It’s that special time of year again – time to give our websites a little TLC and gear up for a fantastic year ahead. Last year, I shared some of my basic tips on things to check on your website yearly.
But this year, I wanted to revisit the topic of what things to check on your website yearly. First of all, it’s such an important business ritual that I think it’s worth reminding people each year. Plus, this year, I’ve added some new yearly website updates that everyone should consider adding.
And even though New Year’s is a convenient time to think about things to check on your website yearly, this isn’t a new-years-only website updates checklist!
It’s actually a great practice for any slow season in your business. You can think of it like a regular tune-up to make sure your website is always running smoothly. And in turn, reflecting the best of your business and serving you in whichever season you happen to be in. So, grab a coffee and let’s dive into things to check on your website yearly!
Why yearly website updates are crucial
Websites truly are the digital storefront of your business. It’s the first impression many customers have.
And just like a physical store, you need regular website updates to stay fresh and relevant. Your business isn’t static – it grows and changes, and your website should reflect that. Especially if your site is relatively new, it can be tempting to think you’re good to go and that there are no things to check on your website yearly.
But just like you probably don’t have the same favorite pair of jeans as one, two, or five years ago…what was working for your website last year might need a few tweaks to be on point this year.
Things to check on your website yearly
Or, at least yearly. It’s actually a great idea to re-evaluate the items on this list every six months, once a quarter, or every time you change up your services!
Without further ado, here are the things to check on your website yearly.
Evaluate opt-ins and lead magnets
An opt-in or lead magnet is a crucial part of collecting information from qualified leads. Typically, this is some kind of valuable resource that you offer to potential clients for a low cost or free. It also serves as a first point of reference for what it’s like to work with you, your expertise, and your services. So naturally, this is one of the things to check on your website yearly.
Want some examples? Think downloadable PDF workbooks, checklists, discount codes, Loom walk-throughs and private podcasts. Some people even offer a full services guide as a download for potential clients.
If you don’t have a lead magnet, now is a fabulous time to add one to your site. And if you do, add it to your list of things to check on your website yearly!
Consider adding a new one that highlights a different service or aspect of your signature services. It’s not just about gathering emails (though that’s a big part of it!) – it’s about starting a conversation and building know, like, and trust with potential clients and qualified leads.
Refresh your portfolio
Every new year brings new experiences, projects, and pivots in business. 🥂 So why not do a few yearly website updates with your best work from the last year?
Update your portfolio to reflect your most recent work and hottest case studies. If you rolled out new services in the last 12 months, be sure to add examples of those to your portfolio as well.
When working through your list of things to check on your website yearly, confirm your portfolio aligns with the types of clients you want to attract now. Even if you’ve already nailed down your niche, I’m betting that you’ve learned a thing or two over the last year about your ideal client’s pain points and dream solutions!
Update your Resources Page
Do you have a resource page on your website? That needs to make the yearly website updates list, too.
It’s one of my favorite ways to build relationships with other business owners and potential clients by sharing your favorite resources (and your own freebies!) It’s like sharing a little piece of your business journey with your audience. And – bonus, it’s also a great place to diversify your income streams and make a little extra income with affiliate links.
But at the end of the year, this page might need a little extra care. So, make it one of the things to check on your website yearly.
Double-check that all links are current and functional, remove anything that is broken or no longer relevant. It’s also a great time to add new resources you’ve discovered and love!
Give your Links Page a refresh
Most people view your custom links page from Instagram – but it’s still a part of your website! Give your list a once-over at the end of the year. It’s prime social media real estate, so make sure everything on the page is link-worthy and up-to-date! I like to include sign-ups for email lists, freebies, and links to each of my services.
By the way, are you still using Linktree or other link in bio tools to create Instagram links pages? Switch over to using a custom-branded page on your website with my Instagram Links Page Template freebie to give your user experience and SEO a boost!
Switch up images
Visuals speak volumes! If it’s been a while since your last photoshoot (or you’ve never had one), consider scheduling one. Brand photography is an incredible way to build know, like, and trust with your audience.
Remember, your website images are a reflection of your brand’s personality and values. Do a few yearly website updates to keep them fresh and aligned with your current branding.
