As 2025 winds down, it's the perfect time to give your business website some attention before the new year rush hits. Here in Saskatoon, many local businesses are wrapping up their busiest season, but smart business owners know that January is when new customers start searching for services they've been putting off.

Is your website ready to capture those leads? In this guide, I'll walk you through a complete checklist to ensure your website is polished, optimized, and ready to perform in 2026. These are the same steps our web development team recommends to Saskatoon businesses every year.

Websites with outdated content see 47% less engagement than regularly updated sites. A fresh website signals to customers that your business is active and trustworthy.

Why Update Your Website Before 2026

The end of December might seem like downtime, but it's actually one of the best times to work on your website. Here's why timing matters for Saskatoon businesses:

January search surge: People make New Year's resolutions and start researching services they need—home improvements, fitness, financial planning, and more
Less competition: While other businesses are on holiday, you can get ahead by refreshing your online presence
Budget planning: Many businesses allocate new budgets in January, making it prime time for B2B services
Google rewards freshness: Search engines favor websites with recent updates and relevant content

Starting the year with a polished website means you're ready when potential customers come looking. Let's dive into exactly what you should check and update.

Step 1: Content Audit and Updates

Your website content is the first thing visitors see. Outdated information makes your business look neglected. Here's what to review:

Update Dates and Copyright

Footer copyright year: Nothing says "outdated" like "© 2024" in January 2026
Blog post dates: Ensure your latest content reflects current activity
Event or promotion dates: Remove expired holiday sales or past events

Review Business Information

Hours of operation: Did your holiday hours change? Update them for 2026
Pricing: If rates changed, update your pricing page immediately
Contact information: Verify phone numbers, emails, and addresses are correct
Team page: Add new staff members and remove those who've left

Refresh Key Pages

Your homepage, about page, and main service pages deserve fresh eyes. Ask yourself: Does this accurately represent my business today? Saskatoon customers want to see that you're actively operating and engaged with your community.

Step 2: SEO Refresh for the New Year

Search engine optimization isn't a "set it and forget it" task. Google's algorithms evolve, and your competitors are constantly improving. Here's how to sharpen your SEO for 2026:

Review Your Keywords

Check Google Search Console: See what terms people use to find you
Update title tags: Include "2026" where relevant (e.g., "Saskatoon Web Design Services 2026")
Refresh meta descriptions: Make them compelling and current

Local SEO Updates

For Saskatoon businesses, local SEO is crucial. Make sure to:

Update Google Business Profile: Add recent photos, respond to reviews, and verify your information
Check local citations: Ensure your business name, address, and phone (NAP) are consistent everywhere
Add location-specific content: Mention Saskatoon neighborhoods or Saskatchewan-specific details naturally

Need help with local SEO? Our Local SEO Guide for Saskatoon Small Businesses covers everything you need to know.

Step 3: Technical Performance Checkup

A slow, buggy website drives customers away. Before 2026 hits, run through these technical checks:

Speed Test

Run Google PageSpeed Insights: Aim for scores above 80 on both mobile and desktop
Check image sizes: Large images are the #1 cause of slow sites—compress them
Review hosting performance: If your site is consistently slow, it might be time to upgrade

Mobile Responsiveness

Over 60% of web traffic now comes from mobile devices. Test your site on your phone:

Do buttons work easily with touch?
Is text readable without zooming?
Do forms work properly on mobile?

For more on why this matters, check out our guide on why your Saskatoon business needs a mobile-friendly website.

Fix Broken Links

Broken links frustrate visitors and hurt your SEO. Use a free tool like Broken Link Checker to scan your site and fix any 404 errors before the new year.

Step 4: Design and User Experience Refresh

Web design trends evolve constantly. While you don't need a complete redesign every year, small updates can make a big difference:

Quick Design Wins

Update hero images: Fresh seasonal photos (even stock photos) signal an active business
Review color contrast: Ensure text is easily readable—accessibility matters
Simplify navigation: Can visitors find what they need in 3 clicks or less?
Add social proof: Include recent testimonials or customer reviews

Call-to-Action Review

Your CTAs guide visitors to take action. Review each page and ask:

Is the main action clear?
Do buttons stand out visually?
Is the contact form working properly?

Avoid common mistakes that hurt conversions—our post on common web design mistakes covers the biggest pitfalls to avoid.

Step 5: Security and Backup Review

Website security is more important than ever. Cyber threats don't take holidays, so make sure your site is protected:

Security Checklist

SSL certificate: Verify your site shows "https://" and the padlock icon
Update all software: WordPress, plugins, themes—everything should be current
Change passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for all admin accounts
Review user access: Remove accounts for people who no longer need access

Backup Your Site

Before making any changes, ensure you have a recent backup. If something goes wrong, you want to be able to restore your site quickly. Ideally, set up automated backups for 2026 so you never have to worry about data loss.

Planning Your 2026 Web Strategy

Beyond maintenance, use this time to plan ahead. Consider:

Content calendar: Plan blog posts and updates for the coming year
New features: Would online booking, e-commerce, or a customer portal benefit your business?
Competitor analysis: What are other Saskatoon businesses in your industry doing online?
Budget allocation: Set aside funds for website improvements and marketing

If you're considering a bigger investment, our guide on website costs in Saskatoon breaks down what to expect for different types of projects.

Get Professional Help in Saskatoon

Don't have time to tackle all these updates yourself? TechYXE specializes in helping Saskatoon businesses maintain and improve their web presence. Our website development service isn't just for new sites—we help existing businesses refresh, optimize, and grow their online presence.

Our website services include:

Website audits and updates starting at just $199—we'll review your entire site and implement improvements
SEO optimization—get found by more Saskatoon customers in 2026
Performance optimization—speed up your site for better user experience and rankings
Security hardening—protect your site and customer data
Ongoing maintenance plans—let us handle updates so you can focus on your business

Start 2026 with a website that works as hard as you do—contact us today for a free consultation!

Website Maintenance Guide for Saskatoon Businesses—Learn what ongoing maintenance your site needs
Local SEO Guide for Saskatoon Small Businesses—Boost your visibility in local search results
5 Common Web Design Mistakes That Hurt Your Business—Avoid these costly errors
Top 5 Reasons Saskatoon Businesses Need a Website—Why your online presence matters

Prepare Your Website for the New Year: 2026 Checklist