How Often Should You Update Your Website? Tips for Small Businesses
Many small businesses go too long without giving their website a thoughtful update. Website maintenance often falls to the bottom of the to-do list – even though it directly affects how clients see and trust your brand. But just like your physical storefront, office, or studio needs regular cleaning and upkeep, your website requires attention to remain inviting and effective.
Key Reasons for Updating Your Website
Functionality & User Experience: Broken links or outdated code can cause parts of your website to stop working properly and create frustration for site visitors.
SEO Rankings: Search engines favor websites with fresh content because it reflects your site as being active and providing relevant information.
Client Trust: A modern, visually-appealing website shows that you care about your business and your clients’ experience.
Accuracy: Periodically auditing your website ensures your services, prices, contact information, offerings, and any announcements are always current.
So How Often Should You Update Your Website?
Here’s a general guide:
Content Updates: Blog posts, portfolio additions, announcement bars (see image above), and minor edits should happen weekly or every other week to signal to search engines and clients that your website is up-to-date.
Technical Maintenance: Website functionality, including forms, buttons, links, and any custom code, should be checked at least monthly to make sure features are working properly.
Design Refresh: Every 2-3 years to keep up with design trends, improve user experience, and reflect your growth as a business.
Supporting Your Journey with Clarity & Care
Staying current online shows clients you’re engaged and responsive to their needs. So when it comes to maintaining your website, should you handle it yourself or work with a professional? Here’s a look at the differences to help you decide what’s right for your unique business:
| DIY Website Maintenance | Hiring a Website Designer |
|---|---|
| 🌱 Full control over your design process | 🌻 Insider knowledge of new Squarespace features and tools |
| 🌱 No upfront design fees if you build it yourself | 🌻 Exclusive discounts on Squarespace plans & extended trial periods |
| 🌱 Learn valuable website skills as you go | 🌻 Professional strategy, SEO-focused, and user experience insights |
| 🌱 Immediate edits anytime you wish | 🌻 Design expertise to create a site that aligns with your brand |
| 🌱 Total creative freedom with no external input | 🌻 A supportive partner to guide and empower you at every step |
Many small business owners start with DIY but eventually realize the value in partnering with a designer to ensure their website reflects their professionalism and runs smoothly without headaches.
Here are some examples of small businesses in the Philadelphia area with well-designed websites that are regularly updated and maintained for an authentic, strategic online presence:
CT Tile & Remodeling – Clean design showcasing expert craftsmanship to attract local homeowners.
Blooming Peace – Calming, authentic site that beautifully reflects this holistic art studio’s offerings and creative community.
LifeSeeds – Energetic, playful website designed to support this vibrant, family-centered summer day camp.
These businesses perform regular maintenance to keep their websites aligned with their growth, evolving services, and clients’ expectations. Doing so ensures their online presence remains professional, relevant, and welcoming.
Your website should evolve with your business. Regular updates mean your site continues to be user-friendly and true to your work’s meaning and impact.
Ready to update your website to truly reflect your business? Explore my services to see how I can support your website maintenance and design needs with clarity and care.
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