What are Evergreen Articles and Why Should You Care?

TL;DR:

• Evergreen articles are the workhorses of publishing and freelance writing.
• Content that remains relevant over time is a foundational building block of any website or publication.
• There are specific strategies for drafting evergreen articles that editors and readers love.

Guess what? You’re reading evergreen content right now. Much like the trees they’re named for, evergreen content seems timeless. It’s as fresh in winter as it is in summer. If you’re a freelance writer aiming for long-term success, understanding the art of writing evergreen articles is essential. So, what exactly is an evergreen article, and why should it matter to you?

What are Evergreen Articles?

An evergreen article is content that remains relevant and valuable to readers long after publication. Unlike news articles or trend-based posts with a limited shelf life, evergreen content addresses timeless topics and provides information that doesn’t quickly become outdated.

For example, a piece on “How to Write a Resume” or “10 Tips for Staying Productive While Working from Home” will likely remain useful for years. These articles offer enduring value because they tackle issues that readers face regardless of trends or seasons.

Why Should You Care About Evergreen Content?

As a freelance writer, your goal is not just to get published but to create work that editors want to keep on their sites—and that readers will continue to find useful. Here’s why evergreen content is crucial for achieving that:

Consistent Traffic

Evergreen articles generate steady traffic over time as they attract readers through search engines and social media. This consistency increases your visibility and strengthens your portfolio, making pitching future ideas to editors easier.

Long-Term Value

When you write evergreen content, you create assets that will continue delivering value. Editors appreciate this because the content will contribute to their site’s success for years, not just a few weeks.

Higher ROI for Editors

Evergreen articles offer editors a better return on investment. Since the content remains relevant, it doesn’t require frequent updates, saving time and resources while bringing in readers.

How to Write an Evergreen Article

Writing an evergreen article involves more than choosing a timeless topic; it requires thoughtful execution to ensure the content stays relevant and valuable. Here’s how to do it:

Choose a Universal Topic

Start by choosing a subject with a broad appeal that doesn’t rely on current events or trends. It’s sort of the opposite of “newsworthy” or timely content. Think about issues, challenges, or questions readers will have for years. Can they still get value from your article in two or five years from now?

Provide Actionable Advice

Evergreen content is often instructional or informative. When was the last time you searched for how to fix a leak, how to choose a perfect pineapple, or how long to wait to swim after eating? The answers to these questions probably won’t vary much a decade from now. Offer clear, actionable advice that readers can apply, so the content remains useful.

Keep it Simple and Clear

Avoid words or references that may become outdated in a few months. The internet moves fast, and very few people are going to remember a meme from 2017 in 2035. Instead, use simple, clear language that’s accessible to a broad audience. This ensures your article stays relevant as time passes.

Update Periodically

While evergreen articles don’t need frequent updates, you should still review them periodically if you can. If you don’t own the article, reach out to the editor who bought the piece and pitch an updated version with new information. This allows you to make tweaks to keep the information accurate and fresh. Pro tip: if you come across an evergreen article on a website that you know could be updated, pitch an article idea with the fresh angle.

Use Strong SEO Practices

Incorporate relevant keywords naturally within your article if you’re writing for an online publication. Since evergreen content can continue attracting readers over time, good SEO will maximize visibility.

Examples of Evergreen Articles

Here are a few examples of evergreen topics that can inspire your next pitch:

• “5 Healthy Eating Habits That Last a Lifetime”
• “Understanding Basic Financial Literacy”
• “How to Improve Your Public Speaking Skills”
• “Essential Tips for Effective Time Management”

Understanding and writing evergreen articles is a valuable skill for freelance writers. These pieces appeal to editors and help you build a portfolio of content that continues to engage readers long after publication. By focusing on timeless topics and creating high-quality, actionable content, your work remains relevant in a competitive media landscape.