Ever wonder how the frequency with which you post to your blogs affects your rankings in Google?
This has been discussed all over the web with two differing opinions -
1. Bloggers need to post consistently and frequently or else you have a dead blog that will fall in rankings. This basically comes from the notion that blogs are dynamic and are expected to be constantly updated, versus static sites which do not carry the same expectation.
or
2. A blogger should not post just to post, and quality of content always wins over the quantity of it.
I for one have always believed in #2, and it was proven to me with this blog.
As most of my faithful readers know, I do not post everyday nor even every week. I do not believe in posting for posting sakes or because I am in some race to have a thousand posts a month. I take the time to do proper research and make sure that I am providing the most value I can for my readers, which for me takes time and thought and if it means only 3 posts per month so be it and my rankings are great, many of my posts are on page 1 for various keywords.
What About Readers?
Now the two opinions above are usually discussed just in relation to rankings and not so much in relation to readers and visitors (especially returning ones and subscribers).
When it comes to readers and subscribers a solid argument can be made that adding content on a higher frequency brings that freshness factor and brings them to the blog more often. I agree with that. But I also do not think it should be forced.
I read several blogs that update on a daily or every other day basis, and I have to say that the quality of content is not so great and sometimes it is quite transparent that posts are being rushed and are therefore not very useful or thoughtful.
In general, if you have something of value to post then post it, but do not post mediocre or crappy content just for the sake of posting or being bent on meeting some deadline of 1,000 posts in one month, whether for rankings or for readers.
In a nutshell, for me quality always wins over quantity, if you want to establish authority in your niche then quality, useful and spectacular content should always be your first concern.
But of course, if you can have both, quality and quantity that's even better!!!!!!!!!
Matt Cutts Clarifies Frequency of Posting and Ranking
In the following video Matt Cutts clarifies this issue of post frequency affecting Google rankings, it's a good watch. This video came from Google Webmaster Help on YouTube, where Matt posts videos regularly answering a variety of questions submitted by webmasters from Matt's grab bag. It's a good idea to subscribe as there are a variety of issues being answered all the time.
What do you guys think? Are you going for quantity, quality or both and why?
Agree with you. Quality content matters. I have come across many old posts (Year 2009) on the #1 spot of SERP.
Follow Me on Twitter @: npxpcom
(9 comments)
Well frequency and quality should go hand in hand..
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Follow Me on Twitter @: netchunks
(3 comments)
I think yes, the blog frequency does affect the ranking, I have tried it myself, I tried to remain dormant for a few weeks without posting anything and the result was my blog’s keyword SERP had a huge plunge as well as the traffic. I think a blog should have atleast one article a day. If one cannot manage one article , the blog should have at the minimum 3-4 articles in a week. And ya I agree with you, when it comes to having more articles in a day then the quality of the articles comes down so it is better to write quality then quantity.
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@ Shiva
Welcome, and thanks for commenting.
Frequency plus good content makes your blog more fantastic. But we have to face reality here we need good content since Matt also discuss the importance of good content, and it’s not easy for everyone to come up with good informative content as far as my experienced.
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Follow Me on Twitter @: AMater
(17 comments)
I have always felt that quality is better than quantity, and it appears that Matt proves that theory. In the same token, if you write exceptional articles, then I don’t think your readers will care as much if you only post once a week or so. They’ll know that when you do post, it’s worth reading, and they’ll have no problem waiting for your next great post. That’s my take on it.
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@ Alan
I have never had a problem with people coming back and many months I only wrote 2 or 3 posts. I would much rather write something useful, than just whatever. Also, I have a lot of blogs I subscribe to, and sometimes it’s too much when they post everyday, and I get flooded with emails from them, do I get to read all their posts? NO! A lot of them I just delete the email because it gets too backed up. People do read more than one blog, and I think that is something to consider.
Right on… quality over quantity.
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Follow Me on Twitter @: yagraphic
(1 comments)
Yes, that’s right, I wrote a blog post about this
http://www.ya-graphic.com/2010/06/frequence-publication-blog-seo/
Ya-graphic recently posted..yagraphic: that’s right ! "quality of content always wins over the quantity of it" http://bit.ly/czIz95 #seo #blogging //via @imstrategies
@ Ya-graphic
Welcome and thanks for commenting.
I agree with you fully. After all, writing is a craft and if you like writing it’s soul destroying to write merely to fill up a blog. And what makes matters even worse is the software that churns out stuff that no human can understand.
I think that subscribers are discriminating and they will be prepared to wait for better quality posts.
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@ Sandra
Welcome and thanks for commenting. It is soul destroying, especially when you really care about the readers.
From what I’ve seen, blogs with daily or weekly updating seem to have better PR and SERP than ones with little or no activity.
