If I’ve learned anything from my eight years (and counting) in the web design business, it’s that nobody enjoys updating their website content. Seriously, it’s like pulling teeth for most of us.

Before those major web update plans regress to the back-back-back-burner another year, ask yourself this very serious question: “What opportunities will I miss out on if I don’t get this done?”

Do you have a new product offering that isn’t even mentioned on your website? Is your staff page horribly out-of-date? Have you changed major focus three times since your last website redesign?

I highly suggest completing the following three exercises within the next thirty days. Your results will certainly motivate you if you need a little kick in the pants.

1. Examine your website as if you have just received a completed project from your web design firm. Take good notes. Are certain pages out of date? Is certain information lacking? Would you accept this as a completed web project today, or would you demand that certain changes be made?
2. Study the websites of your two closest competitors. Again, take good notes. Based on what you see, are there glaring holes in your own web presence?
3. Ask five trusted customers to critique your website. What do they like? What would they change? Offer them a nice little gift for participating. Their feedback will pay untold dividends.

After completing these exercises, take a step back and think about what you’ve learned. Don’t worry, if you’re like most people, you haven’t read your own website in years. You’re not alone!