The Ultimate Website Housekeeping Checklist for Yearly, Quarterly and Monthly Updates with Guest Expert: Nicole Burdick
Hey, everyone! I’m honored to be making a special appearance on THE blog writer’s (Natty Writes, of course) blog today. No pressure!
If we haven’t met before, I’m Nicole Burdick! I make Squarespace websites using 5+ years of Fortune 50 creative marketing experience to help service-based entrepreneurs have an online presence that makes them feel confident.
Websites and blogs go hand-in-hand. You can’t have a blog without a website, right?
Blogs drive traffic to your website - a destination where your audience can consume content that builds like and trust AND find the information they need to make a decision.
(Whether that’s signing up for free training, inquiring through a contact form, or just going for it with the “buy now” button.)
It’s a win-win, full-funnel, chef’s kiss, marketer’s dream.
Much like blogs should be iterated consistently (monthly, bi-monthly, whatever your vibe is!), your website should also be.
In this post, we’ll cover:
Why you should maintain your website
When to update your website
How to have a website maintenance routine that feels manageable
What edits will keep your website up-to-date monthly, quarterly, bi-annual, and annually
Benefits of Updating Your Website Regularly
The only thing more important than having a website is having an updated website.
Undoubtedly, a website is an investment (I talk more about that here), much like buying a house or a car.
Imagine buying your dream car. To keep it in good shape, you have to maintain it. Some things are more frequent, like putting in gas and getting it washed. And other things less often, such as emissions or an oil change.
Your website is the same way. Maintenance makes sure it’ll keep doing its job.
Updating your website regularly has major benefits like:
#1 - Better user experience and engagement
Your website is your digital headquarters. Say you’ve invited someone to your house for the first time; you want to make a great first impression and be a stellar host. You should think of your website the same way.
Updating the content regularly will keep your website fresh, relevant, and engaging. When content is up-to-date and easy to navigate, visitors will have a better user experience, leading to increased engagement.
#2 - Maintenance of brand image and credibility
Have you ever visited a website where it seems outdated? Whether it’s the design, the information, or both - I bet you x-ed out quickly.
Your website influences your brand’s credibility. If you’re a numbers person who loves the facts, here are some of my favorite statistics:
88% of online consumers are less likely to return to a site after a bad experience
75% of consumers admit to making judgments about a company’s credibility based on their website
It takes about 50 milliseconds for someone to form an opinion about your website (that’s quicker than the blink of an eye)
If you don’t maintain your website and the information becomes outdated, it’s an instant red flag. Your visitor will probably think, “If they can’t care for their own business, how will they take care of me?”
On the other hand, if your site looks updated and professional, you’ll position yourself as an authority and expert.
#3 - Better content gives you more traffic
Your goal is for your website to become your industry's go-to destination for useful content. What this means for you is you’re positioning your business for long-term success.
Blog content can be a huge driver of this, of course. Other content you may feature on your website are:
Free resources
An opportunity to opt-in to your email list
Portfolio projects and case studies
You can read more about why your owned channels (website, blog, email) should be the main characters in your marketing strategy here.
When to Update Your Website
So, when should you be updating your website? Well, it depends!
The answer could be twice a week, or twice a year, based on:
The nature of your business and industry
Your goals for your website
The content on your website
For example, one of my favorite Atlanta-based lunch spots, Souper Jenny, updates its Squarespace website daily with a new menu.
An e-commerce business will likely update its website more than a service-based provider.
But generally speaking, if your website isn’t converting, that’s a sure sign your website needs to be revamped. Here are a few other tell-tale signs:
Your business goals have changed
Doesn’t represent your current brand
Isn’t attracting the right audience
How to Update Your Website Regularly (Website Housekeeping Checklist Included)
Have you ever seen those house cleaning schedules on Pinterest like this? Breaking things down the same way for your website will help you know exactly what to do and make it feel like a breeze!
Tips:
Set aside a dedicated time in your calendar (ex: the first Friday of every month) to make edits.
Make it fun! Go to your favorite coffee shop, or post up at a new spot you want to try. That way, it might even be something you look forward to!
(I do both of these things with another routine business task - keeping up with finances!)
Design updates vs. content updates: The design of your website should only be refreshed once or twice a year! The rest falls under content updates, which only require 1-2 hours per month.
Monthly
Check mobile optimization
The good thing is Squarespace makes this so easy. Did you know over 50% of website traffic is via mobile devices?
Check all pages for outdated information and update accordingly
Breathe life into your blog: Add new posts or update existing ones
Quarterly
Check links
Broken links should be updated or removed (use this to help find them easily!)
External links should open in a new tab
Make sure all links are sending people to the right destination
Test all forms, buttons, etc., to make sure they’re working properly
Add one portfolio project
Refresh footer content if necessary
Ex: If you have social links here, you might want to need to add one for Threads this quarter!
Bi-Annually
Analyze website analytics
Refresh testimonials
Review website navigation: Make sure it’s providing the best user experience and supporting your business goals
For example: If your goal is to get new subscribers to your membership community, that should be a prominent CTA in your header
Yearly
Refresh design and visual elements
Ensure all images are up-to-date and consistent with your brand
Update legal policies and compliance (ex: privacy policy, terms of service)
Update your copyright notice (year) in your website footer
Delete/archive unused pages
Want to download the ultimate website housekeeping checklist and keep it in your office, so you don't forget to do all of these important things?!
You know I've got you. CLICK HERE to get your copy!
Wrapping Things Up
As your business grows and changes, your website should too.
Much like maintenance on a car, updating your website protects your investment and ensures it’ll keep running smoothly.
“Yeah, that makes sense, but I already have too many things on my plate as a business owner. How am I going to have time for this?”
I know - I totally get it. We, as humans, find time for the important things, right?
So why should you care?
Having an updated website will help you:
Help you show up online with confidence
Creating a great first impression with prospects
Maintain your brand image and credibility
Drive more traffic to your website
Influence ideal clients to take action
Get leads and inquiries
Save time so you can have more time for the things that matter to you
Need I say more? When your website and blog are nurtured, you’re setting your business up for long-term success.
Looking For Website Support?
As you can probably tell by now, I live and breathe websites, so if you're in need of more support in this area, I'd love to connect to hear about your specific needs!
Get in touch HERE and while you're at it, make sure you subscribe to Early Check In. 🗝
Every Thursday morning in your inbox, you’ll get keys to a 5-Star B&B (Brand and Business) and I serve as your digital concierge – starting your day with selected stories and tailor-made tips.
All you have to do is sit back, relax, and read like you’re on a mini morning vaca. 🌴