium or LinkedIn to reach new audiences. Ensure you cross-link back to the original post to drive traffic.

Key Steps for Republishing:

• Choose the Right Platform: Focus on platforms where your audience is active.
• Modify Content Where Necessary: Adjust formats to fit the platform's audience.
• Provide Value: Include insights or updates that enhance the original post.

Example:

After writing a detailed guide on “How to Start Blogging,” a blogger might republish it on LinkedIn, capturing attention from professionals interested in blogging.

6. Optimize for SEO

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is crucial for driving traffic to your posts. Enhancing your old articles with current SEO strategies can yield substantial results.

SEO Optimization Tips:

• Use On-Page SEO Techniques: Optimize titles, meta descriptions, headings, and images.
• Analyze Keywords: Identify and incorporate new keywords that may attract traffic.
• Improve Page Speed: Ensure your site loads quickly to minimize bounce rates.

Example:

A tech blog might find that a post on “Latest Smartphones” is ranking poorly. By optimizing it with new keywords and refreshing its content, the post could gain more visibility.

7. Create Evergreen Content

Creating evergreen content can ensure your old posts remain relevant over time. Evergreen topics can continually attract traffic long after their publication.

Characteristics of Evergreen Content:

• Timelessness: Focus on subjects that won’t quickly go out of date.
• Depth and Insight: Provide in-depth information that addresses ongoing reader needs.
• Engagement Potential: Encourage discussion and sharing by covering controversies or trending topics.

Example:

A DIY blog might have an evergreen post on “Basic Home Repairs,” which can always attract viewers, even after several years.

8. Engage with Online Communities

Participating in online communities and forums can help you share your post organically within relevant discussions. Platforms like Reddit, Quora, and niche-specific forums can be excellent for this.

Ways to Engage:

• Identify Relevant Communities: Find forums related to your content’s theme.
• Participate Actively: Engage with members and contribute valuable insights.
• Share When Appropriate: Include links to your old posts when they add value to discussions.

Example:

A cooking blog might share a post about meal prep tips in a Reddit community focused on health and fitness, bringing in readers who need those insights.

Reviving old content is not just beneficial; it’s essential for maximizing your blog’s potential. By implementing the eight methods outlined above, you can boost visibility and engagement for your WordPress posts that may have been forgotten. Remember, updating your content not only serves your current audience but can bring new readers who are keen to learn from your expertise.

Now is the time to take action: revisit those older posts, apply the strategies you've learned, and watch your traffic and engagement grow. Have you found success with promoting old posts? Share your experiences in the comments or explore more strategies by subscribing to our newsletter!