How often should I update my website?

Should I update or redesign my website? If not now, when? These questions are generally not answered with a simple yes or no. Below are some guidelines that may help you find an answer.

Does your website display correctly in all modern browsers?

Internet browser technology has come along way over the last 3-4 years, with upgrades constantly being added for better security along with a more pleasant experience for users. Usually sites developed more than a couple of years ago are missing out on new technologies and features that new browsers offer. If your website does not display or function correctly in these new browsers visitors will not stay or return to your site.

Here are the 7 most popular Internet browsers as of March 2010 with the percentage of users.

Fire Fox 46.2%	IE 8 15.3%	Chrome 12.3%	IE 7 10.7%	IE 6 8.9%	Safari 3.7%	Opera 2.2%

Learn more about browser statistics here

How does your website stack up against your competitors?

Know your competition. Some markets are more competitive than others. You will want to be aware of what your competition is doing, then make sure your website is in the game. Updates or a complete redesign may be needed if your site falls short.

Does your site accurately and directly reflect your logo and branding?

The design of your website is very important. Your site should reflect who you are as a company. If you update your logo your website should be updated to match. Web design trends are constantly changing. To avoid your site looking dated, it is necessary to periodically update the look and feel of your website. More often for more competitive markets.

Has your website been optimized for search engines?

In order to keep your site competitive website optimization needs to take place to be found on Internet search engines. Search engines give guidelines to keep your site as visible as possible for natural searches (organic searches). These are also constantly changing. If your site has never been optimized, it is time for updates or a redesign.

Can you control the content of your website?

If you have a static website that is only updated by a your web developer or webmaster. Consider upgrading your site with a “content management system” (CMS). This will allow you control the layout, images and text of your site yourself. This option may cost you a little more up front for the initial build of the site, but will save you money in the long run. It is important to keep the content fresh and up to date on your site, in order to increase traffic to your site. A content management system is a great way to accomplish this.

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