When Was the Last Time You Updated Your Website?

I was on a call with a client last week, and she mentioned something that got me thinking. She said, “I was looking at our website the other day, and I realized we still have a photo from our 2019 holiday party on the homepage.” We both laughed, but it made me wonder, how many businesses are walking around with digital cobwebs they don’t even notice? It’s funny how we’ll update our social media constantly, refresh our wardrobes seasonally, but somehow our websites become forgotten time capsules. And honestly, I get it. When you’re running a business or managing a million other things, the website feels like something you “set and forget.” But here’s the thing – your website is often the first impression people get of you, and first impressions matter.

The Little Things That Make a Big Difference

You don’t need to blow up your entire site every few months. Sometimes it’s the small touches that keep things feeling fresh and current. We see this all the time at KELLYBRADY. Maybe it’s updating that team photo where half the people don’t work there anymore, or swapping out seasonal imagery so you’re not showing snow in July. Even something as simple as refreshing your blog posts or news section can make visitors feel like there’s actual life behind the website. I’ve landed on sites where the latest “news” was from 2022, and it immediately made me question if the business was still operating.

The Middle Ground: Content That Connects

Then there’s the stuff that takes a bit more effort but pays off. Consider updating your services page to reflect what you’re doing now, not what you were doing three years ago. Maybe add some fresh testimonials from recent clients. People want to see that others are having good experiences with you right now, not just back when flip phones were cool. Your “About” page is another goldmine for updates. Did someone on your team earn a new certification? Did you move offices or change your approach? These aren’t earth-shattering changes, but they show you’re evolving and staying relevant in your field.

When It’s Time for the Big Guns

Now, sometimes you do need to tear down the house and rebuild it. If your site looks like it was designed when MySpace was popular, or if people are bouncing off your homepage faster than they can say “loading,” it might be time for a complete overhaul. The same goes for functionality. If your site takes forever to load, doesn’t work on mobile, or has a checkout process that feels like solving a Rubik’s cube, you’re probably losing business without even realizing it. Technology moves fast, and what worked five years ago might be actively hurting you today. A complete redesign isn’t just about making things prettier (though that doesn’t hurt). It’s about rethinking how people interact with your business online and making sure your digital presence supports your goals instead of working against them. This is where we love diving deep with clients — figuring out not just what looks good, but what will work for their specific situation.

So, How Often Should You Update?

Here’s what I’ve found works for most people: think of your website like your car. You do regular maintenance – checking the oil, rotating the tires, and updating the registration sticker. That’s your monthly or quarterly updates: fresh photos, new content, making sure all the links still work. Then every few years, you might need some bigger repairs or upgrades — new tires, a paint job, maybe a whole new sound system. That’s your more substantial updates: redesigning sections, adding new functionality, and updating your brand presentation. And eventually, you might need a completely new car because the old one just doesn’t meet your needs anymore. That’s your complete website overhaul – usually every 3-5 years, depending on how much your business has changed and how technology has evolved.

The Bottom Line

Your website isn’t a “set it and forget it” thing – it’s more like a garden that needs regular tending. You don’t need to replant the whole thing every season, but a little weeding here and there keeps it looking good and growing strong. The key is finding a rhythm that works for you. Maybe it’s blocking out an hour every month to review and refresh things, or perhaps it’s doing a bigger review twice a year. Whatever feels manageable is better than letting things slide until your website becomes that friend who’s still posting photos from 2019. After all, your website is working 24/7 to represent you. Shouldn’t it be putting its best foot forward? Curious about where your site stands? We’d love to take a look and chat about what might make sense for your situation. No pressure, just a genuine conversation about what’s working and what could work better.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I update my website?

Ideally, update content quarterly and redesign every 3-5 years based on performance and brand evolution. Clues include outdated visuals, non-responsive design, slow load times, and old content.

Do I need to completely redesign my website every year?

No. Regular maintenance and minor updates often prevent the need for frequent complete redesigns.

What pages should I focus on when updating?

Prioritize your homepage, About page, Services, and any content that influences conversions.

Does updating a website help with SEO?

Yes. Fresh content and optimized performance are direct ranking factors for search engines like Google.

Scott Stucker is the Art Director at KELLYBRADY, bringing over 13 years of creative experience to every project. With a passion for thoughtful design and user-focused solutions, he blends curiosity, strategy, and visual storytelling to help brands stay current and impactful.