Educational and evergreen content is the bedrock of long‑term SEO success. In a digital landscape filled with fleeting trends and algorithm updates, creating content that remains useful for months or years is what separates a sustainable strategy from a short‑term spike.
This in‑depth guide walks you through what educational and evergreen SEO content really means, why it’s more important than ever in 2025, and how to create assets that continue to drive traffic and backlinks long after they’re published.
We’ll start by defining educational and evergreen content and clarify how they differ from trending or news‑driven pieces. You’ll see why evergreen pieces retain search value in 2025, when AI‑powered search experiences and generative answers are changing how users find information.
Real examples will illustrate what makes content enduring versus disposable. You’ll learn the different types of evergreen assets — from how‑to guides to case studies and resource lists — and how to structure them using natural anchor text. We’ll also cover safe practices to avoid penalties, outline evergreen strategies that work year after year (including a case study comparing short‑term spikes with long‑term interest), and list the best tools for research and optimization.
Finally, we’ll explain common risks, answer frequently asked questions, and show how Backlink Phoenix can help you develop evergreen content backed by high‑quality backlinks. By the end, you’ll be ready to craft content that ranks, educates and endures.
What Is Educational & Evergreen SEO Content?
Educational content is designed to teach. It breaks down complex topics into understandable lessons, offering clear explanations, practical tips and actionable advice. In SEO terms, educational content answers user queries comprehensively and accurately. It often comes in the form of tutorials, how‑to guides, step‑by‑step instructions, case studies and in‑depth analyses. Such content doesn’t just attract traffic — it builds authority, trust and expertise.
Evergreen content refers to content that remains relevant and valuable over a long period. Unlike news articles or trend pieces, evergreen posts continue to attract traffic months or even years after they’re published. They address fundamental questions and timeless topics that people consistently search. Common examples include definitions (“What is anchor text?”), how‑to guides (“How to optimize your website for local search”), resource lists (“Top free SEO tools”), FAQs, and case studies with lasting lessons.
Educational and evergreen content often overlap. A comprehensive tutorial on “How to build high‑quality backlinks” teaches readers while also remaining relevant year after year. Combining education with evergreen principles yields assets that satisfy user intent, earn backlinks, and support your brand’s authority.
The Difference Between Evergreen and Trend‑Driven Content
The opposite of evergreen content is trend‑driven or news‑driven material — articles that respond to current events, timely announcements or viral stories. Trend pieces can deliver huge traffic spikes but quickly decline once the news cycle moves on. For instance, a blog on a late‑night TV host’s controversial monologue might attract millions of views the week it happens but loses relevance within days.
Evergreen content has a longer shelf life. It may see smaller spikes initially, but it continues to accumulate impressions, clicks and backlinks over time. A definition of “What are backlinks and why do they matter?” or a guide to anchor text optimization will remain useful to readers months and years later. By investing in evergreen topics, you build a long‑term traffic engine rather than chasing fleeting headlines.
Why Evergreen Content Matters In 2025
Search engines in 2025 increasingly rely on AI‑powered results. Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE) and AI overviews are presenting answers directly on the results page, and ranking algorithms are prioritizing authority, relevance and user satisfaction. Evergreen content is uniquely positioned to thrive in this environment for several reasons:
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It aligns with user intent year‑round. Educational posts addressing fundamental questions (e.g., “What is E‑E‑A‑T in SEO?”) attract searchers at any time. This helps maintain steady traffic even as trends change.
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It builds authority and trust. Google’s guidelines emphasize experience, expertise, authoritativeness and trustworthiness (E‑E‑A‑T). Comprehensive guides and case studies demonstrate expertise, making them more likely to be referenced by generative AI and other sites.
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It earns quality backlinks. Because evergreen articles remain relevant, other websites and blogs are more likely to link to them over time. A well‑researched guide on anchor text best practices can become an authoritative reference for years, earning natural links from industry blogs, forums and media outlets.
