Don't Forget to Update Your Webite Copyright Date
January 1, 2024 · Mike Murphy
About This Blog Post
This is just a friendly reminder to check your website footer and update the copyright year if your website/theme does not update automatically.
As we enter into 2024, in addition to your goals and resolutions, it is also important to keep your online branding up to date. This includes the copyright date (or all rights reserved) which is typically located in the footer section of your website. Keeping your copyright date current not only reflects the accuracy of your content but also lets visitors to your website know that you actively maintain your site and pay attention the the ‘little things’.
- Change ©lastyear to ©thisyear
- Mac Keyboard Shortcut for Copyright Symbol: Option Key + G = ©
- Your website host or theme may update the year automatically, and if not, you will do so manually.
- The first place to check is the footer of your website.
- If you do not know how to change the copyright year, Mr. Google should be able to steer you in the right direction.
Tip: Create a Recurring/Repeating To-Do in Apple Reminders, Things3, etc for 12/31 each year so you never forget again!
Why Update Your Copyright Date?
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Legal Compliance:
- A correct copyright date is essential for legal reasons, as it helps protect your intellectual property and establishes the most recent year of creation or publication.
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User Trust:
- Visitors are more likely to trust a website that appears well-maintained and regularly updated.
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Search Engine Optimization (SEO):
- Search engines consider the freshness of content when ranking websites. A current copyright date can positively impact your SEO, potentially improving your site’s visibility.
How to Update Your Copyright Date:
Updating the copyright date is a straightforward process, and it depends on how your website is built. Here are general instructions for different scenarios:
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Manual Update:
- For websites without a content management system (CMS), locate the HTML or footer file where the copyright information is displayed. Change the year to the current one.
-
WordPress:
- If your website is powered by WordPress, navigate to the theme editor under the Appearance tab. Look for the footer.php file and update the copyright date accordingly.
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Other CMS Platforms:
- Consult your CMS documentation for specific instructions on updating the copyright date. Most platforms have a designated area in the settings or theme customization section.
Conclusion:
It is easy to overlook or not think much of something so seemingly minor as the copyright date in your website’s footer, but it’s the little things that matter. Setting a yearly reminder in your To-Do App and taking a minute to update the copyright date of your website(s) will give you a dopamine hit and let your audience know that you are professional and take your business or brand seriously.
Happy 2024!
Cheers,
Mike
