There’s an ongoing discussion in the website world that revolves around whether it’s necessary and/or important to put a date on blogs. While some argue that dating posts provide clarity and context, others contend that removing dates enhances the longevity and timelessness of the content. Let’s explore both sides of the debate, weighing the benefits and drawbacks of date stamping blogs.
Section 1: Datestamping blog posts has long been standard practice and for good reason:
- Context and Relevance: Dates offer readers a crucial frame of reference, enabling them to understand the timeliness and relevance of the content. It helps readers discern whether the information provided is up-to-date or if it may have lost its significance over time.
- Trust and Credibility: By displaying the date, bloggers establish transparency and credibility. It shows that they are actively engaged in their content creation, regularly updating their knowledge and ensuring accuracy.
- Reader Engagement: Date-stamped blogs encourage ongoing conversations and interactions in the comments section. Readers can contribute additional insights, updates, or relevant information, thus enriching the overall discussion.
Section 2: While there are undeniable benefits to dating blogs, opponents argue that removing dates can be equally advantageous. Here are some reasons why bloggers may opt for a timeless approach:
- Longevity and Evergreen Content: By removing the date, blog posts become “evergreen,” meaning they retain their relevance and value regardless of when they were published. This approach allows authors to focus on creating content with long-term utility, which can continue to attract readers over an extended period.
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Some argue that dating blog posts can negatively impact search engine rankings, as search algorithms may prioritize recent content. By omitting dates, bloggers can avoid potential biases against older posts, allowing them to remain discoverable and attract organic traffic.
- Author Flexibility: Eliminating dates grants authors greater flexibility in repurposing and republishing their content. Without the constraint of specific dates, bloggers can easily update and re-share posts without confusing readers with outdated timestamps.
Section 3: While the debate over dating blogs remains ongoing, a middle-ground approach may be the most appropriate for certain bloggers. Consider the following compromise:
- Consistent Bloggers: Authors who blog regularly and frequently may find value in keeping the datestamp. Consistency suggests an ongoing conversation with readers, and the date provides crucial context for understanding the progression of ideas and updates.
- Sparse Bloggers: Bloggers who post infrequently or sporadically may choose to remove datestamps. By doing so, they can focus on evergreen content, ensuring their posts remain relevant regardless of the publication date.
Bloggers must carefully evaluate their own circumstances and audience expectations to determine the approach that aligns best with their objectives. The quality and relevance of the content should remain the primary focus, as it is the cornerstone of successful blogging. Ultimately, the decision depends on the blogging style, frequency, and goals of the author.
How To Remove the Date From WordPress Dashboard
In most cases to remove the date from WordPress posts, navigate to Settings > General from your WordPress dashboard. Here on the Custom field, remove or delete the F j, Y as shown below, and click on the Save Changes button.
Please note: Some themes will require another step or a different method but in general, this should work fine.