A company’s website is often the first impression customers have — and first impressions matter! Yet many businesses underestimate the importance of keeping their websites up to date, modern and functional.
A website serves as a 24/7 storefront for your business, providing potential customers with key information about your products, services and brand identity. If it is outdated, slow or difficult to navigate, you risk frustrating visitors and losing customers.
Regularly updating and refreshing your website can ensure a better user experience, with faster load times, easy navigation and mobile responsiveness. Search engines favor regularly updated sites, helping you rank higher in search results. Outdated websites also are more vulnerable to cyber threats, so regular updates help keep data secure.
Maintaining a simple, intuitive website with timely, accurate information can give you an easy competitive advantage! Build confidence in your brand and position yourself ahead of competitors with a stagnant web presence.
How Often Should a Website Be Updated?
Website updates and refreshes should be an ongoing process rather than a one-time event!
• Content updates (Ongoing, as often as possible!) – Keep blog posts, product descriptions and company news fresh, relevant and timely.
• Design and layout (Every 2-3 years) – Refresh the look of your website to ensure it aligns with modern web design trends. Minor updates can also help maintain smooth navigation and integrate newly-available technology and tools.
• Technical and security updates (Ongoing, at least monthly) – Regularly update plugins, software and security prototcols to prevent cyber threats and attack.
• SEO and performance checks (Quarterly) – Optimize site speed, review keyword rankings and adjust your SEO strategies. This is critical for search engine optimization, which helps your business be found.
The Bottom Line
An outdated website can cost your business credibility, customers and revenue. Regular updates can help keep your website — and therefore your business — relevant, secure and competitive. By investing time and effort in keeping your site fresh, you ensure that your online presence continues to support and grow your business.
If your website hasn’t been updated in a while, now might be the perfect time to give it a refresh!
