Keep, Update, Merge, Archive, Delete (KUMAD)

KUMAD is an important approach, not only for search engine optimization (SEO) but also for making the site easier to use. Similar titles and content compete for traffic, clog up internal search results, and confuse users. When creating and updating Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center (ECLKC) materials, search the site for similar resources and follow the KUMAD approach:

  • Keep: no changes — should be uncommon
  • Update: revise an existing page by adding new content, making it current or evergreen
  • Merge: combine existing resources to concentrate traffic, making updates as needed
  • Archive: retire to the ECLKC Archive, where it will remain accessible to users who need it
  • Delete: remove without archiving

Search engines penalize duplicative content. Rather than creating more pages that clog up the site, concentrate traffic to a smaller set of pages. This improves the user experience and SEO, resulting in more page traffic.

The goal of KUMAD is a net reduction in the number of pages on the ECLKC. Read guidance from the Administration for Children and Families about reviewing and archiving content annually.