# Content Decay

> The gradual decline in organic traffic and rankings of older content.

Source: https://anotherseoguru.com/en/glossary/content-decay

Content decay occurs when previously high-performing content gradually loses rankings and traffic over time. This happens as content becomes outdated, competitors publish better content, or user needs evolve.

## Example

A 'Best Tools 2024' article that ranked #1 now ranks #15 because it's outdated and competitors have 2026 versions.

## How to apply it

Monitor traffic trends per page, identify decaying content before it's too late, update with current information, refresh titles with current year, add new sections, improve comprehensiveness.

> **Pro tip:** Set calendar reminders to review evergreen content quarterly. Preventing decay is easier than recovering from it.

## Related terms

- [Content Freshness](https://anotherseoguru.com/en/glossary/content-freshness)
- [Evergreen Content](https://anotherseoguru.com/en/glossary/evergreen-content)