Many small business owners still abide by the “set it and forget” philosophy of website design.

Many small business owners still abide by the “set it and forget” philosophy of website design. As a result, their sites can begin to look stale or outdated compared to ones that are newer or frequently updated.

Information on a website can become outdated for a number of reasons. You might be offering new services, or discontinuing old ones. You might have shifted gears to deal with the effects of the recession. You might be dealing with new advertising rules (federal, state, or local) that have come into play.

Nonetheless, the importance of a fresh-looking website can’t be underestimated. Visitors are less likely to trust a site that appears outdated or amateurish, and yesterday’s professional site design might make your site look out-of-touch today. Making periodic “spot changes” to your site can help you keep up with popular online trends as well as improve its usability and visual appeal.