Why do you need to maintain your WordPress site?



There's more to having a website than meets the eye. Sometimes it seems that the work ends with the launch of the site. Let's look at why website maintenance is necessary
Launching a website is just the beginning. Content management systems (CMS) such as WordPress are a case in point. A continuous stream of updates keeps you on your toes.

That's one of the reasons why I think a specialist should oversee WordPress sites. Even the smallest websites require considerable maintenance efforts.

However, website owners don't always understand the associated risks or expenses. Until something goes wrong, of course. However, let's avoid going that far.
1

Website maintenance is a valuable investment

There are two categories of investment in a website. Initial design and development costs are the first factor. It encompasses all aspects, from the conceptual phase to the website's debut. This is the most important and expensive aspect.
The second occurs when the site is launched to the public. It ensures that both the content and the software are up to date. This aspect can be a trap for customers.
Customers may not realise that sites need maintenance - even if the content doesn't change. They're interpreting the phrase ‘website updates’ in a different light.

How can we change their point of view? We can compare the maintenance of a website to that of a car.
Vehicles require constant maintenance to ensure that everything works efficiently. This action helps to avoid problems in the future. It's a commitment to safety and consistency.

Websites require a similar level of investment. The aim is to keep it in top condition - and to avoid the typical mistakes.
WordPress undergoes regular updates to its plugins, themes and core software. Collectively, they improve the overall security and efficiency of a site. It's too important to ignore.
2

Standards and best practices

Web standards and best practices can vary over time. So that stunning website from a few years ago is now out of date.

Let's look at this in various sections of a typical WordPress website. Accessibility is an important factor. An outdated WordPress theme may not comply with current standards. Outdated or neglected plugins may also lack accessible functionality.
Server technology continues to advance. A website may work with an old version of PHP, for example. This indicates that performance and security are not being improved.
These problems go beyond the visual appearance of a website. They are essential for aspects such as usability and legal compliance. The more prolonged the wait, the higher the risk.

Solving these problems takes time and money. We'll have to examine the website and identify what needs to be changed or repaired. Then it's time to carry out the necessary activities.
Website owners can find this difficult to understand. They don't always recognise the need for such modifications. Nor can they consistently evaluate the results.
However, it is one of the expenses associated with having a website. Think of it this way: Physical shops have to comply with building regulations. Websites should also adopt the same approach.
3

Surveillance plays a key role in the strategy

Maintaining a website is not a once-a-year task. It's a continuous endeavour. WordPress releases a significant new version every few months. Updates to plug-ins and themes can occur at any time.

Each update paves the way for possible changes. For example, a plugin update may require a newer version of PHP. You may also have to revise any customised code.
Security is another important element. New vulnerabilities appear regularly. We have to respond promptly. Otherwise, we increase the risk of a breached site.
Staying alert is crucial. However, it comes at a price. Web designers must remain vigilant. This requires a combination of manual and automated resources.

These actions will not guarantee a trouble-free experience. However, they can prevent a minor problem from evolving into a significant one.
That sense of security is valuable - especially for customers who depend on your site for revenue. A compromised or damaged e-commerce site can spell disaster.
4

A carefully managed website brings benefits to everyone

In short, a well-maintained website is a win-win. Users are less likely to encounter problems. This should bring joy to the website owners!
The alternative side effect is the utilisation of new features. WordPress is constantly improving its core. The same applies to its theme and plugin environment.
It's an opportunity to get more involved on the Internet. Features that improve performance, accessibility or ease of use can lead to an increase in sales. This is a method of increasing the likelihood of customer loyalty.

We at Studio.351 will be happy to help you maintain your website so that it works continuously and brings you profit.

Our WordPress support service provides you with extensive assistance for your website. We take care of all aspects of maintenance, allowing you to concentrate on your core business.

