Hello, and welcome to "Website Success in 5 Minutes." I’m Shaun Carvill, CEO of Clickingmad, and today we’re talking about a crucial aspect of website management: "Why is it important to keep your website updated, and what should you be updating?"
Let’s jump straight in.
First off, why is it important to keep your website up to date?
1. SEO Benefits.
Search engines like Google favour websites that are regularly updated with fresh content.
When your website is updated, it signals to search engines that your site is active and relevant, which can help improve your ranking in search results.
If your website stays static for too long, it can be seen as outdated, and this could hurt your chances of appearing at the top of search results.
Search engines know when your website has been updated – and when it hasn’t.
2. Keeping Users happy.
Visitors to your site are more likely to return if they see that it’s regularly updated.
New content—whether it’s blog posts, product updates, or fresh images - keeps your website interesting and gives users a reason to come back.
An out-of-date website, on the other hand, can give off the impression that the business behind it is inactive or not keeping up with trends.
This may lead visitors to think that if you cannot look after your website – you won’t look after them!
How many websites have YOU see that are clearly out of date? – nothing worse than a news page with the words “welcome to our new website” – that’s been there for several years!
3. Security.
One of the most important reasons to keep your website updated is security.
If you’re using a content management system like WordPress, it’s critical to update your site’s software, plugins, and themes regularly.
Hackers often exploit outdated software to gain access to websites, so keeping everything up to date helps protect your site from potential attacks.
One website I was recently asked to look at had over 7000 pages of content about Gambling – and that had nothing to do with the business. It had been hacked through an out-of-date WordPress plug in!
4. Maintaining a Modern Look and Feel.
Design trends change over time, and your website can start to look dated if it’s not refreshed regularly.
If your competitors have sleek, modern websites while yours looks like it’s stuck in the past, it can hurt your brand image.
Regular updates keep your site looking current and aligned with the expectations of your audience.
So, what exactly should you be updating?
1. Update your Content.
Start with your content. Whether it’s updating your blog, adding new case studies, or revising product descriptions, keeping your content fresh is key.
It shows visitors that your business is active and relevant.
You should also regularly review older content to ensure it’s still accurate and useful.
Updating existing blog posts or news with new information can give them a fresh lease on life and boost your SEO.
2. Update your Design Elements.
Refreshing design elements like your homepage banner, featured images, or layout can make a big impact.
You don’t necessarily need a full redesign every year, but small updates to your design keep your site visually engaging.
You can also update colours and fonts to align with current design trends or your evolving brand identity.
3. Update your Software and Plugins.
As mentioned earlier, keeping your software up to date is crucial for security and performance.
This includes updating your content management system, plugins, and any other tools your website relies on.
Outdated software can slow down your site and make it vulnerable to security breaches, so make sure you’re keeping on top of those updates.
4. Update your Product and Service Information.
If your business offers products or services, make sure all your listings are up to date.
Are your prices accurate? Do you still offer all the services listed?
If you’ve introduced new products, add them as soon as possible.
Accurate, current information builds trust with your audience and improves the user experience.
5. Update your Testimonials and Reviews.
Customer testimonials and reviews are powerful tools for building credibility. Keep these updated to reflect recent customer experiences.
Don’t let your reviews or testimonials become stale—show potential customers that you’re actively delivering great results.
In summary:
Keeping your website updated isn’t just a technical task—it’s crucial for maintaining strong SEO, engaging your audience, protecting your site’s security, and presenting a modern, professional brand.
Regularly updating your content, design, software, and information keeps your website fresh, functional, and relevant.
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