How to Create Evergreen Search-Optimized Content

One of the main goals when producing website content is to position your brand or organization as an authoritative and useful resource to your audience — a place they seek out for valuable information. And one of the best ways to provide that to your followers is with search-optimized evergreen content: high-quality, timeless and informative content that they can return to again and again. Yes, trending and seasonal content are also important (e.g., press releases or current event articles), however, because evergreen content is not time-sensitive, it has a higher return on investment and will remain relevant and interesting to your audience for several years.

In this article we’ll cover the basics of evergreen content, sharing five helpful tips for producing high-quality content and a comprehensive list of evergreen formats and topics you can draw from for inspiration.

A river runs toward misty mountains, surrounded by evergreen trees and forest.
Photo by Luca Bravo on Unsplash

What Is Evergreen Content?

High-quality, valuable content that remains relevant and useful for a long time is known as “evergreen”. Unlike news articles or trend-based posts that become outdated quickly, evergreen content consistently attracts and retains readers long after publication. It addresses timeless topics and provides lasting value for long-term search engine optimization (SEO) and audience engagement.

Key characteristics of evergreen content include:

  • Timelessness: Remains relevant and useful regardless of current events or trends.
  • High Value: Provides in-depth, well-researched information that addresses common questions or problems.
  • SEO-Friendly: Optimized for search engines to attract consistent traffic over time.
  • Shareability: Often shared and referenced, increasing its reach and authority.

Examples of evergreen content include how-to guides, tutorials, FAQs, and comprehensive resource lists. See our extensive list of examples at the end of this guide.

Someone writing at a desk with natural light and a cup of coffee.
Photo by Unseen Studio on Unsplash

5 Tips for Creating Valuable Evergreen Content:

1. Understand Your Audience and Their Needs

To create content your target audience will return to repeatedly, you must first understand what they’re looking for. Research your target audience to identify their pain points, interests, and questions. Use tools like Google Analytics and social media insights to gather data. Tailor your content to address these needs with valuable, relevant information.

2. Perform Comprehensive Keyword Research

Identify high-traffic, low-competition keywords using tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, or SEMrush. Focus on long-tail keywords that align with your audience’s search queries. Incorporate these keywords naturally into your content.

3. Craft High-Quality, Engaging Content

Your ideas should be valuable, interesting, and well-written to draw readers back again and again. Create well-researched, informative, and engaging content. Use a clear structure with headings, subheadings, bullet points, and short paragraphs. Include visual elements like images, infographics, and videos to enhance readability and engagement.

4. Optimize On-Page SEO Elements

Always ensure your content is search-engine friendly by optimizing titles, meta descriptions, headers, and URLs with relevant keywords. Use internal and external links to enhance authority and provide additional value to your readers.

5. Update and Repurpose Content Regularly

Keep your content evergreen by updating it with the latest information and trends while remaining timeless. Repurpose high-performing content into different formats, such as videos, podcasts, or social media posts, to reach a broader audience and stay relevant.

A whiteboard with sticky notes saying "how-to" and "fun fact"
Photo by Walls.io on Unsplash

Examples of Evergreen Content:

You can create evergreen content in various formats that suit your brand and audience. But remember: always provide high-quality, relevant, and useful information to your readers.

Here are seven examples of formats and topics that you can draw inspiration from:

1. How-To Guides and Tutorials

Craft step-by-step instructions on how to perform a task or achieve a goal.

  • “How to Use Our Software: A Step-by-Step Guide”
  • “How to Write Effective Grant Proposals for Nonprofits”
  • “A Step-by-Step Guide to Planning a Successful Fundraising Event”

2. Comprehensive Resource Lists

Compile curated lists of resources, tools, or references that provide ongoing value.

  • “Top 50 Free Online Resources for Nonprofits”
  • “The Ultimate List of Marketing Resources for Small Businesses”
  • “Best Practices and Tools for Remote Work Productivity”

3. FAQs

Answer common questions on a particular topic.

  • “Frequently Asked Questions About Our Product Features”
  • “Everything You Need to Know About Credit Scores”
  • “FAQs on Starting a Small Business”

4. Glossaries and Definitions

Provide detailed explanations of terms and jargon specific to an industry or field.

  • “Digital Marketing Glossary: Key Terms You Need to Know”
  • “Common Financial Terms Explained”
  • “A-Z Guide to Web Development Terminology”

5. Case Studies and Success Stories

Illustrate real-life examples demonstrating the application of concepts or strategies and showcasing your expertise.

  • “Case Study: How Our SEO Strategy Increased Traffic by 200%”
  • “Success Story: From Start-Up to Industry Leader in Two Years”
  • “How Nonprofit X Achieved Its Mission with Innovative Programs”

6. Best Practices and Tips

Share industry-standard methods and expert advice on various topics.

  • “Best Practices for Effective Email Marketing”
  • “Top Tips for Effective Leadership and Management”
  • “Essential Marketing Strategies for Business Growth”

7. Checklists and Templates

Create ready-to-use lists and templates that assist users in completing tasks efficiently.

  • “Ultimate Checklist for Successful Product Launches”
  • “Content Calendar Template for Bloggers”
  • “Event Planning Checklist: A Step-by-Step Guide”
A notebook with a hand writing a checklist.
Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash

These examples of evergreen content provide consistent value, making your site a source that readers will revisit and driving long-term traffic to your website. Try them out! For a refresher on SEO, check out our blog post “What is SEO and why is it important?”.

Interested in boosting the evergreen content on your site? Barber Communications is skilled in crafting high-quality SEO-optimized content relevant to your brand. Get in touch to learn more.