​One of the major challenges to keeping a website fresh is managing time-sensitive content well. I think we all can agree that seeing deadlines for 2017 or an offering or notice from 2014 is a little off-putting, right?

An easy and effective way to keep your website fresh is, as a general rule, avoid posting any time-sensitive information when not required, e.g. “fall 2020 course guidelines” vs. just “course guidelines” by itself. Or for annual deadlines, just omitting the year, e.g. “due by Aug. 1” vs. “due by Aug. 1, 2020.”

Obviously, this is not always an option. So, we recommend simply creating a calendar entry with a reminder to update the page and content that you’re working on.

In the calendar entry, be sure to make a note of what specifically needs editing/updating (so that you don’t forget), along with the CMS’s web page link (for easy access) and the link to the web page itself (to preview it).

It’s best to add your reminders when you’re updating the content live on the website while this information is in front of you. If there’s more than one editor in your dept., consider adding them to the calendar invite and/or creating a separate Outlook calendar for web and marketing stuff so that there’s a back-up.

Example calendar reminder entry

This simple yet effective tactic can help ensure that students, faculty, and guests have access to the most accurate information on your website at all times.

Happy editing!