As a web development expert, I am often asked the question: Will websites ever become obsolete? It's a valid concern, especially with the rise of alternative platforms such as chatbots, voice assistants, and PWAs. However, my answer is always the same - websites are here to stay. In fact, they are constantly evolving to adapt to new technologies and remain relevant and accessible to users. Research shows that the average lifespan of a website is 2 years and 7 months. While this may provide some guidance, it is by no means a strict rule for all organizations.
The lifespan of a website can vary greatly depending on the industry and company, and there are several factors that determine how quickly a website should be updated. One of the main factors is the constant evolution of technology. Just like how we regularly update our phones and computers to keep up with the latest features and advancements, websites also need to be updated to provide the best user experience. For example, your website may be built on an older version of Bootstrap or another framework, which can affect its functionality and accessibility for users. It's estimated that there are currently over 1.7 billion websites in the world. However, this number is constantly changing as new websites are created and older ones disappear.
In fact, it would be fascinating to see a compiled list of all the websites on the internet - something I would eagerly look at if it ever existed. But how accurate is this number? It's important to note that not all websites are created equal. Many countries have their own top-level domains (TLDs), which means that not all websites can be counted using a single domain like .com or .org. Additionally, not all websites are actively maintained or updated, which can also affect the accuracy of this number. Another interesting fact is that the oldest website ever created is still live today. It was the first internet website created by Tim Berners-Lee on his NeXT computer and was essentially the birth of the World Wide Web.
This website has now become public domain, allowing people around the world to create their own websites and contribute to the ever-growing online community. So, how many new websites are created every day? The most accurate answer is that more than 252,000 new websites are created daily around the world. That's a staggering number, and it just goes to show how easy it is to create a website nowadays. In fact, in 1999, Google's founders offered to sell their website to Excite for less than $1 million. However, Excite declined the offer, and we all know how that turned out - Google is now the most popular website on the internet according to Alexa's ranking of the top 500 sites in the world (as of May 1, 2020).But with such a vast number of websites being created every day, it's important to note that not all of them will survive.
Just like any other industry, only the relevant and well-maintained websites will continue to thrive and remain in the public eye. This is why it's crucial for businesses to regularly update and maintain their websites to stay competitive in today's digital landscape. So, when should a website be updated? The answer is not a simple one. It depends on various factors such as industry trends, technological advancements, and changes in consumer behavior. However, as an expert in web development, I can say that it's important for businesses to regularly analyze their marketing strategies and determine when a website update is necessary.
