A website is not a one-off project. To stay secure, fast and effective, it needs regular care. This maintenance checklist is for Surrey and Coulsdon businesses that want to keep their site in good condition without becoming technical experts.
Core and plugin updates
Content management systems and plugins release security patches and new features. Apply these updates regularly, but back up first. If you run WordPress, keep the core, themes and plugins up to date. For a Coulsdon WordPress website, this is the single most important maintenance task.
Backups and recovery
Set up automatic daily or weekly backups to a separate location, not just your hosting account. Test the restore process occasionally. If your site breaks or is compromised, a recent backup lets you recover quickly. We include managed backups in our website care plans.
Security checks
Use an SSL certificate, strong passwords and a firewall or security plugin. Monitor for malware, brute force login attempts and suspicious file changes. Remove unused plugins and themes. Limit login attempts and use two-factor authentication where possible.
Performance monitoring
Check page speed monthly, especially after adding new features or content. Optimise images, remove unused scripts and consider caching. Uptime monitoring alerts you if the site goes down. Fast sites rank better and convert better, so performance is worth the effort.
Frequently asked questions
How often should a website be updated?
Core and plugin updates should be checked weekly, with security patches applied as soon as they are released. Content and design updates can be monthly or quarterly.
What is uptime monitoring?
Uptime monitoring checks whether your site is available and sends an alert if it goes down. This helps you fix problems quickly, even outside office hours.
Do I need a professional care plan?
If you are too busy to maintain the site or want expert support, a care plan is worthwhile. It covers updates, backups, security and small edits for a fixed monthly fee.
What if my site is hacked?
Restore from a clean backup, update all software, reset passwords and scan for malware. If you have a care plan, we handle this for you.
