In the last part of our 3-part series on why you need to update your website every 3-5 years, we’re going to talk about staying relevant. What do you need to do to ensure your website maintains its relevancy and stays in line with your competitors (or even ahead of them!)?
1. Stay Competitive
- Complete a Competitor Analysis by benchmarking against industry rivals. Look at what those competitors in your industry (and even outside of it) are doing. What can you do better? Did what you see trigger ideas of things you can do on your own website? Perhaps asking different questions on a form, or adding a monthly newsletter.
- Are you making a good first impression? Your website is often the first interaction customers have with your brand, so making a lasting impression is vital. What can you change to improve it? Wording? Imagery?
2. Maintain Accessibility and Compliance
- Staying compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ensures your site is accessible to all users. This is something that has become extremely relevant in the last year or so. ADA compliance is looking at the colors used and their contrasts, font sizes, image tagging, header tags, etc. Almost every website on the internet built more than a year ago needs to use a tool to access their compliance and make edits in order to better conform. Check-out our go-to tool for accessing websites: PageSpeed Insights.
- Meeting legal requirements, such as GDPR for data protection, protects your business from potential legal issues. We offer our clients a service that they set up initially and it automatically updates as laws are changed. However, if you don’t have something like this, you must continually stay on top of it to ensure you’re meeting all legal requirements.
In the fast-paced world of the internet, a website that was top-notch a few years ago may no longer meet the expectations of your audience or your business goals. At Creare, we strongly believe that refreshing your website every 3-5 years isn’t a luxury, but a necessity. It’s an investment in your brand, your customers, and your online success.
So, if your website is due for a redesign or refresh, we’re here to help you embrace the future of the digital world with open arms. Contact us today to discuss how we can transform your website into a powerful online asset!
And, if you missed Part 1: Technology or Part 2: Content, be sure to go back and check them both out, as updates in all 3 areas will make a huge difference, and tie into one another as you plan to update your website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is relevancy important for a business website?
Relevancy ensures your website meets current user expectations, industry standards, and design trends. A relevant website makes a strong first impression, keeps visitors engaged, and reflects the professionalism of your brand.
How often should I update my website to maintain relevancy?
It’s recommended to refresh your website every 3–5 years. This helps keep your design, content, features, and compliance standards aligned with modern technology and user behavior.
What role does competitor analysis play in maintaining website relevancy?
Competitor analysis helps benchmark your site against others in your industry. Understanding what competitors are doing allows you to identify gaps, generate new ideas, and ensure your site stays relevant or even ahead of the competition.
Can outdated websites hurt relevancy and user perception?
Yes. A dated website can lead visitors to perceive your brand as out of touch or less trustworthy. Poor design, slow performance, and non-compliance with accessibility standards can diminish your site’s relevancy and impact your business.
How does ADA compliance tie into website relevancy?
Ensuring your site is accessible under ADA guidelines increases your website’s relevancy by making it usable for a broader audience, including those with disabilities. It’s not just a legal standard—it’s a sign your business cares about inclusivity and user experience.