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It feeds AI snippets and SGE answers. AI‑powered search experiences pull information from authoritative sources. When your evergreen content answers questions concisely and clearly, it has a better chance of being used in AI snippets and generative responses.
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It supports content marketing ROI. Evergreen pieces require an upfront investment, but they continue to generate leads and conversions over a long horizon. This makes them cost‑effective and essential for any SEO strategy.
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It hedges against algorithm volatility. News‑driven sites often suffer when search algorithms change. Evergreen content reduces dependence on trends and provides a stable foundation.
In contrast, relying solely on trend‑driven content may boost traffic temporarily but leads to volatility. As the Crazedo case study shows, a celebrity controversy can drive huge spikes (over 12 million searches for Jimmy Kimmel in one week crazedo.com), yet evergreen niches like soccer remain consistent drivers of interest worldwide crazedo.com. For businesses, this means pairing evergreen with timely content yields the best results.
Good VS Bad Examples Of Evergreen Content
Not all long‑form articles qualify as evergreen. Content must be timeless, accessible and easily digestible. Let’s examine some examples and what differentiates effective evergreen pieces from ineffective ones.
Good Evergreen Examples
Definitive guides. A thorough guide on “How to perform an SEO audit” outlines each step, explains why each step matters and links to tools. It remains relevant regardless of the year and can be updated as tools evolve.
Step‑by‑step tutorials. Detailed tutorials such as “How to create a content calendar in Google Sheets” remain useful so long as the tools exist. They teach readers through simple instructions and visuals.
Case studies with lasting lessons. A case study analyzing how a brand recovered from a Google penalty offers insights applicable to anyone facing similar issues. The key is focusing on the methodology, not just the news angle.
Resource lists and checklists. Posts that curate the best free SEO tools or a checklist for on‑page optimization become go‑to references for years. They are especially valuable when regularly updated with new tools.
Foundational definitions. Articles explaining core concepts like “What are backlinks?” or “What is domain authority?” are always needed by new practitioners.
Bad Evergreen Examples (and Why They Fail)
News disguised as evergreen. A post about a specific algorithm update might be topical for a few weeks, but if it doesn’t generalize lessons for future updates, it won’t age well.
Shallow listicles with no substance. “Top 10 SEO tips” lists that provide superficial advice without context or examples quickly lose credibility.
Content with an expiration date. Posts tied to a specific year (“Top SEO predictions for 2020”) become outdated quickly and need significant updates to remain useful.
Highly technical content without explanation. Articles that assume a high level of expertise without explaining terms alienate newcomers and won’t be referenced widely.
Lessons from Crazedo’s Trend vs Evergreen Example
The Crazedo case study highlights the difference between short‑term spikes and long‑term relevance. Jimmy Kimmel’s late‑night commentary led to over 12 million searches in a single week, but that interest is bound to decline as news cycles shift. In contrast, soccer star Erling Haaland consistently drives around 2.5 million searches every month. For content creators, this suggests focusing on evergreen topics like sports or foundational SEO concepts yields more durable traffic than chasing controversies.
Types Of Evergreen Content For SEO
There are many ways to approach evergreen content depending on your niche and goals. Here are the most effective types and how they contribute to SEO:
1. How‑To Guides and Tutorials
These provide step‑by‑step instructions on how to accomplish a task, such as “How to build high‑quality backlinks.” They often include screenshots, videos and bullet lists, making them accessible. Searchers appreciate detailed guides that walk them through processes.
2. Comprehensive Definitions and Glossaries
Beginner audiences frequently search for terms like “What is anchor text?” or “What is keyword research?” Creating a glossary or definition page positions your site as a resource for novices. These pages attract backlinks from other authors explaining similar topics.
3. Case Studies and Success Stories
Case studies explaining how a business improved its rankings, overcame penalties, or increased organic traffic serve as proof of expertise. Include metrics, screenshots and the specific actions taken. When anonymized appropriately, case studies can be evergreen because the lessons apply broadly.