If a custom photoshoot isn’t in the budget, yearly website updates might look like new stock images that resonate with your brand. My faves for gorgeous stock photos are Haute Stock and Styled Stock Society. If you have extra planning time, go ahead and set aside multiple images that match your brand colors and vibe for blog posts in the new year.
Check the Footer Information
Your website’s footer is like the foundation of a house – often overlooked but VERY important. It is absolutely one of the things to check on your website yearly.
Update the copyright date and any business details to reflect the current year. Yearly website updates with the current year are a subtle way to tell visitors you’re still in business and your website is current. And if you’ve switched up your business name or filed as an LLC, you’ll want to change the name accordingly in the footer.
If you have footer navigation, confirm that the navigation is still relevant and links still work – once people scroll allll the way down to the bottom of your website, it’s nice to have a convenient way to click over to other pages.
Fun fact: If you don’t already have a copyright in your footer, it’s totally OK to add one. You don’t have to file any special paperwork! Just by creating your website content, you automatically own the rights. All you have to do is copy and paste this © into your footer (or type “(c)” – it will automatically change into a ©!), then add the latest year. If you want to add it to the HTML code for a page, just add © or © to your code to display the ©.
Using Beaver Builder for your page builder?
Here is a tutorial of how to use a short code for automatic year updates! Copy the shortcode:
Edit and add testimonials
There’s nothing like glowing reviews to build credibility. Gather feedback throughout the year in onboarding surveys, client check-ins, and screenshots of compliments and raves! Once a year or so, go through your files and compile your best feedback.
When working through your list of things to check on your website yearly, sprinkle them through your site. from the year front and center on your website. Do a few yearly website updates on your testimonials section with the latest and greatest praise, and don’t forget to refresh logos of companies you’ve worked with to reflect your growing portfolio.
Services Page
Your services page is the heart of your website. As your business evolves, so should this page. You know what I’m going to say… Add it to the list of things to check on your website yearly!
Whether it’s adjusting your pricing to reflect your growing expertise or tweaking your service offerings to better meet client needs, make sure your services page accurately represents what you offer now. It’s also a great place to introduce any new services or packages you’ve developed. 🎉
About Page
Your about page is where your brand story lives. It’s a snapshot of who you are, what you’ve achieved, and where you’re headed. And, of course, like any other part of your business (or YOU!) it changes over time. That’s why it makes the list of things to check on your website yearly.
Update it with any significant milestones, new team members, or notable projects. It’s also a good place to refresh any statistics or numbers that have changed, like the number of projects completed or years in business.
Legal Compliance Check
Laws and regulations for website owners change from year to year, so stay on top of legal requirements! Sure, these policies are boring, but they are absolutely one of the top things to check on your website yearly.
Ensure your privacy policy, terms of service, and cookie policy are up-to-date and compliant with current laws. This might not be the most exciting part of website maintenance, but it’s crucial for your peace of mind and your customers’ trust.
Psst! Need a great privacy policy and terms of service for your website? Try my fave, Termageddon!
Site performance optimization
In the digital world, speed is everything. A slow-loading website can turn visitors away faster than you can say “click” – and it can hurt your SEO strategy.
And while we’re on the topic of SEO strategy, it’s one of the things to check on your website yearly. Assess where you are and make a strategy for the next year! Use tools like Google Analytics and Hotjar to check your site’s performance and make necessary adjustments. Remember, a fast website not only enhances user experience but also boosts your SEO.
Need to know how to do SEO? Download our free checklist!
Contact Information Audit
The last thing to check on your website yearly? Make sure all your contact information is current and accurate. Test your contact forms to ensure they’re working correctly, and consider tweaking them to collect the most relevant information from potential clients. If you’ve changed any contact details over the years, now’s the time to update them.
Final thoughts on things to check on your website yearly
Reflecting on your website’s past year is not just about making changes – it’s about aligning your digital presence with your business’s growth and goals. A well-maintained website is a sign of a business that cares about its image, its clients, and its future. So, take this time to make those small but impactful updates, and here’s to a fantastic year ahead! 🥂
Looking beyond simple website updates in 2024?
Why not jump into Launch Week with us? We specialize in giving websites a complete makeover that aligns perfectly with your evolving business needs. We’d love to chat about working together! Contact us now!