Although with static web sites like mine, I’m not sure how often I need updating. Its been 9 months since I made any changes to the HTML, yet I’m still on top of my KW searches.
Once I see a drop, I guess its time to make some HTML or content additions/deletions.
@ Wedding DJs
Hi, how ru? For static sites updating is not pertinent nor is it expected, though it is nice to add fresh content and keep things fresh overall.
I almost regret some sites I build that that were blog centric or included a blog page. Such a time pit and so time consuming. My static sites/pages have far more steady and predictable traffic – tho they benefit and DO deserve to be updated periodically.
Looking back, blogging really helps you as more and more writing inherently captures more long-tail search. But if you know what your real money keywords are – a static page with careful on-page optimization delivers in spades. Why ‘Blog Your Way To Riches’ when static pages can do it with a fraction of the life energy?
Good for me its not expected. I think the only thing I update with frequency is my eBook of the Week on my homepage.
Other than that I usually just build fresh pages to keep the spiders something fresh to look at.
Follow Me on Twitter @: DennisEdell
(35 comments)
100% although i haven’t really showed it in the past couple months. Most of my posts on DE.com currently are made for my regulars in giving their feedback in my building.
Once the network of blogs is up and running, it will be 100% quality over quantity. I hope. lol
I’ve had a post in draft for a while explaining my thought on why “readers need a post a day to come back” is crap.
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@ Dennis
I definitely think it’s crap, looking forward to reading it.
I agree with even I experienced the same effect.Once I started posting regularly I get consistant traffic.
Follow Me on Twitter @: danielsharkov
(8 comments)
I definitely have to agree with you. Quality always wins the fight over quantity. What’s the point of posting ten times a day when the articles won’t be informative and useful? Of course posting on regular basis is also a good thing as it can help you keep high search engine positions. One needs to find the perfect ratio between quality and quantity.
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Follow Me on Twitter @: DennisEdell
(35 comments)
I have a specific take on it, that I’ve never seen anyone else mention.
Dennis Edell | Direct Sales Marketing recently posted..Would You Like a PRIVATE Community
@ Dennis
Awesome, can’t wait.
Follow Me on Twitter @: colleenlane
(9 comments)
The video by Matt Cutts says it all. Quality over quantity, however, blogging on a regular basis is a must. I have noticed on our blog that when we are blogging regularly, our blogs get indexed faster.
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@ Colleen
Oh yeah, I agree, you should update.
Well, i believe it will just index faster if you update frequently. But matt cutts specifically points that having loads of pages doesn’t really help with the ranking at all if you don’t have the sufficient amount of links pointing at them…
@ Depresyon
Ranking in Google is always mostly about the links and on-site SEO.
I go for quality, but as it comes.. I tend to have quantity as well. With my niche and the way my blog is designed, I’m always getting new payment proofs on a daily basis, and so there is always a need to post in order to keep up with my blog and it’s purpose of updating my total earnings online (while teaching others how to earn as well).
However, you’re right. I read this entire post of yours, simply because it was QUALITY. If it was just a bunch of words simply placed there to “make up a post”, I’d probably just click the X and leave.
Quality over Quantity is definitely better.. but if you can do both there’s no harm in that!
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@ Trini
I have seen posts like that and like you I just split.
I’d definitely go for both unless I have more time but basically, quantity is more than enough to show your readers that you have something good to offer and once they see that, they’ll keep coming back for more.
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@ Amanda
I agree, overall a successful site is more concerned with visitor experience than search engine expectations. Thanks for your comment!
Your article on “Does blog post frequency affect google ranking” is excellent. Based on my personal experience i feel that both quality and quantity of blog post are important but one should not compromise on quality just for the sake of quantity. Posting quality content is a vital factor for the success any blog.
According to me quality is much more important that quantity. Though it is a fact that regular updates on a blog is essential in order to get good ranking on the search engines. But if you want a long term success on the search engines always give more importance to the quality. It is the key to success in pulling more traffic to your blog.
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@ Edward
I agree and thanks for commenting.
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(43 comments)
I wander though if the Google Bots would recognize quality if they fell over it. Personally I believe in quality over quantity and while I believe Google would agree I don’t think it’s able to tell between a good or bad post. This is probably why it’s probably factored a lot of variables into it’s algorithm, such as incoming links and the like. Heck, it may even factor in page views thinking if a lot of people are reading it then it must be good.
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@ Sire
I agree, that is why they place such high stock in overall site authority and quality backlink profiles. On the flip side, the more quality posts you post the more likely you are to get those links.
I always write my own articles so as far as unique, quality content is concerned , I pretty much got that covered. As for posting, I would probably do that as and when I have a new article. As matt cutts states, it all depends what and who you are providing for. If I provide for the reader, then I will post content, again, when I have a new article. If I am writing for search engine purposes, then I will post a unique article daily. In my opinion, I haven’t really noticed any such difference to posting either on a daily basis or weekly.