  • Frequent updates: We regularly check the availability of updates for the WordPress core, its plugins and themes. Whenever updates are released, we apply them quickly to ensure that your website remains secure and up-to-date;
  • Security monitoring: Ensuring security is our main goal. We apply and supervise security protocols to protect your website from dangers such as malware, hackers and various cyber attacks. This involves configuring security plug-ins, carrying out regular security checks and conducting vulnerability assessments;
  • Frequent backups: We back up your website consistently and keep it secure. If a problem arises, we can restore your site quickly and efficiently, reducing downtime;
  • Improving performance: We evaluate and improve the loading speed of your website to ensure that it runs quickly and smoothly. This involves improving images, reducing CSS and JavaScript files and applying caching strategies;
  • Technical support: Our team is always on hand to answer technical questions and resolve problems. Whether it's minor adjustments or more significant technical problems, we're here to help.

Types of time-based site maintenance

Daily maintenance;
  • Scheduled preventive maintenance. Including scheduled project audits;
  • Unscheduled maintenance activities.

A list of basic web project maintenance activities

  • Content work;
  • Adding new publications;
  • Keeping old pages up to date and updates;
  • Updating software, content management system updates and plugins;
  • Monitoring site availability;
  • Monitoring site performance;
  • Maintenance;
  • Cleaning, validating and standardising code;
  • Checking that web pages display correctly in different types of browsers;
  • Antivirus protection;
  • Protection against DDoS attacks;
  • Regular backups;
  • Creating copies of the site and data and storing them in secure locations;
  • Maintaining the relevance of the design solution;
  • Website redesign;
  • Analysing traffic statistics;
  • Researching traffic channels;
  • Monitoring the target audience;
  • Monitoring conversions;
  • Monitoring and analysing visitor behaviour;
  • Search engine optimisation (SEO);
  • Monitoring the positions of promoted queries in the necessary search engine renderings;
  • Checking domain registration and hosting rental;
  • Site audit and functionalities testing;
  • Checking the performance and quality of external and internal links;
  • Managing the project's online reputation.
website maintenance
5

FAQ

  • Why is it essential to take care of WordPress site maintenance?
Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure that your WordPress site is secure, fast and working properly. It also helps to avoid problems such as performance failures and security vulnerabilities.

  • What should be included in WordPress maintenance?
Maintenance includes tasks such as updating the WordPress core, plugins and themes, making regular backups, checking security, optimising the database and improving site performance.

  • How often should I update my WordPress site?
WordPress, plugins and themes should be updated whenever a new version is available, preferably monthly or as the developers release important updates.

  • How can I back up my WordPress site?
There are several ways to back up your WordPress site, including plugins such as UpdraftPlus and BackupBuddy. You can also use tools in your hosting panel to perform automatic backups.

  • How do I ensure the security of my WordPress site?
To keep your site secure, use strong passwords, activate two-factor authentication, keep WordPress and plugins up to date, and install security plugins such as Wordfence or Sucuri.

  • Why is it essential to take care of WordPress site maintenance?
Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure that your WordPress site is secure, fast and working properly. It also helps to avoid problems such as performance failures and security vulnerabilities.

  • What should be included in WordPress maintenance?
Maintenance includes tasks such as updating the WordPress core, plugins and themes, making regular backups, checking security, optimising the database and improving site performance.

  • How often should I update my WordPress site?
WordPress, plugins and themes should be updated whenever a new version is available, preferably monthly or as the developers release important updates.

  • How can I back up my WordPress site?
There are several ways to back up your WordPress site, including plugins such as UpdraftPlus and BackupBuddy. You can also use tools in your hosting panel to perform automatic backups.

  • How do I ensure the security of my WordPress site?
To keep your site secure, use strong passwords, activate two-factor authentication, keep WordPress and plugins up to date, and install security plugins such as Wordfence or Sucuri.

  • Is database optimisation necessary for maintenance?
Yes, database optimisation helps improve the speed of your site by removing unnecessary data and optimising tables. This can be done manually or using