4. Resource Lists and Tool Roundups
Curated lists of free and paid resources (“Top keyword research tools in 2025”) provide value to users and attract natural backlinks. They often rank for product‑related searches and maintain relevance with periodic updates.
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Pages
FAQs answer common queries about your product or industry in one place. They are especially useful for voice search and AI‑generated answers. Keep them updated with new questions from your audience.
6. Evergreen Infographics and Diagrams
Visual content helps readers understand complex processes. Infographics illustrating “The anatomy of a good backlink” or diagrams showing the SEO funnel can be embedded across blogs and shared widely.
7. Evergreen Videos and Webinars
Video content, such as recorded webinars on SEO fundamentals, remains valuable long after broadcast. Upload them to YouTube or embed them in blog posts with transcripts for accessibility and SEO benefit.
When creating any of these types, aim for depth, clarity, and long‑term relevance. Ensure that the core lessons or definitions will still apply years from now, and plan periodic updates to keep them accurate.
Anchor Text: Natural VS Spammy
Anchor text — the clickable text of a hyperlink — is a crucial factor in SEO. Search engines use it to understand the topic of the linked page. Using anchor text strategically can improve your rankings, while manipulative usage can lead to penalties.
What Is Natural Anchor Text?
Natural anchor text is descriptive, varied and contextually relevant. It flows within the content and accurately reflects the destination page. Natural anchors might include:
Brand names (“Backlink Phoenix’s guide to white‑hat SEO”)
Descriptive phrases (“learn more about evergreen SEO strategies”)
Keywords in moderation (“comprehensive anchor text guide”)
Naked URLs or “here” anchor text when appropriate
Natural anchor text distribution typically includes branded anchors, partial match anchors, exact match anchors and generic anchors. The variation signals to search engines that links are editorial and organic.
What Is Spammy Anchor Text?
Spammy anchor text attempts to manipulate rankings by repeating exact keywords excessively. Common red flags include:
Overuse of exact match keywords (“buy backlinks cheap” repeated in every link)
Forced insertion of keywords in unnatural sentences
Irrelevant anchors linking to unrelated pages
Hidden links or anchor text disguised in code
Spammy anchor practices can trigger algorithmic filters like Google’s Penguin or manual actions. When unnatural linking patterns are detected, search engines may ignore those links or penalize the entire site.
Best Practices for Anchor Text in 2025
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Prioritize context and user experience. Anchor text should guide readers naturally to relevant resources. If the link doesn’t add value, leave it out.
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Diversify your anchors. Use a mix of branded, partial match and generic anchors. Overusing one type (especially exact match) appears manipulative.
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Avoid keyword stuffing. Resist the urge to cram multiple keywords into anchor text. One descriptive keyword or phrase is sufficient.
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Link to authoritative sources. High‑quality outbound links to trusted websites strengthen the credibility of your content. Likewise, secure inbound links from reputable sites to boost your own authority.
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Keep anchor text concise. Long anchors appear spammy and confuse readers. Aim for a few words that clearly describe the destination.
By following these guidelines, you maintain a natural link profile that withstands algorithm updates and manual reviews.
Safe Practices For Creating & Updating Evergreen Content
Building evergreen content is about more than choosing the right topic. You must also follow safe SEO practices to avoid penalties and maximize longevity. Here’s a checklist of safe practices:
1. Conduct Thorough Keyword & Topic Research
Use tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, Semrush and Google Trends to identify topics with consistent search volume. Look for keywords that have low volatility and high informational intent. Consider user questions and long‑tail phrases.
2. Aim for Comprehensive, Accurate Information
Your content should cover the topic thoroughly. Cite reputable sources, include data and statistics, and explain concepts clearly. If your information is inaccurate or incomplete, users will bounce quickly and search engines may downrank your page.
3. Update Regularly
Evergreen doesn’t mean static. Schedule periodic reviews (every six months or annually) to update facts, refresh examples, and add new insights. This ensures the content remains accurate and signals to Google that it’s maintained.
