For small business owners, one of the most difficult problems to solve is keeping website content up-to-date. Even with all the super-duper computers, gadgets, and programs available, I find that at one time or another most sites lag with stale information. For dynamic businesses like inns or lodges, content atrophy can be more detrimental than not having a site at all. Think about how frustrating it can be to go looking for summer fun in New Hampshire...and all you find on the site is last winter's Valentine's Day specials. Here are a couple of ideas for keeping content fresh:

1. Do your homework early. If you're putting together the content for your site, you know that you'll have to do it several times per year. For instance, if you're a lodging establishment you'll have several seasons that have unique packages. Write up all of the packages, dates, and prices on a separate document and keep them on file. Don't be afraid to use information from last year's packages as a starting point. Users won't notice if you recycle content, but they will notice if you don't update it at all.


2. Set a target date each month to update SOMETHING on the site. Even if you're not doing big revisions, there is probably something that should be changed at least once per month.


3. Remove the barriers. Site owners often have a difficult time using the tools available to update their site. Have your webmaster or other technical support person set up shortcuts for you so you can make changes easily. The money you spend to get a good system set up will more than pay for itself as you gain comfort with your own system. If you feel confident, there's less in the way between you and the site you have always wanted!


4. Hire a service. If you simply don't have time or you want the comfort of knowing that the site will always be up-to-date, you can hire someone to call and review your content and make changes. Services like KernBuilt.com will set up a schedule with you and make the changes while you are on the phone.


5. Send the email. Once you've updated your site, send an email to your newsletter subscribers to let them know!

Fresh content is the key to any site. You will help your customers to stay loyal if they always know they can find up-to-date information that is easily accessible!