Website Maintenance Basics
A website isn’t something you build once and forget. Just like a vehicle or a piece of equipment, your website needs regular maintenance to stay secure, fast, and effective. This guide covers the essential tasks every small business should perform to keep their website running smoothly. If you're preparing for launch, visit our website launch checklist.
Why website maintenance matters
Regular maintenance helps:
- Improve security
- Prevent downtime
- Keep software up to date
- Improve website speed
- Enhance user experience
- Support SEO performance
Essential maintenance tasks
1. Update software and plugins
Outdated software is one of the biggest security risks. Keep your CMS, plugins, and themes updated regularly.
2. Perform regular backups
Backups protect your website in case of errors, hacks, or accidental deletions. Set up automated daily or weekly backups.
3. Monitor website security
Use security tools to scan for malware, vulnerabilities, and suspicious activity.
4. Check website speed
Slow websites lose visitors. Optimize images, remove unused plugins, and use fast hosting.
5. Test forms and interactive features
Make sure contact forms, booking systems, and other features work properly.
6. Review and update content
Keep your content fresh and accurate. Update service descriptions, pricing, and business information as needed.
7. Monitor analytics
Analytics tools help you understand visitor behavior and identify opportunities for improvement.
How often should you maintain your website?
- Weekly: Check security, update software, review analytics
- Monthly: Test forms, update content, optimize performance
- Quarterly: Review SEO, check broken links, evaluate design
- Annually: Refresh branding, update major content sections
Where to go next
Call us today at
or reach out to our team.