In the world of SEO and content marketing, “evergreen content” is a familiar term often touted as essential for websites. But what exactly does it mean, and why is it considered beneficial for SEO? [

](http://www.flickr.com/photos/27587002@N07/5242475975/) This article will delve into the fundamentals of evergreen articles, guide you on crafting one, and explain why integrating them into your blog strategy is crucial for impactful content marketing.

What is Evergreen Content?

Evergreen content refers to SEO content that remains consistently relevant and engaging to readers over an extended period.

Why “Evergreen”?

The term “evergreen” resonates even outside marketing because evergreen trees like pines and firs, known for retaining their leaves year-round, symbolize enduring life. Similarly, evergreen content is considered enduring and sustainable in its relevance. You might think all online content is inherently sustainable since articles and blog posts don’t simply vanish. However, “evergreen” content signifies content that maintains its relevance long after publication, leading to sustained traffic growth over time.

To illustrate further, let’s look at what doesn’t fall under the “evergreen” umbrella.

What Evergreen Content is Not:

• News articles
• Time-sensitive statistics or reports
• Holiday or season-specific pieces
• Articles on fleeting trends or fads
• Latest fashion trends Evergreen content is essentially timeless and ideally retains its value over the long haul. For instance, an article about this year’s presidential election is not evergreen because it will become outdated within months, and related keywords will lose relevance.

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Common Evergreen Formats

Here are some widely used evergreen formats to consider for creating enduring content:

• Lists
• Top Tips
• “How To” Tutorials
• Encyclopedia-like Entries
• Product Reviews
• Videos While these formats don’t automatically make your content evergreen, they provide structures conducive to evergreen writing. Videos are particularly effective for demonstrating tasks, such as frosting a cupcake or grouting a tub. If videos aren’t feasible, leverage images like photos, illustrations, or diagrams to enhance your content.

Evergreen Article Ideas

Some subjects remain perennially relevant. Here are some evergreen article ideas that stand the test of time:

• Love and Romance
• Food
• Finance/Saving Money
• Parenting
• Weight Loss
• Jobs and Careers
• Pet Care Naturally, it’s vital to focus on evergreen topics relevant to your business. For example, an office supply company could write about “how to organize your desk” or “different pen types and their uses.” A landscaping business might create a post about the best plants for a specific climate. Finding fresh evergreen ideas can be challenging since many topics seem extensively covered. The key is to provide a unique perspective on a popular topic or delve into greater depth and detail. Target long-tail keywords with decent search volume but lower competition. Niche markets often have less online content, making your evergreen content even more valuable.

Examples of Evergreen Content

Here are specific examples of evergreen articles:

• How to Build a Dog House – Clear, concise tutorials with appealing photos make excellent evergreen content.
• 10 Ways to Enjoy Bacon – It’s hard to imagine a future where people don’t love bacon, making this topic enduringly relevant.
• Top Tips to Soothe Crying Babies – New parents constantly seek advice, ensuring the longevity of this topic. A concise “best tips” article will remain valuable for years and be shared widely. These examples are considered evergreen because their topics will likely stay relevant for the foreseeable future.

Examples of Evergreen Sites

These websites are major producers of evergreen content:

• about.com
• wikipedia.com
• answers.com
• imdb.com
• ehow.com These sites publish vast amounts of evergreen articles on diverse topics. Wikipedia, for instance, ranks on the first page for nearly half of all Google searches! However, the pursuit of quantity sometimes leads to lower-quality articles. Analyze these sites not just for good evergreen examples but also to identify areas for improvement in your own writing.

Evergreen SEO: Sustainable Content and Keywords

Evergreen content is a valuable asset in content marketing, but its impact amplifies when combined with SEO techniques. Craft your evergreen pieces around keywords you want your site to rank for. Even the most enduring content is ineffective if it’s not search-optimized or relevant to your business, so prioritize keyword research.

Implement basic SEO techniques like on-page keyword optimization (avoid keyword stuffing!), utilize image alt text, and include social sharing buttons. The more search-engine friendly your content, the greater its visibility, shareability, and potential to drive sustained traffic.

Tips for Writing Evergreen Content

Don’t Write for Experts – While showcasing expertise is tempting, it’s crucial to remember that your primary audience consists of beginners seeking information. Avoid Overly Technical Language – Simplify your language to avoid alienating your target audience of beginners. Narrow Your Topic – Broad topics lead to lengthy articles that can lose readers’ interest. They also often represent highly competitive head terms. Specific topics like “How to Throw a Roundhouse Kick” are more engaging than broader ones like “Guide to Powerful Kick Techniques.” Link Posts Together – Divide extensive guides into focused articles and interlink them. For example, a “Guide to Bike Care” could be split into “How to Oil Your Bike Brakes” and “How to Replace a Bike Tire.” This boosts SEO and guides readers to related content. Repurpose Your Best Content – Adapt your successful evergreen content into different formats for wider reach.

Don’t Rely Solely on Evergreen Writing

While evergreen content is invaluable, it shouldn’t be the sole focus of your SEO strategy. Timely, topical content also holds value. While an article about the 2012 presidential election isn’t evergreen, it capitalizes on current search trends and generates significant traffic in the short term. The same applies to well-researched articles using recent statistics. These articles are valuable but have a limited lifespan. The power of evergreen content lies in its potential to consistently drive traffic for extended periods. The ideal content marketing strategy incorporates a balanced mix of topical and evergreen content.