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04/101 Have you updated the copyright year in your footer?

  • Writer: Rory Buckley
    Rory Buckley
  • Oct 3, 2022
  • 4 min read

Updated: Jul 15, 2024


101 Quick Wix Tips - Updated your copyright date?

The fourth in the series "101 Quick WIX Tips"


4️⃣ Copyright Date - You can change this at the start of the year if one exists in your footer, there is also the option to have this auto change every year using Velo coding.


Keeping your website up-to-date is essential for maintaining professionalism, trustworthiness, and SEO performance. One small but crucial detail often overlooked is the copyright year in your website’s footer. If the copyright year on your Wix website isn’t current, it can give visitors the impression that your site is outdated and potentially neglected. In this blog post, we’ll discuss why updating the copyright year is important and provide a step-by-step guide on how to do it on your Wix website.


Why Updating the Copyright Year Matters


1. Shows Professionalism

An up-to-date copyright year reflects a professional and well-maintained website. It shows that you care about keeping your site current and that your content is regularly reviewed and updated.


2. Builds Trust and Credibility

Visitors often look at the copyright year to gauge how active and reliable a website is. An outdated year can make your site seem abandoned or neglected, potentially driving visitors away. A current year reassures visitors that your site is actively managed.


3. Enhances User Experience

A small detail like an updated copyright year contributes to a positive user experience. It indicates attention to detail and overall site upkeep, making visitors more likely to stay and explore your content.


4. Legal Protection

Keeping your copyright year updated can also serve as a reminder of your legal rights. While it may not significantly affect the legality of your copyright protection, it underscores your ongoing claim to the content on your website.


5. Supports SEO

Regularly updating your website, including small details like the copyright year, signals to search engines that your site is active and relevant. This ongoing maintenance can contribute to better SEO performance over time.


How to Update the Copyright Year on Your Wix Website


Updating the copyright year on your Wix website is a simple process. Follow these steps to ensure your footer reflects the current year:


Step 1: Log in to Your Wix Account

Start by logging in to your Wix account and navigating to the dashboard of the site you want to edit.


Step 2: Access the Wix Editor

From your site’s dashboard, click on the “Edit Site” button to open the Wix Editor, where you can make changes to your website.


Step 3: Navigate to the Footer

  1. Scroll Down: In the Wix Editor, scroll down to the footer section of your website.

  2. Select the Footer: Click on the footer area to open the settings and editing options for this section.


Step 4: Edit the Copyright Text

  1. Click on the Text Box: Locate the text box containing the copyright notice.

  2. Edit the Year: Click on the text box to edit the content. Change the year to the current year. For example, if it reads “© 2022 Your Company Name,” update it to “© 2023 Your Company Name.”


Step 5: Save and Publish

  1. Save Changes: After updating the year, click the “Save” button to save your changes.

  2. Publish Your Site: Click the “Publish” button in the top right corner of the Wix Editor to make the changes live on your website.


Step 6: Automate Future Updates (Optional)

To avoid manually updating the year every January, you can use a little JavaScript to automate the process.

  1. Add Custom Code: In the Wix Editor, go to “Settings” > “Tracking & Analytics” > “New Tool” > “Custom Code.”

  2. Enter the Code: Paste the following JavaScript code into the provided field: <script> const currentYear = new Date().getFullYear(); document.getElementById('copyright-year').textContent = currentYear; </script>

  3. Assign an ID to Your Text Element: Go back to the footer text element and assign an ID to the year part, such as “copyright-year.”

  4. Save and Apply: Save your changes and publish your site. This script will automatically update the year in your copyright notice every year.


Best Practices for Copyright Notices

  • Keep It Simple: Use a straightforward format like “© [Year] [Your Company Name]. All rights reserved.”

  • Include Your Company Name: Ensure your company name is included in the copyright notice to assert your ownership of the content.

  • Regularly Review: Regularly review your footer content to ensure all information, not just the year, is accurate and up-to-date.

  • Legal Consultation: For specific legal advice regarding copyright and intellectual property, consider consulting a legal professional.


Next Steps

Updating the copyright year in your footer is a small but vital task that contributes to your website’s professionalism, trustworthiness, and SEO. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily ensure your Wix website’s copyright year is current, reflecting your commitment to maintaining an active and relevant online presence. Don’t overlook this important detail—update your copyright year today and enhance your website’s credibility and user experience.



If you need help updating your website book a discovery call with Rory by clicking below.





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