How to update the website copyright date on your site for 2024

As the calendar flips to a new year, it’s not just about personal resolutions and fresh starts. It’s also the perfect time to ensure your digital presence reflects the current year. One simple yet often overlooked aspect of website maintenance is updating the copyright date. While it might seem like a minor detail, keeping this information current holds more significance than meets the eye.

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The Importance of a Current Copyright Date

Legal Protection

Your website’s copyright notice is its shield. It communicates to visitors that the content on your site is protected by copyright laws. While copyright is automatic upon creation, displaying a current date serves as a reminder to potential infringers that your content is actively protected.

Side note: This is also a really good time to make sure your website’s legal pages including your Privacy Policy, Terms & Conditions and Disclaimer are up-to-date. 

Don’t have these yet?  You could be putting your business at a big risk!  Click here to learn more and get the templates I use and recommend to all my students and clients.  

Maintaining Relevance

An outdated copyright date can inadvertently signal neglect or an abandoned site. In the eyes of your audience, an obsolete copyright year might cast doubt on the relevance of the information presented. Keeping the date current reflects your commitment to maintaining and updating your website regularly.

Professionalism and Trust

Attention to detail matters in establishing credibility. A current copyright date indicates that you’re attentive to the finer aspects of your website. It reassures visitors that your content is up-to-date, contributing to a perception of professionalism and trustworthiness.

How to Update Your Copyright Date

Manual Update

For many websites, especially those without dynamically generated footers, manually updating the copyright date is the simplest method. Locate the HTML source code or footer section of your website and find the line containing the copyright information. Replace the previous year with the current one. Remember to save the changes.

If you use Showit, there is no frustrating coding, plugins, or theme settings to bother with. Check out the video below to learn how.

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Content Management Systems (CMS)

If your website operates on a CMS like WordPress, updating the copyright date may involve accessing the theme settings or using a plugin. CMS platforms often offer easy-to-use interfaces to modify footer information, including the copyright date. Look for the appropriate section within the backend dashboard to make the necessary adjustments.

Dynamic Copyright Scripts

Some websites use scripts that automatically update the copyright year. JavaScript or PHP scripts can dynamically generate the current year, eliminating the need for manual updates. Implementing such a script ensures that your copyright date automatically advances to the current year without any intervention.

Conclusion

While updating the copyright date might seem like a small task, it carries weight in safeguarding your content, maintaining professionalism, and signaling your website’s relevancy. Make it a habit to review and update this information as part of your yearly website maintenance routine.

Remember, your website is the digital face of your brand or identity. Keeping it up-to-date in all aspects, including the copyright date, contributes to a positive user experience and helps in establishing trust and credibility.

As you embark on the new year, take a moment to ensure your website reflects the year 2024. It’s a small step that speaks volumes about your commitment to excellence in your online presence.

Join my FREE Website Without Stress Workshop taking place in January and Learn How to Build a High-Converting Website with/without a Blog Fast (In days, not months!) Even if you are: Tech-challenged & short on time!