4. Optimize for Readability & User Experience
Break up long paragraphs, use bullet lists and subheadings, and incorporate images or diagrams to aid understanding. Mobile responsiveness is critical — ensure images are compressed and properly sized for fast load times.
5. Avoid Over‑Optimization
Keyword stuffing, hidden text and excessive internal linking can trigger penalties. Focus on creating content for users first. Use keywords naturally, and ensure anchor text variety as discussed.
6. Build Quality Backlinks
Earn backlinks through guest posting, outreach, digital PR and partnerships. High‑authority sites linking to your evergreen content improve its ranking and trustworthiness. Avoid buying links or participating in link schemes.
7. Monitor Performance & Feedback
Use tools like Google Analytics, Search Console and Hotjar to track traffic, engagement and user behavior. Pay attention to comments and questions from readers — these often suggest updates or new sections.
8. Adhere to E‑E‑A‑T Principles
Ensure your content demonstrates Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness and Trustworthiness. Include author bios, cite qualifications, and reference reputable sources.
By following these practices, your evergreen content will remain valuable and safe from algorithmic or manual penalties.
Evergreen Strategies That Always Work (Case Study: Jimmy Kimmel VS Erling Haaland)
Creating evergreen content isn’t just about writing timeless articles, it’s about strategic planning and balanced execution. Let’s explore strategies that consistently generate long‑term value and illustrate them with the case study from Crazedo.
1. Pair Evergreen & Trending Content
Combining evergreen foundations with timely updates keeps your content relevant. For example, the Crazedo article on Jimmy Kimmel’s viral spike and Erling Haaland’s steady popularity highlights how to leverage both:
Trending segment: Jimmy Kimmel’s late‑night political commentary sparked over 12 million searches in a single week. Covering such trends quickly can yield immediate traffic.
Evergreen angle: Soccer’s global popularity and Erling Haaland’s monthly search volume (2.5M+ crazedo.com) ensure long‑term interest. Including this evergreen angle ensures the article retains value after the news fades.
When crafting your own content, consider adding evergreen context to trend pieces. A blog about a new Google algorithm update should also include foundational tips on staying compliant in the long run.
2. Focus on Long‑Term Interests
Identify topics with enduring appeal. In many industries, these include “how to” searches, definitions and fundamental strategies. For SEO, evergreen pillars include keyword research, link building, technical optimization, on‑page fundamentals and content marketing.
3. Use Data & Case Studies
Readers trust data and examples. Incorporate statistics from reputable sources, user research, surveys and case studies. In the Crazedo example, specific numbers (12M+ searches for Kimmel; 2.5M monthly for Haaland) make the narrative compelling and memorable. When citing data, link to the source using natural anchor text.
4. Encourage User Engagement & Questions
FAQs are an evergreen staple. Encourage readers to ask questions or leave comments, and update the post with their queries. Engaging your audience fosters community and gives you ideas for future posts.
5. Promote & Repurpose
Evergreen content should be promoted across social media, email newsletters, and internal linking structures. Repurpose high‑performing posts into videos, infographics or podcasts to reach new audiences. This continuous promotion ensures long‑term visibility.
6. Monitor Trends but Stay Focused
It’s tempting to chase every viral headline, but spreading resources too thin can dilute your strategy. Use trend research to inform new content ideas, but always anchor them in evergreen principles. The best mix might be a 70/30 or 60/40 split between evergreen foundations and trend‑focused pieces.
7. Use Internal Linking Strategically
Link evergreen posts to related content on your site. For example, within a tutorial on anchor text, you can link to a glossary entry on “backlinks,” a case study on link building success, and your services page. This helps users navigate, boosts time on site, and distributes authority.
By implementing these strategies, you create a durable content ecosystem that serves both your audience and search engines.
Tools & Resources for Evergreen SEO
To research, write and optimize evergreen content effectively, leverage tools designed for keyword analysis, content creation, performance tracking and outreach. Here are some essential resources:
Keyword & Topic Research
Google Keyword Planner & Google Trends. Use these free tools to gauge search volume and identify topics with consistent interest.
