4 Website Updates Every Small Business Owner Should Make
Hey friend! Let’s talk websites—more specifically, your website. And website updates that you may be overlooking. Whether you’re running a trendy coffee shop, a boutique branding studio, or a thriving e-commerce store, your website is so much more than just a digital placeholder. It’s the face of your business, the hub of your brand, and a powerful tool for growth!
But here’s the deal—websites need regular updates to stay fresh, functional, and fabulous. And whether you’re running the best small business website in your industry or just starting, these website updates are absolute must-dos to keep your site working for you—not against you!
Why Regular Website Updates Are Important
Before we get to the specifics, let’s talk about why updates are a big deal. A well-maintained website shows visitors that your business is active, modern, and trustworthy. It’s also essential for staying ahead of competitors, improving your search rankings, and keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes.
Okay, so let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what you should focus on when tackling your next website update!
1. Update Your Copyright Year
Let’s start with an easy win—your copyright year. It’s a small detail, but an outdated copyright date in your footer can send the wrong message. Visitors might wonder if your site—and by extension, your business—is still operational.
How to Update It
Locate your website’s footer (most platforms make this editable).
Change the copyright year to the current year, e.g., © 2025 Your Business Name.
If you’re a little tech-savvy, bonus points for automating this update in your website platform so you never have to think about it again (bless).
This small website update helps reassures visitors that your business is active and professional!
2. Review Your Services and Prices
When’s the last time you checked your services and pricing? If it’s been more than a few months, it’s time for a refresh, friend! Your website is your 24/7 salesperson, so it needs to represent what you’re offering accurately. If your services or pricing have changed, it’s time to give those pages some love.
What to Look For
Outdated Services: Are there any offerings you’ve phased out? Remove them to avoid confusion or missed opportunities.
New Additions: Have you launched new services or products? Add them with clear, compelling descriptions.
Pricing Updates: If your rates have changed (and they probably have, thanks to inflation), make sure they’re reflected on your site. Oh, and make sure it’s competitive and aligned with your value.
Pro Tip
When updating your services, focus on clarity and simplicity. Highlight the benefits and results your clients can expect. After all, the best small business websites don’t just list services—they sell them.
3. Check Your Integrations
Nothing kills a good user experience like broken contact forms, clunky booking tools, or outdated e-commerce systems. If your site relies on integrations (and most do), they need regular check-ups so it all runs smoothly.
How to Audit Your Integrations
Test Your Tools: Submit a test inquiry through your contact form, book an appointment, or make a small purchase to ensure everything works.
Update Plugins: If your site uses plugins for functionality, keep them updated to avoid security risks and compatibility issues.
Explore Upgrades: Are there newer, better tools available? Modern website optimization tools can help streamline processes and improve functionality—and user experience.
A seamless, glitch-free website looks great, but more importantly, it builds trust and keeps visitors coming back!
4. Update Your FAQs
Your FAQ page is great for answering common questions and building trust, but also for cutting down on repetitive questions and saving you time (again, bless). But if your answers are outdated, you’re doing your customers (and yourself) a disservice.
What to Update
Add New Questions: What are clients asking you? If you’ve noticed recurring questions, add them to your FAQ page.
Refresh Answers: Make sure your responses are clear, concise, and reflect your current processes.
Link Strategically: Use your FAQ page to guide visitors to other parts of your site, like your services or contact page.
When done right, an up-to-date FAQ page can reduce the number of repetitive emails in your inbox while positioning your business as helpful and client-focused.
Bonus Tips for Pro-Level Website Updates
If you’ve tackled the basics above and are ready to take things further, consider these additional website updates.
Optimize Your Website for SEO
Use tools like Google Analytics or SEMrush to identify keywords and improve your site’s performance.
Upgrade Your Visuals
High-quality, on-brand images can elevate your website and make a lasting impression. Swap out any outdated visuals for something fresh.
Speed Up Your Site
Page speed is a huge factor in user experience and SEO. Use website optimization tools like GTmetrix to test your site’s load time and make improvements.
When to Call in the Pros (That Means Us)
Sometimes, website updates go beyond what you can (or want to) handle. Luckily, Bell & Whistle Design Studio, specializes in creating modern, elegant, and unique small business websites that help you stand out, no matter your industry!
Whether you need a full website audit service, a design overhaul, or just a little help with optimizations, let’s chat about how we can take your site—and your business—to the next level.
Keeping your website updated doesn’t have to be a chore or feel overwhelming. By making these four website updates you’ll ensure your site stays relevant, professional, and ready to impress.
Need help getting started? Reach out to us today and together we’ll create a website that’s as polished, unique, and ambitious as your business!
