It's Time to Update that Copyright Date
Website footer pet peeve incoming.
A few days ago I received a helpful email from my friend Kathryn McGarvey from the Meaningful Marketing Company and she asked a question. What small act of marketing can you do today?
Fuck - I thought. That’s genius.
But I think we can apply it to pretty much every part of our lives. But since I'm over here helping Artists and creative people with their websites not marketing, here is one small update that you can do on your website today.
- this is a tip for any website platform by the way not exclusive to Squarespace.
Why do you need to update the copyright date on your website?
Imagine a collector or a gallery owner visiting your website and scrolling down your site and they glance at the footer - the copyright date is 5 years ago. Man, does that stand out.
Thoughts that may run through their head.
Why don’t update their website?
Are they still making art?
When should you update the copyright date in your footer?
At the start of every year. So put a reminder in your calendar so you never forget.
Also while you 100% always own the copyright for your creations as soon as you produce it your website saying that you own your shit makes you look professional and that you care. If you care, your collectors will care. Having that copyright in your footer does not make any difference tp actual copyright laws, at least within NZ. However, it is a very useful way to communicate to your site visitors that you claim copyright for the work you produce. You're a serious artist.
I can’t comment on other countries’ copyright laws however in New Zealand once something is created or published it is copyrighted for the creator until 50 years after the creator's death.
I am not an expert in copyright so I encourage you to do your own research around this topic.
You can learn more about Copyright in New Zealand over at copyright.co.nz
Your action step
Scroll down to your website footer
Click edit
Check the copyright date that is listed in your footer and update it to the current year. - 2023 if you’re reading this right now.
No need to contact your website designer, you’ve got this. If you want a pat on the back send me a DM on Instagram and I’ll celebrate your small update with you.
If you found this helpful please let me know and I can think up some other small action steps to update your website and post them here.
Don’t want to DIY your website?
Ngaio Blackwood - Squarespace websites for creatives
