October 17th, 2023
Why Update The Copyright Year On Your Website?
How to show visitors that your site is actively maintained and so is your business.
Why Update The Copyright Footer?
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In today’s digital age, where information is easily accessible and shareable, the importance of protecting your intellectual property is something we should always be aware of. One often-overlooked aspect of safeguarding your content is keeping your copyright footer up to date. While it may seem like a minor detail, an accurate and current copyright notice can have significant legal and practical implications. In this article, we’ll explore why keeping your copyright footer up to date is crucial for business owners.
- SEO Benefits: Search engines like Google consider the freshness and accuracy of content as a ranking factor. A current copyright footer signals that your website is regularly maintained and updated, which can have a positive impact on your search engine optimization (SEO) efforts. It may result in higher search rankings above your competitors and increased visibility in search results. More info on how Google’s ranks you above your competitors can be found here.
- Protecting Against Content Scraping: Content scraping, the unauthorized copying and reposting of online content, is a common issue for website owners. By keeping your copyright footer current, you send a clear message that you actively monitor your business and are prepared to take action against scrapers. In case of content theft, your copyright notice can provide legal grounds for requesting the removal of the copied material.
- Legal Protection: When you create original content, whether it’s a blog post, website, photograph, or any other form of intellectual property, you automatically hold the copyright to that work. However, if someone were to infringe on your rights, having an up-to-date copyright notice can be a powerful tool in a legal dispute. An accurate copyright notice demonstrates that you are aware of your intellectual property rights and that you are actively taking steps to protect them. It also informs potential infringers that your work is protected, potentially deterring them from unauthorized use.
- Establishing Ownership: Keeping your copyright footer current is essential for establishing ownership. It clearly states who owns the content and when it was created or last updated. This information is valuable in proving your ownership in case of disputes or legal challenges. As copyright law varies from country to country, ensuring that your footer is in compliance with the relevant legal standards is crucial. An out-of-date copyright notice may undermine your claim to ownership and weaken your legal position.
- Enhancing Professionalism: An up-to-date copyright notice also enhances the professionalism of your website or digital content. It conveys that you are attentive to details, committed to protecting your work, and dedicated to maintaining a high standard of quality. This professionalism can positively impact your brand image and build trust with your audience.
In the digital age, protecting your business online is more critical than ever. One simple but often neglected way to safeguard your content is by keeping your copyright footer up to date. It provides a boost in your SEO score, protection against content scraping, other legal protection, establishes ownership, and enhances professionalism.
So, whether you’re a business owner, marketing professional, or wear many hats in your business, make sure your copyright footer is accurate and current. It’s a small but significant step in to ensure your rights are respected in the digital realm. Here is an example of an updated Copyright Footer that would be SEO friendly in 2023:
