Content pruning is the process of identifying and removing or improving underperforming, outdated, or irrelevant content on a website to optimize its overall quality, user experience, and search engine performance.

Some examples of content pruning include:

  • Combining multiple underperforming articles on the same topic into one comprehensive, high-quality article that ranks well.
  • Updating old content with current information, statistics, or best practices to maintain relevance.
  • Removing pages with thin, duplicate, or low-quality content that adds little value to users.
  • Redirecting URLs of removed pages to relevant, up-to-date content to preserve link equity and user experience.
  • Identifying and fixing broken links or replacing them with updated, relevant resources.
  • Archiving time-sensitive content, such as old event pages or promotional offers, to declutter the site structure.
  • Consolidating similar product pages or variations into a single, optimized product page.
  • Reviewing and removing or no-indexing pages with low traffic, high bounce rates, or minimal engagement.
  • Repurposing or updating existing content in new formats, such as turning a blog post series into an e-book or guide.
  • Implementing a content audit and review process to regularly assess and maintain the quality and relevance of the website's content.