Websites aren’t “set it and forget it” anymore, especially for small businesses trying to stand out in local markets like Carthage, Joplin, or Pittsburg. Whether you run a roofing company, a boutique salon, or a mobile detailing service, your website is often your first impression, and a stale one can send the wrong message fast.
So, how often should you update your website? The answer depends on what you want it to do, but here are the best practices that will keep your site working for you (not against you).
Monthly: Content & Functionality Check
Every month, do a quick run-through of your website. Check for:
- Broken links or missing images
- Outdated contact info or pricing
- Blog or news updates
- Promotions or events to add/remove
Search engines love fresh content. Updating even just one blog post or adding a new customer review can keep things active and relevant.
Quarterly: SEO Tune-Up and Performance Review
Each quarter, evaluate your site for:
- Loading speed
- Mobile responsiveness
- Updated keyword strategies
- Any Google algorithm changes that may affect your rankings
Use tools like Google Search Console or Lighthouse to catch speed issues or crawl errors. If your business has seasonal shifts—like landscaping or tax prep, schedule updates before your busy season hits.
Annually: Design Refresh & Tech Upgrades
Even the best websites age. Every 1 to 2 years, consider:
- Redesigning your homepage layout
- Updating your photos and branding
- Refreshing written content (About pages, service descriptions, etc.)
- Upgrading WordPress plugins or changing to a faster hosting provider
If your site looks like it was built before smartphones existed, it’s time for an upgrade. Design trends and user expectations evolve quickly.
Signs It’s Time for an Immediate Update
- You’re still using a website builder you can’t control
- Customers say they can’t find information
- It loads slowly or looks broken on mobile
- You’ve changed your services, hours, or branding
- It hasn’t been touched in more than a year
If you’re nodding at more than one of those, it’s time to act.
Pros and Cons of Frequent Website Updates
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Keeps you relevant in search engines | Takes time or outside help |
| Improves user experience | Requires basic site knowledge |
| Builds trust with visitors | Costs money if outsourced |
| Allows content to match your growth | Risk of breaking things if rushed |
netfishes Makes Website Updating Easy
At netfishes, we build custom WordPress websites that are easy to manage and built for updates. We even offer monthly maintenance and update plans so your site never goes stale. Whether you need a content refresh or a full redesign, we’ll help your website keep up with your business.
When was the last time your site got some love?
Reach out to netfishes and let’s freshen things up.