03. How to Keep a Website Updated

Zehr.net Conversation Series — Episode Insights

3. How to Keep a Website Updated

In the first episodes of the Zehr.net Conversation Series, we talked about why every small business needs a website and what makes a good website. The next important question is how to keep that website current.

A website is not something that is built once and then forgotten. Like any part of a business, it should grow and change over time. Keeping a website updated helps ensure that customers see accurate information and that the site continues to work properly.

Key Takeaways

• A website should grow and change along with the business.
• Small updates help keep the site accurate and trustworthy.
• Updating photos, hours, and services keeps the site feeling active.
• Security updates help protect the website from technical problems.
• Regular updates improve both customer experience and search visibility.

Websites Should Reflect Your Current Business

Businesses change over time. Hours change, services expand, staff members come and go, and new photos become available. When a website reflects the current state of a business, it builds confidence with visitors.

On the other hand, outdated information can create confusion. If a visitor sees old hours, missing services, or outdated photos, they may wonder whether the business information is reliable.

Common Website Updates

Most website updates are actually simple changes. A few small updates can make a website feel fresh and active.

• Updating business hours
• Adding new services or products
• Replacing older photos with newer ones
• Updating staff or team information
• Adding seasonal or holiday details
• Updating contact information

These updates may seem small, but they help ensure that customers always see accurate and helpful information.

Security and Maintenance Matter

Another important reason to keep a website updated is security. Websites rely on software, hosting systems, and code that occasionally require maintenance.

Keeping a website maintained helps prevent vulnerabilities, broken features, and slow performance. Regular maintenance checks can help ensure the site continues to operate smoothly.

Small Updates Work Better Than Big Overhauls

Many businesses wait years before making major changes to their website. A better approach is to make small improvements over time.

Adding a new photo, adjusting a service description, or updating a message on the homepage can keep the site feeling active without requiring a complete redesign.

How Often Should a Website Be Updated?

There is no single rule for how often a website should be updated, but a few simple guidelines can help.

• Update hours whenever they change.
• Update services when your offerings change.
• Add new photos every few months if possible.
• Review the homepage once or twice each year.
• Fix outdated information as soon as it is noticed.

Regular small updates help maintain accuracy and show visitors that the business is active and engaged.

Adding New Content

Adding new content can also help a website stay fresh. This might include creating a new service page, adding a gallery of recent work, or publishing a short article or update.

Helpful content gives visitors more reasons to explore the site and learn about the business.

Getting Help When Needed

For many business owners, the technical side of website updates can feel overwhelming. The good news is that updates do not have to be complicated.

Some business owners prefer to make their own updates, while others prefer to have a trusted partner handle the technical details. Either approach can work, as long as the site continues to stay current.

Final Thoughts

A healthy website is one that grows alongside the business it represents. Small updates, accurate information, and occasional improvements help keep the site useful for visitors and reliable for the long term.

By keeping information current and making small updates over time, a website can remain one of the most valuable tools a business has.

This article accompanies the podcast episode discussing how businesses can keep their websites updated and why ongoing maintenance is important. The Zehr.net Conversation Series explores practical ways small businesses & organizations can use the web more effectively.