5 Questions Answered About Evergreen Content

Posted by Amanda Ellison

If you're in any way involved in the world of content writing, you've no doubt come across the term 'evergreen content'.

But what exactly is it? And do you actually need to create evergreen content?

The answers to the following five questions might help shed some light on how evergreen content could enhance your writing life.

1. What Is Evergreen Content?

The dictionary defines the word 'evergreen' as such:

adjective

relating to or denoting a plant that retains green leaves throughout the year.
"the glossy laurel is fully hardy and evergreen"
 
noun
a plant that retains green leaves throughout the year.
"evergreens planted to cut off the east wind"
In the natural world, we think of plants that are everlasting and perennially fresh. It is timeless and robust. So in terms of content writing, evergreen content relates to material that is permanently relevant.
While not an exhaustive list, the following are some of the types of content that fall within the remit of evergreen:
  • Product Reviews
  • 'How To' Lists
  • Tips or content lists
  • Informative Guides
  • Glossaries
  • Solutions to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  • 'History of,,,' Articles
  • Tutorials

2. What Is Evergreen Content Not?

Anything that is topical or will date quickly is most definitely not evergreen. If your content is founded on current trends this, again, would be temporal rather evergreen. In other words, anything that has an expiry date - such as news stories, or statistics - falls outside the bailiwick of evergreen content.

Avoid any technical vocabulary and don't write for experts. And don't aim your evergreen content at everyone - aim at one target audience. 

3. Does Length Matter?

Not at all. In terms of blogging, all of the following types of content are suitable for evergreen content.

Short Form - 500 words

Standard Form - 500-1000 words

Long Form - 1000-1500 words

Extra Long Form - 1500+ words (often in excess of 2000 words)

4. What Are Its Characteristics?

Evergreen content is often advisory or informative. Rarely is it editorial (opinionated). It is often aimed at beginners, with headlines such as 'How to ...'.  It tends to be precise and specific, with a particular audience in mind. And. of course, it is timeless. Information may well be presented in the form of infographics.

But do remember that evergreen content still needs to be updated occasionally - think of it as a dictionary that is constantly refreshed with new words.

5. Why Is Evergreen Content Important?

Evergreen content is an important component of your content strategy. While more time-sensitive articles and blogs have their place, evergreen content has a crucial job to do. First and foremost, it can be repurposed. It will never date or become invalid, and therefore it can be revived when required. For example, if you have produced an article on, say, how to wrap Christmas gifts, this information can be used again and again - you can share the link on social media, or even post a snippet as a taster. The hard work is already done!

What's more, this type of content generates more traffic and is more likely to be used as a link by other bloggers.