Your website is one of the most important marketing channels for your business. If you’re looking to start or update your website a key question is: how long can you expect your website to last?
While it would be convenient to launch a site and leave it untouched, that approach doesn’t account for evolving technology, new security risks, and outdated functionality.
According to the Databox website age survey, around 34% of small to medium businesses noticed a drop-off in lead volume and traffic because of an outdated website. So, if your traffic is tanking, maybe it’s time for an update?
In the same survey, 49% had done a full website redesign in the past two years.
So, what’s the real lifespan of a website, particularly a website built on WordPress?
The short lifespan of an untouched website
If left alone, the typical website might last two to three years before running into significant issues. But there’s a caveat: without regular updates, your WordPress website could face problems much sooner.
Why?
WordPress, like any other platform, relies on regular updates for both the core system and plugins. These updates are not just about keeping up with the latest features; they’re critical for security. And if you have bought a theme, you’ll need to keep up with those updates too.
Old, unmaintained websites become prime targets for hackers, leading to security risks that can compromise your business.
Additionally, plugins you’ve relied on to deliver functionality can quickly become obsolete without updates.
For instance, when was the last time you tested your contact form? If you haven’t received a message in a while, it could be because the form isn’t working anymore. And, this might be because you’ve not updated your website plugins for a while.
How often should I be updating my WordPress website plugins?
You should aim to update the plugins on your WordPress website at least once a month. However, if a security update is released, it’s best to update your plugins immediately to prevent any vulnerabilities.
Here’s a general guideline:
- Critical security updates: As soon as possible after release.
- Regular plugin updates: Every month to ensure smooth functionality and compatibility.
- WordPress core updates: As soon as they are stable (often tested a few days after release to make sure they don’t introduce bugs).
It’s always a good idea to set up a regular backup schedule before running updates, so if anything goes wrong, you can easily revert to a previous version.
The lifespan of a maintained website (4-5+ years)
On the other hand, a well-maintained website can last significantly longer than 2-3 years.
With consistent updates to WordPress core and plugins, your site can last around 4-5 years, or even longer in some cases.
Technology, however, never stands still. Keeping up with advances is key to maintaining your website’s competitive edge, and that’s where regular maintenance and audits come in.
Should you update your website?
Regular updates keep your site aligned with your business and customer expectations.
Here are some things to think about when considering a website update.
- Have your business goals changed and how is your website supporting your current goals?
- Have you added new products, services, or expanded into new markets? Your website should reflect these changes.
- Do you have any new insights about your customers that can impact what content or functionality they need? If your site isn’t aligned with these changes, it may not be effectively helping you reach your business goals or serving your audience’s needs.
- What industry changes do you see happening? Are people looking for help differently or expecting to see new functions, content or information?
- How is my website performing? Are people still visiting my website? Are they navigating through my website to the right pages? Can they book online? Does everything load as it should? Have my search rankings declined?
- Are people still booking or buying?
- What are others in my industry doing?
How to maximise the lifespan of your website
To truly get the most out of your website investment, regular updates and performance checks are essential.
This is where we come in.
When we build you a website, you get to benefit from our maintained hosting service. We provide monthly updates to WordPress core and your plugins, ensuring that your website remains secure and fully functional. And because we built your website, we know it inside and out, making it easy to troubleshoot any issues and implement any upgrades.
In addition, we offer regular audits, which allow us to review your site and advise if an upgrade is needed to keep up with the latest technology and functionality – and shows what your business can do. This approach can be much more affordable than waiting until your site reaches the end of its lifespan and requires a complete overhaul.
When you actively maintain your website, you’re not just extending its life—you’re also protecting your investment, keeping your site secure, and ensuring that it continues to deliver the best possible experience for your users.
Is your website ready for a check-up?
If you’ve noticed things slowing down, plugins not working as expected, or haven’t updated your site in a while, it may be time for a refresh. Regular maintenance can add years to your site’s lifespan, keeping it performing at its best and reducing security risks.
Get in touch with us today to see how we can help keep your website running smoothly for years to come, so you can focus on growing your business.