Why Your Articles Are In a Content Graveyard

Wrote a great article, only to have it wind up in a content graveyard?

Have you ever wondered why your articles don’t get a lot of traction when you post them?

Writing a good blog article takes research and conviction. But sometimes, no matter how hard you try or what you do, it seems like your articles never grab the eyes you want them to. That’s why they end up in a content graveyard.

Here’s how to bring your articles back from the dead.

- Update Your Information

If you’re publishing an article that has time-sensitive information in it, be sure to keep that article updated every time some new, relevant information is added. Readers won’t frequent outdated sources, especially when there’s newer, fresher content available. Be sure to run your articles through a personal audit just to be certain you’re offering the latest content you can

- Use Your Keywords

Talking about a particular topic? Of course you are. Content is targeted, and it’s important to maintain a focus on that target. Use keywords throughout your content to make sure the technological powers that be understand that your content is what your preferred reader wants to see. Put it in the title, in the headings, in your image captions, in your slug… put it everywhere so it ends up on the right screens.

- Leverage Your Links

Maybe you have one article that is doing exceptionally well online. People love it, it’s being shared and talked about. This article is riding high…and it’s doing better than another article that can’t seem to get any traction (even though it speaks about similar topics). Link relevant articles in your high performing articles to increase overall value. An article that isn’t doing as well can benefit from that high traffic and you will provide more relevant information to your readers. It’s a win-win!

- Mind Your Spacing

Perhaps one of the more overlooked aspects of content, at least for writers, is the use of space on a page. If you have loads to say, by all means, type away! But make sure that once you’re finished you’re not left with a big block of text that no one would consider reading through on first browse. Creating more white space on a page is easier on the eyes and more readers will feel comfortable making it through your content.

- Promote

Another aspect of content that can fly under the radar, the need to promote your content. You’ve written a masterpiece, used keywords in all the right places, linked to other relevant content on your site, and spaced your paragraphs beautifully. All of that could fall to the wayside if your most avid followers don’t know that you’ve posted something. Consistent readers will frequent your content, share it, comment on it, like it, even repurpose it or link it in their own work (with your permission). And all of this helps!

So, if you want to avoid zombie content, remember: update, use keywords, leverage links, space well, and promote! Do these things and you’ll be making amazing content in no time!