Published on September 17, 2025

 

Introduction

If you’re thinking about starting a web design business with SiteSwan or scaling your existing one, you’ve probably had this concern:

“Won’t client updates eat up all my time?”

It’s a fair question. Many resellers worry that once they have dozens (or hundreds) of clients, they’ll be weighed down by endless change requests — constantly updating business hours, swapping out photos, or adjusting content. The fear is that these updates will prevent you from taking on new clients or enjoying the freedom that running your own business promises.

But here’s the truth: most small business clients rarely ask for updates. In fact, from our experience at SiteSwan, the majority of clients request just 1–2 updates per year. That’s right — not per month, not per quarter, but per year. A few may need monthly changes, but they are the exception, not the rule.

This simple fact is what makes web design one of the most scalable and profitable business models you can pursue.

Client Updates are a Common Fear Among Web Designers & Resellers

When you’re just starting out as a web designer or SiteSwan Reseller, it’s natural to worry about what happens after you launch a client’s site. Many entrepreneurs imagine being tied down by constant requests, endless revisions, and daily edits. This fear can feel so real that it sometimes stops people from scaling their business — but in reality, it’s based more on misconception than experience.
 

Why New Resellers Worry About Updates

When you’re just getting started, it’s easy to imagine the worst-case scenario. You picture yourself fielding dozens of calls and emails every day, scrambling to keep up with client demands, and spending all your time making small edits instead of growing your business.
 

The Misconception About Client Demands

The assumption is that small business owners want to constantly change their website. But the reality is most are busy running their business and don’t think about their site every week. Once their site is live, they’re usually satisfied and don’t feel the need to tinker with it.
 

The Impact on Scalability and Growth

If it were true that clients constantly demanded updates, web design would be very difficult to scale. But since updates are minimal, you can build a large client base without being overwhelmed.

 

The Reality of Client Website Updates

While it’s easy to imagine being buried under constant change requests, the truth is far less demanding. Most small business owners simply don’t need frequent updates, and the requests they do make are usually quick and straightforward to handle.

 

Most Clients Request 1–2 Updates Per Year

From years of experience, we know that the average small business client requests only 1–2 updates annually. That might mean updating holiday hours, changing a phone number, or adding a new team photo.
 

Occasional Monthly Requests

Yes, you might get the occasional client who wants more frequent updates — for example, a restaurant that updates their specials monthly, or a real estate agent who wants to add new listings regularly. But these are rare exceptions, and you can easily price or package services to account for them.
 

Common Types of Updates

The majority of updates fall into just a few categories:
 

• Changing business hours or contact info
   
• Swapping out a photo or logo
   
• Adding a staff member or updating team bios
   
• Posting a seasonal announcement or menu
   

These are quick, simple edits that usually take 5–10 minutes on the SiteSwan platform.

 

Why Website Maintenance Doesn’t Take Much Time

One of the biggest surprises for new resellers is just how quick and simple website maintenance really is. With the right tools, even seemingly large requests can be completed in minutes, keeping your workload light and manageable.
 

The Efficiency of SiteSwan’s Platform

SiteSwan is designed to make editing fast and easy. You don’t need to write code or rebuild pages — just point, click, and edit. This means even a client request that sounds like a big deal can often be handled in minutes.
 

Estimated Time Required for Common Updates

 

• Updating business hours: 2–3 minutes
   
• Swapping out a photo: 5 minutes
   
• Adding a new employee bio: 10 minutes
   
• Editing text or services: 5–10 minutes
   

In most cases, you’ll spend more time replying to the client’s email than making the actual update.
 

Batch Processing Updates

If multiple clients ask for updates at once (say, around the holidays), you can batch process them in a single work session. This way, you stay efficient and don’t feel interrupted throughout your day.

 

The Scalability of Web Design as a Business Model

Minimal maintenance doesn’t just save time — it’s what makes web design such a powerful business model. The balance of low-effort management and recurring revenue creates a foundation that allows you to grow without limits.
 

Low Maintenance = High Scalability

Because updates are minimal, you can take on dozens — even hundreds — of clients without being bogged down. This is why web design is such a scalable business.
 

Predictable Workload vs. Recurring Revenue

You earn recurring revenue every month from client subscriptions, but your workload doesn’t increase proportionally. This creates a high-profit, predictable business model.
 

One of the Most Profitable Small Businesses

Unlike businesses that require constant labor (like social media management or IT support), web design offers high margins because ongoing maintenance is light.

 

5 Tips to Manage Client Updates Effectively

Even though website maintenance doesn’t take much time, having a system in place will make it even easier to handle client requests as your business grows. By setting boundaries, using simple processes, and taking advantage of SiteSwan’s flexibility, you can keep updates under control while keeping clients happy.
 

1. Set Clear Expectations

Be upfront with clients about what’s included in their monthly fee and how often they can expect updates. This prevents “scope creep” and ensures you’re never overwhelmed.
 

2. Limit Updates by Time Included in Subscription

One of the simplest ways to manage updates is to include a set block of time each month — for example, 30 minutes or 1 hour of updates — in their subscription. If a client needs more than that, you simply bill for the additional time.

• This keeps your workload predictable.
   
• Clients feel reassured they’ll get support, but it prevents abuse of your time.
   
• It prevents a small handful of clients from taking up too much of your time.
   

3. Grant Clients Access to Make Updates on Their Own

 

With SiteSwan, you also have the option to grant clients access to log in and make simple changes themselves. This can work well for clients who want more control and prefer to handle minor edits like swapping photos or adjusting text.

 

 ⚠️ Keep in mind, however, that once you grant access, you cannot undo any mistakes a client makes. It’s a good idea to reserve this option only for clients you trust or those who specifically request it.

4. Use Email Templates or Forms

Create a standard form or email template clients can use to request updates. This keeps requests organized and ensures you get all the details you need the first time.
 

5. Leverage Automation

Set reminders for annual updates (e.g., holiday hours, seasonal promotions). This allows you to be proactive, which clients appreciate.

 

Turning Maintenance Into a Business Opportunity

While updates are generally quick and infrequent, they can also be an opportunity to grow your revenue and provide extra value to your clients. By framing maintenance as part of a bigger service, you can transform simple requests into long-term business growth.

Upsell Premium Packages

For clients who need frequent updates, you can sell a higher-tier plan that justifies the extra time.
 

Offer Value-Added Services

Website updates can be a gateway to offering more — like SEO improvements, reputation management, or other marketing services.

Build Stronger Client Relationships

Occasionally suggesting an update (like a new call-to-action banner or blog post) shows initiative and strengthens your client relationship.

 

Final Thoughts — Why You Shouldn’t Worry About Updates

The fear of being overwhelmed by client updates is one of the biggest mental roadblocks for new resellers. But the numbers don’t lie:
 

• Most clients request 1–2 updates per year.
   
• Updates are quick and easy to perform on SiteSwan.
   
• The minimal time investment allows you to scale and grow without stress.
   

This is why web design remains one of the most profitable and flexible businesses you can start. You get the benefit of recurring revenue without the constant demands of other service-based businesses.

👉 Ready to grow your web design business without the stress of constant updates? Learn more about how SiteSwan helps resellers scale profitably.