Ahrefs & Semrush. These paid tools offer comprehensive keyword research, difficulty scores, content gap analysis and SERP tracking. They help uncover long‑tail keywords and monitor competitors.
AnswerThePublic & AlsoAsked. Generate questions people ask about your topic. FAQs derived from real queries improve voice search visibility.
Content Planning & Writing
Trello or Notion. Plan and organize your content calendar, assign tasks and track deadlines.
Surfer SEO or Clearscope. These platforms analyze top‑ranking pages for your target keyword and provide recommendations for word count, heading structure, related terms and readability.
Grammarly or Hemingway. Proofread and improve clarity and readability. Clear writing keeps visitors engaged.
On‑Page Optimization
Yoast SEO or Rank Math. WordPress plugins that guide you in optimizing titles, meta descriptions, headings and internal links. They also check readability and detect potential issues.
Schema Markup Generators. Tools like Merkle’s Schema Markup Generator create JSON‑LD code for FAQs, how‑to steps and articles, enhancing search results and eligibility for rich snippets.
Performance & Analytics
Google Analytics 4 & Search Console. Track page views, engagement, conversions and search performance. Identify evergreen posts that generate consistent traffic.
Hotjar or Microsoft Clarity. Understand user behavior through heatmaps and session recordings. Improve user experience by spotting drop‑off points.
Ahrefs Site Explorer. Monitor backlinks to your evergreen content and identify opportunities for outreach.
Outreach & Backlink Building
Hunter.io & Pitchbox. Find and contact relevant websites for guest posting or resource link opportunities.
HARO (Help A Reporter Out). Provide expert quotes to journalists and bloggers, earning authoritative backlinks.
BuzzStream or Respona. Manage outreach campaigns, track communications and measure link acquisition results.
Using these tools streamlines your research, writing and promotion, ensuring your evergreen content remains optimized and visible.
Risks & Pitfalls To Avoid
While evergreen content is powerful, there are pitfalls to watch out for. Avoiding these will protect your site from penalties and ensure your efforts pay off long‑term.
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Outdated Information. Even evergreen topics evolve. Failing to update facts, outdated tools or changes in best practices can mislead readers and harm credibility. Schedule content audits to refresh data and links.
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Content Cannibalization. Publishing multiple posts on similar topics without distinguishing their intent can cause pages to compete with each other in search results. Consolidate overlapping content into a single comprehensive guide or distinguish the target keywords.
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Plagiarism & Duplicate Content. Copying others’ work or duplicating your own content across different URLs can trigger penalties. Always create unique content, cite sources and avoid scraping.
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Keyword Stuffing & Over‑optimization. Stuffing multiple keywords into headings and sentences reduces readability and signals manipulation. Use natural language and synonyms to satisfy both search engines and readers.
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Ignoring Mobile Optimization. With mobile searches dominating, ensure pages load quickly on smartphones. Compress images, use responsive design and test your site on various devices.
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Neglecting User Intent. Writing content that doesn’t match the searcher’s intent leads to high bounce rates. For example, an article titled “How to build backlinks” should not turn into a sales pitch. Provide real value before promoting services.
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Poor Internal Linking. Failing to link to related articles or your services page means readers may not explore deeper. Use internal links to guide them through relevant content and convert them into customers.
By recognizing these risks early, you can implement safeguards and maintain the integrity of your evergreen content.
How Backlink Phoenix Can Help
Backlink Phoenix specializes in building high‑quality backlinks and optimizing content for long‑term SEO success. Here’s how our services complement your evergreen strategy:
High‑Quality Backlink Building
We acquire backlinks from authoritative, relevant sites that enhance your domain authority and support your evergreen posts. Our outreach focuses on manual, white‑hat techniques rather than risky practices like link farms or automated placements. This ensures safety and sustainability.
