035 Evergreen vs. Trendy Content—What Should You Focus On?

When it comes to content creation, you’ve probably heard the terms “evergreen” and “trendy” tossed around like they’re the latest hot marketing buzzwords. But what do they actually mean? And more importantly, which one should you be focusing on for your content strategy?

If you’re sitting there, trying to decide between writing about timeless tips on how to brew the perfect cup of coffee (evergreen) or a step-by-step guide on how to recreate that viral whipped coffee trend from 2020 (trendy), you’re not alone. In fact, this is a dilemma most content creators, bloggers, and marketers face.

So, let’s break it down, shall we?

Evergreen Content: The Reliable Old Friend

Imagine you have a friend who’s always around, dependable, and never goes out of style. That’s evergreen content. Evergreen content is information that remains relevant and valuable long after it’s published. It’s like that classic black turtleneck—timeless, practical, and it works no matter the season.

Examples of Evergreen Content:

How-To Guides: “How to Start a Garden in Your Backyard”
Listicles: “10 Ways to Save Money on Groceries”
Educational Articles: “What is SEO and Why Does It Matter?”
Product Reviews: “The Best Laptops for Small Businesses in 2024”

This type of content consistently brings in traffic because people will always search for it. The secret sauce here is longevity. Sure, you might have to update a fact or two every couple of years, but overall, it’s the gift that keeps on giving.

Benefits of Evergreen Content:

Lasting Value: Once created, evergreen content can bring in traffic for months, years, or even decades. You put in the work upfront, and then you can sit back as it quietly pulls in clicks, like a well-oiled machine.
Search Engine Love: Google loves evergreen content. It’s not just about keywords; it’s about providing valuable, lasting information. Over time, evergreen articles often climb up in search rankings, making them a cornerstone of SEO success.
Less Time Pressure: Unlike trendy content, which is time-sensitive, evergreen content can be posted whenever. No need to rush or worry about it going stale—it’s like fine wine that gets better with time.
Educational and Foundational: Evergreen content helps build your authority in your niche. By answering fundamental questions or providing long-lasting advice, you become a go-to resource in your field.

Trendy Content: The Life of the Party

Now let’s talk about trendy content, the cool, in-the-moment cousin to evergreen content. Trendy content focuses on topics that are currently popular or relevant, whether it’s breaking news, the latest meme, or an Instagram-worthy recipe that’s blowing up. Trendy content is more like that flashy outfit you bought for one party—it might get you a lot of attention now, but it’s probably going to end up in the back of your closet in a few months.

Examples of Trendy Content:

“How [Insert Celebrity] Crushed Their Latest Fitness Challenge”
“The Top 10 TikTok Dance Trends to Try Right Now”
“Breaking Down the Latest Facebook Algorithm Update”
“The Best Holiday Gifts of [Insert Year Here]”

Benefits of Trendy Content:

Instant Traffic: Trendy content is all about capitalizing on what’s hot right now. You can pull in lots of visitors quickly if you’re one of the first to report or comment on a trend.
Social Media Goldmine: This type of content is perfect for social media engagement. If something’s viral, chances are people want to talk about it, share it, and engage with it. This can lead to a short-term spike in followers, likes, and shares.
Authority on Hot Topics: If you cover trendy topics early and often, you can position yourself as an authority or thought leader in your niche. Whether it’s tech, fashion, or finance, staying on top of trends shows that you’re in the know.
Audience Engagement: Trendy content sparks conversation. People are excited to share their opinions or jump on the bandwagon, creating a sense of community around the latest happenings.

The Downsides of Each Approach

Let’s be real—neither strategy is without its pitfalls. Evergreen content, for all its long-lasting charm, isn’t necessarily going to get you instant clicks or boost your engagement overnight. It takes time to build up traffic, and you may find yourself twiddling your thumbs in the early days.

On the flip side, trendy content has a shelf life shorter than a loaf of bread. Once the trend dies, so does your traffic. Not to mention, keeping up with trends can feel like a full-time job in itself. Blink, and you’ll miss the next big thing.

Finding the Balance: Evergreen and Trendy Content Working Together

Now, here’s the kicker: You don’t have to choose one over the other. The best content strategies mix both evergreen and trendy content. It’s like having your cake and eating it too.

How to Do It:

Create Evergreen Content with a Trendy Twist: Let’s say you have an evergreen piece on “How to Build a Perfect Morning Routine.” You could give it a trendy edge by incorporating the latest wellness craze, like cold plunges or intermittent fasting. This way, you’re appealing to both the timeless value-seeker and the trend-chaser.
Recycle Trendy Content into Evergreen: Did you write an article about the latest iPhone release? Once the hype dies down, update it with a broader, more evergreen topic like “What to Look for When Buying a New Smartphone.” This allows you to extend the lifespan of trendy posts.
Use Trends to Lead to Evergreen: If you’re writing about a current trend, direct readers to related evergreen content. For example, if you’re talking about the latest social media algorithm changes, point them to your evergreen post on “How to Grow Your Social Media Following.”
Create Content Calendars: Set aside time each week or month for both types of content. This way, you’ll always have a mix of posts that cater to your immediate and long-term goals.
Track Performance: Use Google Analytics or similar tools to monitor how both types of content are performing. You might find that your evergreen pieces slowly but steadily outperform your trendy content in the long run, or vice versa.

Conclusion: What Should You Focus On?

So, evergreen or trendy—what’s it going to be? Well, the answer lies in your goals. If you’re looking for long-term, consistent traffic that builds over time, evergreen content is your best bet. However, if you’re looking to capitalize on short-term buzz and social media engagement, trendy content is the way to go.

But here’s the golden rule: You don’t have to pick one! The magic happens when you strike a balance between both. Think of evergreen content as your steady, reliable base, and trendy content as the exciting flavor that keeps people coming back for more. Master both, and you’ll have a content strategy that stands the test of time while keeping up with the latest buzz.

Time to get writing! Whether it’s evergreen or trendy, the most important thing is to create content that connects with your audience. Now, go make some magic!