Understand The Big Picture

As a content creator, if you’ve ever wondered whether it’s best to focus on about evergreen content or to pursue trending topics, you’re not alone. This question pops up for anyone hoping to attract a loyal audience and monetize their site. The short answer is that both have their place in a well-rounded content strategy – but it’s crucial to choose the right mix in order to attract both short-term spikes in traffic and to build longer-term loyalty.

Evergreen content refers to pieces that remain useful and relevant over time, resisting the natural decline that comes from shifting interests. Meanwhile, trending topics can deliver a quick burst of traffic but may fade fast once the hype cools off. By combining the two, you can keep growing without sacrificing immediate attention.

Dive Into Evergreen Content

Evergreen content is like a sturdy foundation for your site. It continues to bring traffic and engagement long after you hit “publish,” especially when you update it occasionally to stay fresh. In fact, evergreen articles often earn backlinks and consistent search visibility over time.

• Common evergreen formats include how-tos, FAQs, and resource guides.
• Topics that people search year-round (like “basic SEO tips,” “how to build a dog house from scratch,” or “ways to boost personal productivity”) typically fit this category.
• Focus on clarity so readers will keep coming back or share it with others.

If you need help building a timeless piece, check out our exploration into what makes a great blog post. It covers the essentials for crafting reader-friendly, search-friendly articles.

Spot The Power Of Trends

Trending content is an effective way to ride the wave of current events, popular culture, or viral stories. When you publish content that hits at the right moment, you can enjoy a noticeable spike in engagement. This instant visibility helps you stay relevant and connected to real-time conversations.

• Trend-based pieces can skyrocket your traffic in hours or days.
• Social media is a key driver for trending topics, so it’s smart to promote on the channels and groups that your audience loves.
• Monitor platforms and industry news to catch emerging topics early.

You might also refine your approach by doing research around popular keywords. For tips on how to do this without forking out big bucks for keyword research tools, see how to do keyword research for free in 2025.

Balance Both Approaches

Mixing evergreen and trending topics is your best bet for sustainable growth. Many marketers aim for a ratio of around 70% evergreen to 30% trending content (according to LazyLines). That way, your site remains visible over the long haul while tapping into hot discussions when they matter.

Try these strategies to strike the right balance:

1. Schedule It Out
   Create a simple editorial calendar mapping when your key evergreen pieces will go live, then slot in trending content around major events or launch dates.
2. Blend Them
   Update older evergreen posts by referencing related trends. This keeps existing articles fresh and encourages readers to explore your latest hot takes.
3. Watch Your Data
   Track engagement metrics in tools like Google Analytics to pinpoint what resonates with your audience. That way, you can adjust your mix as you learn more.

Boost Your Results by Testing the Balance

Evergreen topics generally require time and effort to build authority, but they continue to reward you with traffic for months or years. Trending topics can help you stand out as a cutting-edge brand and give you a noticeable traffic boost when done well. By learning to juggle both, you’ll be able to grow your audience and keep them engaged.

Ultimately, it isn’t a question of which approach is better, but rather how both can work together in your content strategy, and how you intend to balance them to deliver optimal results. Give yourself room to experiment, see what clicks with your audience, and refine your plan as you go. Your content will remain relevant and interesting, and your visitors will have plenty of reasons to keep coming back.