Content Optimization & Audit
Our team performs comprehensive SEO audits to identify content gaps, duplicate pages, keyword cannibalization and outdated information. We refine your existing evergreen content, improve readability and update metadata to align with 2025 ranking factors. With our guidance, your blog posts will meet E‑E‑A‑T standards and stand out in AI‑driven search results.
Digital PR & Thought Leadership
Backlink Phoenix helps you earn mentions and citations in industry publications, blogs and podcasts. We position your brand as an expert through guest posts, interviews and case studies. These activities not only generate backlinks but also amplify the reach of your evergreen content.
Free SEO Audit & Consultation
Not sure where to start? We offer a free SEO audit that assesses your site’s technical health, backlink profile and content performance. Our report identifies quick wins and long‑term opportunities, along with an action plan. We tailor our services to your niche and goals, ensuring maximum ROI.
By partnering with Backlink Phoenix, you leverage expert knowledge, proven methods and a network of quality websites. We’re committed to transparent reporting, ethical practices and continuous improvement — the hallmarks of successful evergreen SEO.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does evergreen content mean?
Evergreen content refers to articles, videos, or other media that remain relevant and valuable for a long time. Unlike news pieces, evergreen posts don’t expire quickly. They address fundamental questions or provide timeless tutorials that continue to attract traffic months or years after publication.
How often should I update evergreen content?
At minimum, review evergreen articles annually. However, if your industry changes rapidly (as SEO does), aim for semi‑annual updates. Updating information, adding new data, and refreshing examples keep posts accurate and maintain rankings.
Is evergreen content better than trend‑driven content?
Both have value. Trend‑driven pieces can generate immediate spikes, but evergreen content sustains traffic over time. The best strategy combines both — use trend topics for short‑term attention and evergreen posts for long‑term growth. The Crazedo case illustrates this balance: while Jimmy Kimmel’s controversy spiked interest, soccer and sports (represented by Erling Haaland) provided steady, evergreen engagement crazedo.com.
What topics make good evergreen content?
Look for foundational questions, how‑to guides, definitions, timeless case studies and resource lists. In SEO, topics like keyword research, link building, content optimization, technical SEO, and analytics are evergreen. Outside SEO, consider universal themes such as health tips, personal finance advice, DIY tutorials and productivity strategies.
How do I ensure my anchor text is natural?
Use descriptive phrases that naturally fit within your sentence. Vary your anchors — include branded, partial match and generic phrases. Avoid stuffing exact keywords repeatedly. Link only when it benefits the reader.
Are images and diagrams important for evergreen content?
Yes. Visuals enhance understanding and can be repurposed across platforms. Use infographics to illustrate processes or data. Ensure images are compressed for fast loading and include descriptive alt text with relevant keywords.
Can I repurpose evergreen content?
Absolutely. Repurpose long articles into videos, podcasts, infographics or social media posts. This extends the reach of your evergreen assets and introduces them to new audiences.
Does evergreen content help with voice search?
Yes. Because evergreen content often addresses common questions concisely, it aligns well with voice search queries. Including FAQs and natural language improves your chances of being featured in voice search results and AI‑generated snippets.
Conclusion & Call To Action
Educational and evergreen SEO content is the cornerstone of a resilient digital strategy. By focusing on timeless topics, crafting comprehensive guides and case studies, using natural anchor text, and following safe SEO practices, you create assets that continue to rank and generate leads long after publication.
The balance between trend‑driven and evergreen content, as illustrated by the Crazedo case study, ensures both immediate spikes and steady long‑term growth.
As generative search and AI evolve, authoritative evergreen content becomes even more crucial. Search engines favor pages that demonstrate expertise and answer questions clearly. With the right tools and strategies, you can build a content library that secures your brand’s authority in 2025 and beyond.
Ready to strengthen your evergreen strategy? Request a free SEO audit from Backlink Phoenix today. Our experts will analyze your site, identify opportunities to enhance your evergreen content, and design a backlink plan tailored to your goals. With high‑quality backlinks and refined content, you’ll improve rankings, build trust and ensure your message endures long after the next news cycle ends.
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