Key takeaways
- Websites need regular care: updates, backups, security, performance, content and SEO checks.
- A simple weekly/monthly/quarterly/yearly routine prevents most emergencies.
- Document access and responsibilities so nothing depends on one person’s memory.
A website isn’t “done” at launch. Plugins release security fixes, content goes out of date, links break and performance drifts as features are added. Here’s a practical maintenance checklist you can follow or hand to your developer.
Weekly#
- Check that backups ran successfully — see backup guide.
- Apply security updates for WordPress core, plugins and themes (test major updates on staging).
- Submit the contact form and check it arrives.
- Review uptime and security alerts.
- Moderate comments and spam.
Monthly#
- Review Search Console: performance, Pages report, Core Web Vitals, manual actions — see Search Console guide.
- Check GA4 for traffic and conversion changes.
- Scan for broken links and 404s; add redirects where needed.
- Run PageSpeed Insights on key pages.
- Clean the database (revisions, spam, transients) — see database optimization.
- Update one or two older articles — see content refresh.
Quarterly#
- Test a full backup restore on staging.
- Review user accounts and remove people who no longer need access.
- Audit plugins: remove unused ones, replace abandoned ones.
- Review third-party scripts and marketing tags — see third-party scripts.
- Check accessibility basics and mobile usability on real devices.
- Check business information: address, phone, hours, team, prices.
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Yearly#
- Renew domain, SSL (if not automatic), hosting and premium licences — and confirm they’re in the business’s name.
- Update copyright year, privacy policy and terms.
- Review hosting performance and PHP version.
- Run a full SEO audit.
- Review goals: is the site still doing its job? Plan improvements.
Keep a maintenance document#
| Record | Why |
|---|---|
| Where the domain, DNS, hosting and email are managed | Avoid lockouts |
| Login owners (in a password manager) | Access continuity |
| Backup location and restore steps | Fast recovery |
| Plugins and licences with renewal dates | No surprise expiries |
| Custom code and integrations | Easier handovers |
Website maintenance FAQ#
How much time does maintenance take?#
For a typical business WordPress site, a few hours a month. Stores and membership sites need more.
Can I automate updates?#
Minor and security updates, yes. Test major updates first.
Do you offer maintenance?#
Yes — get in touch for website care that covers updates, backups, security and SEO checks.