Website maintenance 101: what you need to know.
You’ve launched your website — congrats! But before you walk away and forget about it, there’s one more thing you shouldn’t skip: maintenance.
Think of your website like a car. It needs regular checkups to stay secure, run smoothly, and grow with your business. Whether you’ve got a simple portfolio or a full-blown online store, here’s what you need to know to keep it in good shape.
Why website maintenance matters
Letting your site sit untouched doesn’t just look unprofessional — it can actually cause problems. Outdated plugins, broken links, and sluggish load times affect how people use your site and how well it shows up in search results. Worst case? You could get hacked or go offline.
With regular maintenance, your website stays:
- Secure – thanks to up-to-date software and plugins
- Fast – by clearing out old clutter
- Google-friendly – by fixing dead links and keeping things fresh
- Functional – so your forms, buttons, and features work like they should
What should be included in website maintenance?
Here’s a beginner-friendly checklist to keep things running smoothly:
Software updates
Keep WordPress, your theme, and plugins updated. It’s one of the easiest ways to stay secure and avoid bugs.
Backups
Set up automatic backups (weekly or daily). That way, if something goes wrong, you’ve got a safety net.
Security monitoring
Install a security plugin and scan regularly for anything dodgy.
Speed optimisation
Clear the cache, optimise your images, and consider using a CDN to boost performance.
Broken link checks
Dead links frustrate users and hurt your SEO. Use tools like Broken Link Checker or Ahrefs to find and fix them.
Content updates
Outdated info? Swap it out. Refresh old blog posts, add new testimonials, and keep your site current.
Form and function testing
Test your contact forms, shop checkouts, and interactive bits regularly — on desktop and mobile.
How often should you maintain your website?
- Weekly: Update plugins/themes, check for obvious errors
- Monthly: Back things up, test forms, scan for broken links
- Quarterly: Refresh content, test speed, review your SEO setup
- Annually: Step back and ask — is your site still doing what your business needs?
Should you DIY or hire a pro?
If you’re comfortable with a bit of tech, you can definitely handle the basics using plugins and checklists. But if you’d rather not risk breaking something — or just don’t have the time — working with a developer or maintenance provider can be a smart move.
Final thoughts
Website maintenance doesn’t have to be a big deal — but it does need to happen. A well-maintained site builds trust, ranks better in search, and delivers a smoother experience for your visitors.
Need help keeping your website in top shape? Get in touch and I’ll make sure it stays secure, fast, and stress-free.
