his might not be what you want to hear but you know what they say...most truths are at first unwelcome. I think they say that, it sounds like it's something they would say.
Updating your website is important for a variety of reasons. Not only does updating a website increase website security and prevent hacking, but it can also help your internet marketing strategy and increase traffic to your website. This is why it's wise that businesses update their website regularly.
Updating a website can be done many ways. The three main ways are by:
- Website platform and security
- Content relevance
- Design and user-friendliness
Updating your website – security
One of the top reasons websites get hacked is because of vulnerabilities that arise due to an out-of-date website framework or plugin. This is more of an ethical and responsible reason but probably the most important so we're getting this one addressed first. Needless to say, it makes sense to make sure your website and your online responsibilities to your customers, audience and business are being appreciatively addressed. And that's all we need to say on that. Oh, if you want to run a security check on your current website then follow this link. It will at the very least let you know if you need to address any security issues. And these need not be expensive. It might be as smoke as adding a pug-in or an integration to your back end...or updating your themes or builder platform to the latest version.
Choose a secure website platform
Businesses should use a website framework that is secure. If you are using a platform that does not have a strong development community behind it, your website may be hacked without your knowledge. WordPress is one of the best and most secure website development platforms, continually releasing updates to stay on top of threats and vulnerabilities. Webflow (the platform used to build my website) is better than Wordpress. In my opinion. It’s much more dynamic and has all the built I functionality of Wordpress for security, plug-ins and integrations...just with a much more richer user experience for both designers, developers and content managers.
Keep third party resources up to date
Websites also use plugins for additional functionality. There are many plugins available from developers all over the world. Hackers can occasionally find vulnerabilities within these plugins, which then grant them access to the website. Hackers will then target all websites that have this vulnerability. Plugin authors often release updates to fix these security issues, which is why it’s important to keep them updated.
It’s also important to carefully choose the plugins installed on your website. Any plugin you integrate into your site should be checked to make sure the author is experienced and provides continuing support. There are a lot of dodgy plug-ins out there and a real developer would argue against plug-ins. But I think they are a great cost-effective way to bring additional functionality to your website and user journey...if used correctly.
Updating your website – content
Another important website update involves content. Updating website content can help increase search traffic and convert visitors into customers. Not only that, but it will keep your website looking fresh, relevant and on trend. Every industry is dynamic and needs websites that are dynamic too. The great thing about most visual web builders is that it really removes the need to know and understand code...this is a very good thing!
The way we communicate with our audience is more visual than ever before. So having a visually driven website that updates with your audiences interests and needs is 100% needed. There are some great CMS out there and the best ones are visually driven...again, removing the need for all that lovely web language stuff lol.
Useful content will encourage brand trust
It’s important that your content effectively communicate the benefits of your products and services to your target market. By providing useful content, you are demonstrating that your company is knowledgeable, which helps build trust. When your target market trusts you, they are more willing to buy your products and/or services – which is the ultimate goal of many websites. This same point can also be extended to all forms of content marketing and should be considered across social, web, email, ads and well everything!
Updating your website – design
Many businesses focus solely on content and internet marketing, but don’t pay attention to the design and user-friendliness of their website. A poorly designed website with hard to use navigation bars, unpleasant colours, a non-responsive design, and a long contact form can cause visitors to leave a website without giving the business a chance. This is important! People like simple, enjoyable and memorable experiences. This will be largely formed y your website design and user journey.
Speaking of design, the ability to build and 'code' your site using a visual builder is in my opinion 100% key to creating current and engaging websites. There are many greta visual builders out there: Divi, Elementor, Editor X to name just a few...but my favourite must be Webflow. And here is why (not just because their motion graphic promos are insane...but because they're visual builder is slick, intuitive and super easy to use.
Responsive web design
30% of web traffic comes from mobile devices. This means that if your website is not designed with smartphones and tablets in mind, then you could miss out on roughly 30% of your potential leads. Responsively designed websites will automatically update to fit the screen size and resolution of the device being used. This gives visitors a better user experience and increases the chances that they will buy your product or service.
“There are three responses to a piece of design – yes, no, and WOW! Wow is the one to aim for.” - Milton Glaser, Graphic Designer
So basically...
By regularly updating your website, you can help prevent security threats to your website, increase traffic and conversion with updated content, and provide a user-friendly experience using the latest web technologies that ensure your website works for end user. If you are not regularly updating a fully responsive CMS in house without the need of an entire dev-team then you are missing a trick....and spending loads of money. And that's not a sight on dev-teams they are worth the expense. But this blog is really aimed at small to medium sized ventured who will probably not have access to the kinds of budgets that allow for a dev team.
Hope you have found some of this a little helpful. Here's to 'No-code'. ✌🏻🤣