@ Terry
Yeah me neither, some months I only posted 2 times and rankings remain strong.
I have watched my own blog drop in rankings due to a lack of new posts. I think it’s important to determine a posting frequency and stick with it. If you can post 1 quality article a day, then do it. If you can only post 1 quality article a week, then do that. I think consistency is the key to ranking well and having a loyal readership.
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@ Ron
Are you sure that blog posting frequency was the reason for the drop? Might be that competitors out ranked you, or link values were diminished or too old, lots of variables there.
Follow Me on Twitter @: sallyneill
(3 comments)
Hey JR
Seriously?
I never knew it affected google page rank?
I was wondering if it was my do follow plugin after i dropped a point.
Sally
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@ Sally
No it does not affect Page Rank, the toolbar PR, the discussion is about actual rank positions of inner pages in Google SERPS. Page Rank (PR) is all about the links, I doubt your PR drop has to do with the dofollow, it’s a very slim possibility, more likely it’s because Google discounted some of the links in your profile, which is a common occurance. Get more high quality links and your PR will rise.
It is always noticed that Matt Cutt never answers to your questions in direct manner. His answers are always like global statement.
I remembered once when he was asked about directory submission and he told that it is still effective but to only good directories. There was nothing specified by him as to what he refers as good directories!!
Anyhow, regarding this post, i think the frequency is not a major factor. You need to understand the concept that quality is what you need to follow! Still it dosen;t means that one post a week is good. I think you must update your blog more than thrice with good postings in a week!
What do you think about this? Just leave behind Matt Cutt’s global answers and strategies
@ Top
Well of course Matt is going to be evasive, Google has to keep things secretive, it’s part of what they do to protect themselves. The answers he gave on this video are the most direct I’ve ever heard from him.
Follow Me on Twitter @: ownlimited
(1 comments)
A good article guys!. so far I am doing is posting articles on a regular basis each month. I do not care about ranking in google, because I enjoy writing…..
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@ ownlimited
That is good news, if you are passionate about what you do, then it’s always good!
Excelent post JR. And I am glad you say quality is more important than quantity.
Not everyone has time to daily update a blog.
Follow Me on Twitter @: 1diets
(1 comments)
Totally agree with what you said, quality wins over quantity, no need to postdaily blog post if what we have nothing interestant to say.
I agree that qualities is more important than quantities. I am not always post many post in a week even in a month a only get 2 or 3 post for my blog but with a good article.
Follow Me on Twitter @: almoyen
(2 comments)
I am also at one with you. Post frequency never matters if you have good amount of backlinks and quality content. But if post frequency goes down in very high rates, it matters.
If you just post 1 article per week, its ok but if 1 per month its not okay!
This is similar to having a static site. I am new to all this but I already acquired some great knowledge. I was told to build links on a daily bases and not too many on one day and none the next. I learned that when I put my website as my signature and my site got to page 3 of my kw. But i didn’t do anything the next day and my site just plunged down.
Interesting video, but it makes me wonder about one of my sites. It’s been an interesting experiment because I used to post almost every day on one of my sites and I had a lot of links and a PR 3. I stopped writing on it for over 2 months, but I still have the same links, so nothing’s changed there, but it dropped to PR 1. I’m still confused about what the search engines really want!!
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@ Samantha
Well PR has nothing to do with the content on your site, it’s all about the backlinks. Now, Google has been known to devalue backlink juice, old links, links they deem as duplicates, or other reasons often lead to a loss of PR, it happens all the time. Also, when it comes to the toolbar PR, which is the one we see websites often see quick uprises and they falls in next updates.
Follow Me on Twitter @: buzzduit
(3 comments)
Beautiful. It confirms what I already thought.
On a related note, JR, I am going to be allowing product review posts on IB Guide, probably right after the next PR update. Are you interested in doing one?
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@ Steve
Sure, depends on the product I guess, I would have to be familiar with it. Email me via the contact form and we can talk.
Follow Me on Twitter @: buzzduit
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Whichever you wanted it to be on, of course.
Anyway, I emailed you the info. 
Steve @ Internet Business Guide recently posted..Earning Online Link Building Strategies
I think that if someone takes the time and effort to create a blog website then he should try and make it a quality site with useful information. A post that is made today may be revisited 2 years from now so make it count. Blogs are viral. If the information is well written then people will click on your link in a Google search and read what you have to say. As for how often a blogger should publish a post. The answer to that question is only when he has something of value to say.
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@ Shirley
Well said, thanks for commenting!
I Agree with you. Quality content matters. I have come across many old posts.But its good post.
We are with you, quality above frequency. Although there is enough to blog about in the most niches once a week . We give the next tip to our clients: Think before you blog! Would you like to read it as a customer?
