How Often Should You Update Your Website?

How Often Should You Update Your Website?

Hey there, awesome New Zealand business owners!

Ready to make your website shine? Today, we’re diving into an important question: How often should you update your website? Spoiler alert: It’s more often than you think! Let’s break it down in a fun, easy-to-understand way. 🚀

Why Website Updates Are a Must for Your Business

1. Google Loves Fresh Websites 💻

Google’s like a picky eater—it only likes fresh stuff. 🍏 If your website is updated regularly, it’ll get noticed by Google and show up higher in search results. That’s more visitors for you!

2. Builds Trust with Your Clients 🤝

Imagine walking into a shop that looks old and dusty. Would you want to buy anything? Probably not. An updated, modern website shows clients you’re on top of your game and can be trusted.

3. Keeps You Ahead of the Competition 🏆

The internet is like a race. 🏃‍♂️ If your website looks old, you’re behind. Updating your website keeps you up with—or ahead of—your competitors.

4. Makes Your Site Easy to Use 🖱️

Ever tried to find something on a confusing website? It’s the worst! 🤯 Regular updates make sure your website is easy to use, keeping your visitors happy and coming back for more.

When to Update Your Website

1. Major Redesigns (Every 3-4 Years) 🎨

Your website’s look shouldn’t be stuck in the past. Aim for a big makeover every 3-4 years to stay trendy and functional. This sounds costly; however, you can achieve a new look without overhauling the entire website. I mean how many ways are there to design a simple FAQ section, some things don’t need changing, if it ain’t broke.. don’t fix it.

2. Fresh Content (Monthly) 🗓️

Think of your website like a garden. 🌱 It needs regular care! Update your blog, news, or products every month to keep things fresh and engaging. We recommend doing this as often as you can, even once a week (like us) the more you care for your website the better it shows up on Google.

3. SEO and Tech Tweaks (Quarterly) 🔧

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is how Google finds your website. Tune it up every few months to stay on top. Also, fix any tech issues to keep your site running smoothly.

This can be a bit tricky to do if you have no idea what is going on under the hood, Check out these helpful guides below:

How to take care of your website

4. Security Updates (As Needed) 🔒

Keep your website safe from hackers. Always update your security settings and plugins as soon as new updates are available. Check out our guide below on how to take care of your WordPress website security.

How to take care of your website

How to Keep Those Updates Rolling

1. Use a Content Calendar 📅

Plan your updates in advance. A content calendar helps you stay consistent. There is also some benefit to this as you can tell a story with your posts and pages, one that will guide your users to the service or product you are selling.

2. Regular Check-Ups 🕵️‍♀️

Just like a car, your website needs regular check-ups. Use tools like Google Analytics to spot and fix any issues, Search Console to see what is working and isn’t and just keep an eye on your site health where possible.

3. Use a CMS (Content Management System) 🖥️

Platforms like WordPress make updates easy, even if you aren’t a tech wizard. 🧙‍♂️ (Wow, the WordPress guys recommend WordPress… shocking…)

4. Call in the Pros 👩‍💻

Sometimes, you need an expert. Don’t hesitate to hire a pro for major updates.

Talk to the WordPress Experts

Busting Some Website Myths

Myth 1: “Build It Once, and You’re Done.”

Nope, the internet is always changing. Keep your site updated to stay in the game.

Myth 2: “Updates Cost Too Much.”

While updates might cost something upfront, the boost in traffic and sales will make them worthwhile. However, with a CMS like WordPress, some updates are very simple; you don’t even need to contact your local nerd.

Myth 3: “Only Big Companies Need to Update.”

Wrong! Every business, big or small, benefits from a well-maintained website.

Conclusion

So, how often should you update your website? Regularly! 🌟 Keeping your site fresh makes Google happy, builds trust with clients, and keeps you ahead of the competition. For Kiwi business owners, staying up-to-date is key to digital success.

Ready to start planning your next update? If you can’t remember the last time you did, it’s probably time to get cracking! 😄