Once a website goes live, most people assume that’s all they need to do. Its up, its live, and therefore can be ticked of a checklist. But no, an outdated website could be killing your business. Don’t fall victim to this is (unfortunately all too common) rookie mistake and assume your site can be left to cope on autopilot.
Leaving your site to fend for itself in an evolving digital landscape, without any regular systematic updates, can leave your site in severe danger. With one of the biggest dangers being cyber-attacks, due to their rapid progression. If attackers can make ample advancements in a single year, imagine the damage they could inflict on a website that’s never been updated. An attacker could enter the back end of your website, and gain unauthorized access to the private details of your company and costumers, causing devastating data loss and a whole myriad of additional problems.
We know updating your website can be tedious, especially when it gets in the way of running your business, but it’s crucial. Which is why we’re unveiling the significance of frequently updating your website, so that you are aware of the danger you’re causing by letting it collect dust.
Almost 75% of people determine the credibility of a company through the appearance of its website, which is why frequently updating your website is essential for your brands visibility, authenticity and security. Cracks will begin to appear if you leave your website to self-sustain, including:
Hackers love an outdated plugin or CMS system. If you abandon them, they become easy access points for cyber-attacks. Disregarding plugins and CMS tools is like leaving your front door unlocked, you’re basically welcoming danger into your home.
When a hacker exploits an outdated plugin, they’re able to gain unauthorised access to your website, and persistent malware and data theft will follow. An outdated plug-in lets an attacker know that the site owner is indifferent to their websites security, which is when they’ll strike. They will identify a vulnerable plug in and smite with full force, as they know their presence will go unnoticed and the consequences will be minimal.
On the contrary, old plug-ins can cause devastating data breaches, as hackers steal personal customer information. They slow down your website, potentially harm your SEO rankings, and collide with the latest CMS versions (like WordPress) to cause constant crashes.
When someone says a website is outdated, it’s not just about security. An outdated website can also mean that the content is old, out of fashion or out of date. As your business advances, so should the content on your site.
A costumers first point of contact with your business is typically through your website, therefore an outdated, tedious and archaic website is severely off putting. If your business has not upgraded its plug ins, CMS tools or functions, it can look under developed and evoke a shifty and untrustworthy feel.
Alternatively, if you’ve undergone price changes or brought in different services, but they haven’t been updated on your website, you’re restricting your audience from accessing recent products. An unchanging website gives your audience no reason to return. Frequently updating your content ensures your audience is consistently engaged in your brand, and relevant within a constantly evolving digital space.
Neglecting a website is similar to not checking up on your car, it significantly impacts the machines lifespan, reduces its security, and ultimately costs far more in repairs than regular updates would have.
Outdated codes and backend systems can evoke a plethora of performance issues, such as slow loading times and frequent site crashes. Without a strong and streamlined backend, your websites entire application may crash, leaving your audience irritated at its slow performance and quickly disengaging.
This is why technical updates keep your sites performance rapid, effective and functional. Driving in constant traffic, and decreasing your sites bounce rates, as people don’t click off your site in frustration from constant lagging and crashing.
Outdated plug-ins, unamended vulnerabilities and stale content can leave your site stuck in time. It can drive off potential customers, decrease your websites performance, and leave personal information accessible to attackers.
Updating you website is crucial, but sometimes attempting to update your own website can be risky, as if you make a mistake it can be difficult to undo. Therefore, Simdure’s digital team are here to take the stress off your shoulders. Don’t fall victim to this is (unfortunately all too common) rookie mistake and assume your site can be left to cope on autopilot..
Our digital experts are vastly experienced in monitoring and scrutinising website applications, and detecting any vulnerabilities before they turn into bigger threats. We regularly update, analyse and tweak your website so it is modernised, relevant and in step with the digital evolving landscape.
To speak with our digital team, click here: https://www.simdure.com/digital/
