Keep Your Website Fresh & Updated
Today I am sharing some insight into how I operate as a website owner to keep content flowing and ensuring my messaging is on point. Regular site updates and check ins are important but easier said than done. As business owners, we all get busy working with clients. I am very guilty of neglecting my own marketing efforts and website when I am in the depths of client work. However, when I have the opportunity, I will either work on new blog content or review my site for any needed updates and changes. And with anything, sometimes you will catch typos you missed the last time you published an update. Reviewing your site with fresh eyes occasionally is never a bad idea!
Here is a recent upgrade to my website at North 8 Designs.
As my blog was growing in number of article entries, I designed a new layout that I planned to bring live down the road. This fall, in between projects, I spent time bringing this to life. Click the image to see the end result.
Here are some things I have learned about keeping my content fresh and up to date on my site:
Search engines love new content. Keeping your site fresh and up to date only further drives SEO (search engine optimization).
Web design trends come and go. Yep, just like the world of fashion, web design trends move and shake. I personally don’t follow the trends and tend to like what I like. However, while completing this most recent glow up, I decided I am “over” the scrolling headings. I prefer static text and a simple experience for site visitors.
Your prices should change as your skillset and/or offer grows. When I first started designing websites, I charged about 15% of what I charge now. As my skillset has increased and my experience, my prices reflect this as they should.
Keeping offers and services up to date is just as important as refining your pricing strategy. As your business grows and evolves, describing what you offer to potential clients is hugely important. People land on your site because they are looking for a product or service. Make it easy for them to understand your process and approach while also keeping deliverables clear and concise.
If you offer a service that lends itself to having a portfolio, regular updates are imperative to show your current work and keep your content fresh and inviting.
Here are some best practices for keeping on top of your website and content:
Know the cyclical nature of your business and use slower times wisely to work “in” your business. For me as a web designer, I often see a slow down in the summer and an upswing in the fall, winter and spring. I have found myself struggling to keep up with blog publications and social media posts when I get busy. My plan moving into 2025 is to really focus on blog and marketing content next summer and be ahead for when the fall/winter upswing hits!
Keep in touch with your website designer if you think you will need back up with future updates. If you think you will need some updates during a slowdown in your business, connect with your designer and set an expectation for a timeline and even book your project with a deposit so they hold space for you on their schedule. Planning ahead is key if you are working with a fellow entrepreneur. Your slow time might not match with theirs. Being proactive is important as most web designers will charge a rush fee or increased rate if they are willing to add you to their workload. A last minute and rushed request could mean they are working weekends to accommodate your project.
Periodically proof and update your website when you have small pockets of time and keep larger scale updates for slower periods in your business.
Hopefully this article gives you some things to think about as a business owner and how you can best approach keeping your website neat and tidy. For some business owners, your website is the only view into your business. It needs to be accurate and up to date in order to build trust with potential new clients. If you need back up for a refresh, please send me a design inquiry and let’s chat!
