How often should you get a makeover? (A digital branding makeover)

Just after my last makeover, I couldn't resist taking this selfie. (Why can't I style my hair that well myself when I get home?)

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Do you know that feeling right after a makeover? How sensational you feel after your stylist finishes a great new haircut? Or how rejuvenated you feel after a facial or massage? Or the vibrancy in your step after a relaxing manicure or pedicure?
 
Feels pretty darned good, huh?
 
That’s how your brand feels, too, when you give it a makeover. A fresh face. New look. Crisp new graphics. Look-at-me images. Sharp, short pops of copy.

So how often should you update your brand in digital media?  Well, it depends, experts say. But here are some frameworks:

• Website front page photos and caption copy: every quarter or sales season.
• Facebook business page cover photos (not your profile photo): depends, some do monthly, but at least every quarter or sales season.
• Website total redesign: It depends – some experts say once every 2-3 years. (But it depends on your company, services and market.) Fresh photos and some new content blended in may just liven up your presence.

OK, but why change?

1. It shows you have a new story to tell… (even if you don’t.) Imagine your prospects are shopping for companies. Where do they go first? (81% start online.) If your website or social media has fresh, new content over a competitor, guess who’s more likely to win. 
2. It’s good for boosting you higher in search engines (SEO). Search engines love new content and move it higher. 
3. It’s good for your users. Fresh content = happier users, who will probably return, convert, buy or recommend your sites to other people. ​

1. 4. News Feed Spotlight. With Facebook cover pages, you get more attention to your News Feed when you change photos. It shows your page is alive!

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So, I want to do it, but I’m busy. How CAN I be sure to get it done?

1. Establish a routine to review your sites - web and social -  every two months. You plan your other things routinely… pay your bills, answer your voice mails, etc. This is important too, or you will continually put it off. Are there new services, projects or products to post? Have I checked all my links still work? Awards or anniversaries I need to post? Blogs I should post? New specials or removing expired ones? Updating FAQ’s? 
2. Write posts in advance. In that block of time, group write new posts and have them ready to post when you want them to. 
3. What do customers want? Find out what your customers want what to know on your sites and give it to them. If you don’t ask, you don’t know.
4. Don’t have the time? Find a writing pro and have them do it for you. (WINK.) Just like any other service – what a relief it is when something gets that done for you, you don’t have to worry… and you can concentrate on what you do best…

 
…And then you have time for more decadent makeovers – personal ones!
 
To your next amazing makeover…
 
Scarlet
 
P.S. HELP! I just updated my website after 3 years, and I would love to know what you think. So go to the top and surf around. Then let me know your comments here. Thanks!  www.scarletmarketeer.com