If you’re like me, you’ve probably heard the phrase, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” It’s a classic saying, but when it comes to your website, that mentality is a one-way ticket to digital irrelevance. Websites aren’t vintage cars that get better with age—they’re more like your smartphone: useful, but only if they’re regularly updated. Keeping your site up to date is about more than aesthetics. It’s about security, performance, user experience, and maintaining a competitive edge in the ever-evolving digital world.
Security Is No Laughing Matter
One primary reason to keep your website updated is security. Outdated plugins, themes, and core files are prime targets for hackers. I’ve seen it time and time again—a company neglects updates, and suddenly, its website redirects visitors to a sketchy online casino in another language.
When developers release updates, they often patch vulnerabilities that could otherwise be exploited. Regularly updating your site means you’re closing the doors to potential cyber threats and protecting your data, your users, and your reputation. Don’t be that company that neglects updates. If you don’t have a plan for regular to daily security updates, you need a partner like Dogwood to step in.
Performance: Speed Isn’t Just for Sports Cars
An outdated website can be slower than a dial-up connection on a stormy night. Search engines like Google prioritize websites with fast load times because they improve the user experience. If your site is sluggish, users will bounce faster than you can say “404 error,” and search engines will also push you further down in search results.
Updates often include performance improvements, such as optimizing code, improving caching, and reducing load times. Staying current is non-negotiable if you want users to stick around and Google to notice you.
User Experience: The Digital Welcome Mat
Your website is often the first impression people have of your business. Imagine inviting guests over and handing them a map from the 1980s to find your house—they’d see a large field where mine is now!
The same goes for outdated websites. New design trends, user interface improvements, and accessibility features ensure your website is welcoming and easy to navigate. An updated site helps visitors find what they need quickly and efficiently, turning potential leads into happy customers.
Don’t shortcut accessibility, either! It is a personal passion of mine to ensure that every site from Dogwood is accessible to people with disabilities. Our minimum is the WCAG AA standard, and we use many tools to ensure we meet this!
SEO: Don’t Let Google Ghost You
Search engine optimization (SEO) isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it task. Google and other search engines frequently update their algorithms, and if your site isn’t keeping up, you’ll be left behind. Regular updates ensure your site meets current SEO standards, from mobile responsiveness to proper metadata and keyword integration.
Let’s be real—if Google can’t find you, your potential customers probably won’t either. Staying on top of updates keeps your site in the spotlight, not buried in search results.
If you haven’t met Beth on our team, she is passionate about this area. She has many blog posts on this site that can help, but she is always ready to take on new clients!
Key Reasons to Keep Your Site Up to Date:
- Security Updates: Protect your site from hackers by patching plugins, themes, and core file vulnerabilities.
- Performance Improvements: Ensure faster load times and smoother functionality, which will lead to a better user experience and higher search rankings.
- Enhanced User Experience: Incorporate modern design elements, intuitive navigation, and accessibility features.
- SEO Compliance: Stay aligned with search engine algorithms to maintain or improve visibility.
- Compatibility with New Technology: Ensure your site works seamlessly across new devices, browsers, and software updates.
Don’t Put Off Updates—Your Business Can’t Afford It
Neglecting updates is like skipping regular oil changes for your car—you may not notice the damage at first, but eventually, it’ll cost you big time. By keeping your site current, you invest in long-term stability, growth, and peace of mind. Plus, regular updates prevent costly emergencies that could arise from crashes or breaches.
At Dogwood, we understand the importance of maintaining a healthy digital presence. Think of us as your website’s trainer, constantly pushing you to be your best self online. Need help with updates or maintenance? We’re just a call away.
So, next time you think, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” remember this: a website can break silently—and when it does, the cost of recovery is far higher than the effort to stay updated.
