Navigating Content Quality: Should You Disavow Most of Your Blog Posts?
Recently, I found myself grappling with a major decline in my blog’s performance due to what I’m calling the HCU (Hypothetical Content Update). Once thriving, my site has plunged from receiving 1,000 daily views on some of my top articles to a troubling five views a day. This drastic change has left me wondering if the situation is dire enough to warrant disavowing 90% of my content.
The majority of my articles—around 95%—are thoughtfully crafted and written by me, showcasing in-depth research and unique insights. Some of these pieces were created as part of partnerships with brands in my niche, which has led me to question whether these sponsored posts may have influenced how Google views my site.
Despite the setbacks, I firmly believe that several of my articles stand out as some of the best resources available online. For instance, I’ve developed an exhaustive guide on a specific subject that could rival any similar resource. Additionally, my website features the first price calculator of its kind, which competitors have attempted to emulate but with little success. I also offer exclusive calculators that add significant value for my readers, coupled with articles containing over 100 high-quality images.
Given the current situation, I’m faced with a tough decision: Should I consider disavowing the bulk of my blog and retain only the strongest pieces? Or is it too late to salvage my site’s reputation with search engines?
In the coming weeks, I’ll be diving deeper into strategies for recovering from this setback and assessing the best pathway forward for my content. If you’ve found yourself in a similar position, I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences—how did you navigate through your blog’s challenges? Share your insights in the comments below!
2 responses to “My blog’s quality declined sharply with the HCU—should I disavow most of it?”
It sounds like you’re navigating a challenging situation following the implementation of Google’s Helpful Content Update (HCU). It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed, especially given the decline in traffic despite your dedication to creating high-quality content. However, disavowing 90% of your blog may not be the best course of action. Here are some steps and considerations that might help improve your situation:
1. Assess Current Content Quality and Relevance
2. Optimize Existing Articles
3. Audit Sponsored Content
4. Enhance Your Best Content
5. Diversify Your Content Strategy
6. Reconsidering Disavowal
7. Continuous Learning
Conclusion
There’s hope for your blog’s revival as long as you’re willing to adapt and grow from feedback. Remember that Google aims to serve the best, most relevant content to users, and by focusing on repeatedly refining your articles and understanding your audience’s needs, you can gradually improve your blog’s performance. Instead of a drastic overhaul like disavowing most of your content, think of it as an ongoing project that requires patience, diligence, and creativity.
It sounds like you’re going through a challenging time with your blog, and I can empathize with how disheartening it must be to see such a dramatic drop in traffic. Before making a decision to disavow a large portion of your content, I suggest taking a strategic approach to assess each article’s performance and potential.
Consider conducting a thorough content audit. Analyze traffic metrics, engagement rates, and keyword rankings for all your posts. Identify which articles, even if they have lower views, still resonate with your audience based on comments and shares. You might find hidden gems that could be optimized rather than discarded.
Additionally, scrutinizing your sponsored posts is critical. Google places a high value on content that offers authentic value to users, and if you suspect that any of your partnerships may have negatively impacted your site’s standing, reassessing those partnerships may be beneficial. Perhaps refreshing the content, emphasizing your unique insights, and enhancing SEO for those posts could bolster their performance.
Finally, don’t hesitate to reach out to your audience and invite feedback on your existing content. Often, direct community engagement can reveal what your readers value most, which can guide your content strategy moving forward.
Remember, disavowing content isn’t always the best solution—sometimes, it’s about refining and optimizing what you already have. Best of luck as you navigate this, and I’m looking forward to seeing your strategies for recovery!