If you’re not sure if it’s interesting enough don’t do it, don’t make your website for Google but for the customers/visitors. Make your site Google ready and make your content compelling!
well, i know blogs lik bluehatseo which has not publish a post for yrs! but still ranks #1 !!!
so, all u need to rank is backlinks and contents…relaven contents
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Yes. Definately.
Google was designed my people to think like an actual person deciding how relevant particular sites are for their search rankings. So the question is, if you had to rank millions of blogs in order of importance/relevance yourself, would you rank one higher than the other because of how often it had content posted on it? YES. IT’S A BLOG.
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Follow Me on Twitter @: buzzduit
(3 comments)
Well, I understand that that is the case for blog search, but for the regular results? I am not so sure. In fact, I am not even sure that google knows for sure if a site is a blog. I have a site that I have been working on that is #5 right now for a very competitive search term. That site is a blog and there are no other blogs in the first 20 results. That site doesn’t even show up on google blog search. There is a “freshness” bonus, I am sure, but I think that frequent, fresh backlinks are more important than frequent content posting.
Just my $0.02…
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I doesn’t effect it directly JR. But if you release some blog posts with great content, it will deliberately gain you some good natural backlinks. That would eventually have some major effect on your SERP’s
Even if you don’t post frequently, its always good to have a schedule of when you post, posting once a week or 3 times a week, having a schedule will let the readers know when to come back to read a new post instead of having to check randomly to see a new post. It also keeps you from getting lazy and not writing at all.
Follow Me on Twitter @: alunmax
(2 comments)
A lot of agreement on frequency and quality of content here. I also get tired of blogs that post inconsequential fluff just for a ‘frequency vote’. I like blogs with posts that address a specific ‘itch’ and that spark off a discussion. ‘Fresh content’ should be a phrase that’s not just about newness!
Before I read your post and watch the video, I feel a little guilty for I didn’t post every day, sometimes even every week for I don’t have the passion to write. Now I kind of feel relief.
Thanks for your article. I think I will feel better when I want to write and I will write. Quality content is more important than quantity content, I always think so.
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(9 comments)
Websites with frequently updated content will receive more favorable attention both from search engine bot and from regular readers. Quality content is important, your content is the main reason people will come to your site so you should make sure it rock.
What is more important make sure the content on your site helps your users accomplish a task!
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I think posting two or three times a week is fine. Posting every single day can be a bit of a curse. Not only are you tiring yourself out(unless you really love the subject) but you are also tiring your readers out (some dont have the time to read your blog everyday)
Chris@Gold Miners recently posted..Investing In Gold During A Recession
I am with Chris on this one. If you try to post everyday it can be daunting. I myself try to write when the mood hits me and then spread out the material. WP makes it easy to cue articles.
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well, i post daily, about 22 posts average daily, yet some people who post once a day still outrank me!
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have been reading ur blog for three days. really like what you posted. by the way i will be doing research about this area. do you happen to know other blogs or maybe forums that I might find out more? thanks a lot.
Well i do feel that when You post frequently and with good content… You will be rewarded.
Follow Me on Twitter @: spectraelite
(1 comments)
Yes I will agree if you post Frequently and with good information, your rankings and your SERPs will skyrocket faster that if you post less. I personally post Video Blogs, normal post, and Quick How to blogs. The frequency has increased dramatically my traffic and my SERP. I will definitely recommend post frequently but definitely posting great quality that last years it is always good and better in some cases.
Luis Posselt
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I have practically done this experiment that Matt has explained in the video.Contents are the King.With consistency and frequency,it always pays you good results.
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i don’t know what about frequency, but for one of my blogs i wrote 4 good articles, and i still didn’t add more. the last one i wrote on february. that blog still has good rankings for keywords i’ve chosen. so i would say quality stands over quantity
“Content is King”
That is the SEO watchword but for keeping in touch with people, just keep blogging.
You completed a number of fine points there. I did a search on the matter and found mainly people will go along with with your blog.
Follow Me on Twitter @: Boomajoom
(23 comments)
Both. Unfortunately, really high quality stuff (for me at least) results in a higher bounce rate which hurts rankings. I try to mix it up since quantity results in more frequent crawls and an occasional decrease in bounce rate, while quality generates backlinks.
Frequent crawl rates are important if you’re running a site that you might make occasional changes on (like for seasonal sales and so on)
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I agree with Brandon,good qality also increases bounce rate.
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Frequent, and I mean posting once a week at a minimum is something I believe Google wants to see and will award you for that. I have sites that even just posting some smaller update have soared to the top of the rankings with very little backlinking, comparatively speaking.
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How many posts in a blog in a day/month. Not an issue for natural bloggers. Now non-issue for others as well. http://bit.ly/9oAMSa