When is improving an old article better than writing another?

Volume is not evidence of quality

Google's 2024 spam policies address scaled content intended to manipulate rankings. The issue is not simply the production tool used.

Before commissioning another article, check for an existing page answering the same guest question. Updating facts, adding a better example or clarifying structure may be the real task.

Choose what happens to the content

• Update when the question matters but information is stale.
• Merge when several pages repeat the same answer.
• Create when a distinct, meaningful question remains unanswered.

Plan old addresses and links when merging. Saved links should not lead readers into errors. Maintenance should preserve useful answers, not merely increase page counts.

Sources and background

• Google: March 2024 core update and spam policies · 2024-03-05

Editorial note: This series uses retrospective editorial dates; the text and illustration were actually created on 17 September 2026. Practical examples are editorial recommendations, not measured customer outcomes.