When it comes to content, you want to make sure that your message stays relevant and in front of your audience for as long as possible. After all, content is the engine that drives SEO and organic traffic. Which network has the longest life for a piece of content?
The answer may surprise you. In this must-read article, we’ll explore the different aspects of social media that impact the lifespan of content, from engagement to sharing. Don’t wait; read on to find out how social media can help you create and share content that will stay top of mind for your audience.
Background
The answer to this question is not black and white, but there are certain networks that tend to last longer than others when it comes to content. In a study performed by BuzzSumo and commissioned by HubSpot, the two companies looked at Google Trends data to figure out which pieces of content were most popular over time. They analyzed more than 200 million search queries across different languages to come up with their findings.
In general, BuzzSumo found that blog posts (especially long-form ones) tend to have a longer life span than tweets or Facebook posts. Multi-part series also tend to last longer than single-part articles. The only type of content that didn’t seem to fare as well as infographics.
While it’s no surprise that longer pieces of content tend to be more successful, there are some things you can do to make sure yours lasts. For example, make sure your title is catchy and easy for people to remember, include an image or video in your article, and write in a clear and concise style. Additionally, make sure your post is updated regularly—people are much less likely to revisit an old article.
The 4 Types of Networks
Content marketing can be a daunting task. There are so many different networks out there and it can be hard to know which one is right for your content. In this blog article, we will explore the four main types of networks and how they can impact your content’s lifespan.
- The first type of network is the social media network. These networks are built around sharing content with friends and family. Due to this, a lot of the activity on these networks is short-lived. For example, if you post on Facebook about a new product that you just bought, your post may get 50 likes from your friends, but it won’t stay up very long because people are constantly sharing new updates on Facebook.
- The second type of network is the blog network. These networks are built around publishing content on a regular basis. This means that if you post on a blog network once every couple of weeks, your post will likely last MUCH longer than if you posted on a social media network once every few days.
- The third type of network is the email newsletter network. These networks are built around sending out content regularly to a large group of people (usually subscribers). Because email newsletters usually have a longer lifespan (most newsletters send out at least once per week), this type of network can be more beneficial for promoting your content than other types of networks.
- The fourth and final type of network is the video hosting platform like YouTube or Vimeo.
How Long Does It Take For A Piece Of Content To Die On A Network?
The answer to this question is a little bit complicated, but in general, the content will live longer on social media platforms than on search engines. With that said, there are some exceptions to the rule - content may die sooner on certain platforms depending on its topic or target audience.
Here is a breakdown of how long it typically takes for content to die on different networks:
- Search engines: Content can generally last around two months before it reaches the end of its lifespan.
- Social media platforms: Content tends to live longer on social media platforms, typically lasting around six weeks or more. This is because these platforms are designed to be interactive and users are more likely to share or like content that they find interesting.
- News sites: News sites tend to have shorter lifespans than other types of content, typically lasting around four or five days. This is because news sites are designed as destinations for information and people are less likely to share or like content if they don’t believe that it will have a positive impact.
The Results
In a recent study conducted by Moz, it was found that content on the Facebook platform has a lifespan of around 2.5 years, while content on LinkedIn has a lifespan of around 5 years. This is in line with research from other sources which have also found that LinkedIn is favored amongst professionals for its ability to create long-term relationships. Interestingly, the study also found that content on Pinterest had a lifespan of around 1 year. This means that if you’re looking to create content that will have an impact and last beyond the short term, you should focus your efforts on LinkedIn.
Conclusion
This must-read article looks at which network has the longest life for a piece of content. The study looked at articles published on four different news sites over an eight-month period and found that Buzzfeed had the highest engagement rate, with Facebook trailing far behind. However, it is important to bear in mind that this doesn’t mean that BuzzFeed’s content is always the most engaging or effective – just that it outperforms other platforms when it comes to longevity. So if you are looking for an edge when it comes to attracting readers and social sharers, then consider publishing your content on Buzzfeed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some factors that can affect the lifespan of a piece of content?
- Quality over Quantity: Make sure you produce high-quality content instead of churning out tons of low-quality content. This will help ensure your content has a long life because visitors will be more likely to revisit and share it if it is of good quality.
- Engagement & Interaction: Make sure your content engages and interacts with readers. This will keep them interested in reading further, which can result in a longer lifespan for the content since they are more likely to share it with others.
- Timing: Some pieces of content may have a shorter lifespan if they come out at an inopportune time or when there is already plenty of similar content available. Try to create unique or niche pieces that haven’t been COVERED yet so you have an advantage when vying for attention from potential readers.
- Promotion & Distribution: Make sure you promote your content vigorously and distribute it as widely as possible so people can discover and use it. This will help ensure its longevity since people are more likely to share something if they believe in its value.