If you’re like most business owners, you probably think of your website as a workhorse. It’s a key part of your marketing mix, and you rely on it to generate leads and sales. But how often do you update it? Is there a magic number that will guarantee improved results? In this blog post, we’ll explore the topic of website updates and look at some factors you should consider when deciding how often to update your site.
What are website updates?
What to Include In Your Website Update
When updating website content, it is important to understand the difference. This can be between content that needs to be updated frequently and ones that can be left intentionally static. For example, a website of an online retail store must update product catalog items regularly. Therefore, keeping the customers engaged. This type of website should also have a news section. For instance, including frequently occurring sales, discounts and other pertinent news that would be posted.
On the other hand, it is permissible not to make any changes to some parts of website. For example, the About Us page or Privacy Policy page unless there are significant structural changes happening within the organization. Other areas that should be updated frequently include contact information and pricing lists, pages featuring current news or blog posts, and social media integrations. On the other hand, elements such as website imagery, logos, animations and video need less frequent updates. Ultimately, website updates must fit the needs of the organization while keeping pace with fresh web-design trends.
The Importance of Updating Your Website
Having a website is paramount to staying competitive in the modern business world. However, it is equally vital to remember to keep the website updated. By failing to do so, a business runs the risk of not getting new customers. Or worse, implying that their website is no longer valid or in business. Therefore, losing existing customers. Below are five points why website updates are important for businesses, as well as potential repercussions if they are neglected:
Relevant Content
Updating a website with relevant content is essential for any business, not just due to the importance of staying current but also to avoid possible repercussions. Keeping website content up to date ensures customers can access the latest information, such as changes in product lines, new services, discount offers and other pertinent information. Otherwise, customers might be confused by out of date pages or assume the company is no longer operating.
Showcasing work
Showcasing recent projects and achievements on your website can have positive results for your business. For instance, increased website traffic, improved consumer confidence and satisfaction, and enhanced overall brand image. Examples of website page updates could include adding customer testimonials, showcasing before and after images from renovation projects, or talking about awards that the company has won. Additionally, visitors will be more likely to explore what else you offer potentially leading to higher sales opportunities. To get these positive effects, updates should not only contain text but also engaging visuals that attract viewers’ attention. In addition, providing them with contextual insights into those projects on display.
Supports SEO ranking efforts
Updating a business website on a regular basis is critical when aiming to increase SEO rankings. When website content is kept fresh and up-to-date, it tells search engines that the website is active and relevant. As a result, it improves visibility and higher rankings. Consistently updating content with targeted keywords also boosts SEO ranking. Website visitors are likely to be exposed to the keyword due to its appearance in the site’s content. Furthermore, when visitors leave comments or feedback, this helps add more content to the site which can improve its positioning within results pages for specific keywords.
Testing
By making website changes, you can test different elements on the website. For example, design, color composition, navigational menus, and content. Measuring website visitor behavior is also important for business owners to know how users interact with their website. You can add website analytics tracking code to help measure visitor actions. For instance, time on website pages, downloads of pdfs or ebooks, which links clicked on, or even what search terms brought them from their search engine result page.
Sales Tool
Obviously, an outdated website reflects badly on the business itself and suggests that it hasn’t kept up with the times. Consequently, while giving a sales pitch or presentation, having a website that is current can cut through the clutter and get your message across effectively. An updated site gives potential customers more confidence in you and makes your brand appear professional. Therefore, making customers likely to trust in you enough to make a sale. Additionally, updates allow relevant information regarding products or services to be easily accessed. Therefore, customers aren’t bogged down by unnecessary padding in the sales pitch.
How Often Should You Update
Every website owner should decide how often they need to update their website based on the type of website they have. For example, eCommerce websites need to be regularly updated with inventory and product details. Did you know that a simple change in a button increased the sales of an ecommerce company by $300 million. Meanwhile a website for a restaurant should be constantly updated with menus, upcoming events and holidays hours. Similarly, automotive sites must be updated with offers and promotions, while real estate should be updated when rental or buying opportunities are available. Ultimately, website updates will depend on what it being posted, how often posts are meant to come out and the content being used but generally website owners should provide good quality content every month so that visitors feel engaged with the website.
The Benefits
Keeping your website updated is no small feat. However, the rewards are plenty. The overall benefits to website updating are myriad. Visitors can expect a website design that’s easy to navigate. In addition, packed with helpful information related to the website topic and up-to-date content. Additionally, site owners may avoid potential security risks by keeping website software and plugins up to date. Another benefit to updating your website is it helps keep it running smoothly. Furthermore, older webpages are often prone to slowdowns or complete shutdowns due to outdated technology. Lastly, staying on top of updates allows businesses to capitalize on new opportunities. Keeping your website updated will ultimately yield a more professional look and feel. As a result, building trust among visitors while safeguarding against costly downtimes or security breaches.
Conclusion
