The internet is the most fast paced environment on the planet. People are constantly craving the most up to date and informative information they than find.
To stay ahead of others on the internet, your website must become a living being. It is your baby after all (or should be). It needs TLC just like a child to grow big and strong.
Especially now, search engines are changing the game and focusing on the more up-to-date content. It is necessary to keep everything up to date and easily viewable for your target to find.
ABOVE THE FOLD
The term “above the fold” on the internet means the content that can be viewed on a page without having to scroll down in the browser. This is a simple term for a simple system. Keep The most important and up to date information on your site above the fold. It allows people to easily find it.
There is some complexity to think about with this though. Unlike with a printed document, every person on the internet is viewing your content differently. People’s screen size, default font setting, and browser can all effect what content is viewed above the fold.
The rule of thumb for this is to get the most important and up to date content as far to the top of the page as possible without compromising the look of your site.
TIME-STAMP ALL UPDATED CONTENT
Every time you add new content to the site, put the date that it was added at the top of the content. This serves readers and search engines with an alert of updated content. Both are equally important.
ADD RSS UPDATE OPTIONS
In my last post I spoke briefly on Really Simple Syndication, which is the best way for readers to be alerted t0 new content on a site. This function works for the publisher just as nicely as for the reader.
If you have a website that has news, a blog, or even regularly updated images, get an RSS option added to your site to keep patrons up to date.
UPDATE IMAGES AND GRAPHICS
People get bored pretty easily. Your content being updated is not usually enough. Every so often the design of the site should be updated along with images within the site. This allows readers to be more interested again and allows your site to keep up to date with the common web standards.
KEEPING IT REAL
When people view a website they want to feel like it is a personal experience provided by people. Robotic content works in Terms of Use pages but should stay their. The rest of the site’s content should be personable and friendly.
FAQ
How do I set up RSS options on my website?
If you have a blog system like Wordpress it is really easy. It is already set up. To upgrade it set up a Feed Burner account and track your stats such as how many subscribers you have.
Otherwise it is more complicated. I would recommend consulting a professional in web design to do the work. Once they have, your job become much easier.
How important is up-to-date content on Search Engines?
It is becoming more important as search engine’s update their algorithms to appease to blogs and news sites. In the future, updated content and the overall quality of a site will become more predominant in algorithms.
What if I have a simple website that sells only a few products? Should I be concerned with updated content?
Yes. It may not have to be as focused as some sites but adding a news feed and updated graphics make the site feel more homely and respectable. Simple updates are good. It does not have to be new articles added daily. Just additions to show you are alive.
There are many ways to make your site feel alive. Have any other suggestions? Feel free to drop a comment.
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