Preserving Digital Content: Strategies to Avoid Digital Decay

Digital decay, also known as link rot or content drift, refers to the phenomenon where web pages, online content, and digital resources become inaccessible over time. This can occur due to various factors, including:

• Broken Links
• Obsolete Technologies
• Data Corruption
• Content Removal

To minimize the likelihood of content becoming inaccessible over time and to ensure its long-term availability and usability for user or visitors, consider implementing the following detailed and comprehensive strategies that address various aspects of content management, preservation, and accessibility.

• Content Refresh: Periodically review and update your website or online content. Broken links and outdated information contribute to digital decay. Regularly check for broken links using tools like Adobe Analytics, Site Improve, and browser plugins, and fix them promptly.

• CMS Implementation: If you are not already using a CMS, consider adopting a reliable one like Adobe Experience Manager (AEM) to facilitate easy content management. For those already using a CMS, ensure it is configured to update, archive, and organize content effectively. CMS platforms often provide features that help keep your content current and well-organized, reducing the risk of digital decay.

• Naming Conventions: Maintain consistent URL structures and avoid changing URLs unnecessarily. Adhering to naming conventions is the first step in preventing broken links. Consistent naming helps ensure that links remain functional and easy to navigate, providing a better user experience and reducing the likelihood of broken links.

• Redirects: Ensure that if the original content is removed or altered, proper 301 redirects are implemented to guide users and search engines to the new locations. This practice prevents broken links and maintains the integrity of the site's navigation. The guidelines, "Redirect Page Template" and "Creating a Redirect Page," can be useful for this. However, this should not be implemented for multiple links; it is more appropriate for one or two links. Please reach out to the Web Content Management team if you need to redirect multiple links. 

•  Avoid Proprietary Formats: Use open standards and formats for your content, such as HTML, PDF, and plain text. Proprietary formats, which are owned and controlled by specific companies, may become obsolete, leading to content inaccessibility.
• Document Metadata: Embed metadata within your files to provide context and improve searchability. Metadata helps preserve the meaning and relevance of content.

Remember that digital decay is an ongoing challenge, but proactive measures can significantly mitigate its impact. By implementing these strategies, such as regular content updates, effective use of content management systems, consistent URL management, proper redirects, and the use of open standards and formats, we can ensure our digital content remains accessible and relevant. Together, these efforts contribute to a more sustainable and resilient digital landscape, preserving valuable information for future generations.