Firms often ask, “What should we do with articles written by employees after they leave?” It is an important question, especially when it comes to SEO, credibility, and client experience.
The answer, however, is not always straightforward. The right approach can vary depending on employment agreements, firm structure, and the subject matter of the content itself. Below, we’ll walk through some possible options and the considerations behind each.
Maintain Firm Credibility through Attribution
One of the simplest solutions is to update the article’s attribution from the former employee to the firm more generally, a practice group, or another current team member. This helps avoid confusion or awkward client conversations when readers attempt to contact an author who is no longer with the firm. Many firms choose to create a generic firm or practice group author profile specifically for situations like these.
Before taking this approach, it is essential to confirm that your employment agreements clearly state that content created during employment is the property of the firm. If this language is not currently included, it is worth adding to future contracts.
Preserve SEO Value via Content Refreshes
Another option is to have a current employee revise or rewrite the article. This allows you to preserve the SEO value and traffic performance of high-quality content while ensuring it reflects your current expertise and team.
Pro Tip: As a best practice, popular or high-performing articles should be reviewed and updated every few years. Regular updates signal relevance to search engines and help maintain strong site traffic.
Protect Site Health with Strategic Redirects
If an article needs to be removed entirely, such as when the firm no longer offers that service or area of expertise, redirects should be put in place. This helps prevent broken links and protects your site’s SEO performance. When possible, redirect visitors to a closely related article or resource. If no similar content exists, a clear message indicating that the material has been archived is preferable to a dead page.
Conclusion
Handling articles written by former employees requires a thoughtful balance of legal considerations, SEO best practices, and client experience. No matter how you choose to handle the change, the key is to be intentional and consistent in your approach. By establishing clear policies and reviewing content regularly, firms can protect their digital presence while ensuring their website continues to serve as a reliable and accurate resource for clients.
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