Keeping your website in top shape requires regular attention, but with a clear plan, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. A monthly maintenance routine helps ensure that your site stays secure, performs well, and remains relevant to your audience. Here’s a practical checklist to guide your ongoing website maintenance efforts.
Update your content
Fresh content keeps your website relevant and engaging. Each month, review and update your content to ensure it’s accurate and aligned with your current goals.
What to do:
- Add new blog posts: Regularly publishing new content helps keep your site active and can improve your search engine rankings.
- Refresh existing content: Update outdated information on key pages, like your homepage and service pages. This ensures that visitors always see accurate and up-to-date content.
- Check for broken links: Use a tool to find and fix any broken links within your content. Broken links can frustrate users and negatively impact your SEO.
Back up your website
Backing up your website is crucial for protecting your data. A reliable backup system ensures that you can quickly restore your site if something goes wrong.
What to do:
- Create a full backup: Make sure a complete backup of your website, including files, databases, and content, is created and stored securely. Most hosting providers offer automated backups, but it’s important to verify they’re working correctly.
- Test your backups: Regularly test your backups to ensure they can be restored without issues. This step is essential to avoid surprises in case you need to use a backup.
Review security features
Security should be a top priority in your monthly maintenance routine. Regular security checks help protect your site from potential threats.
What to do:
- Update software and plugins: Outdated software can leave your site vulnerable. Make sure all plugins, themes, and your content management system (CMS) are up to date.
- Change passwords: Regularly update passwords for your website’s admin accounts. Use strong, unique passwords to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
- Run security scans: Use a security tool to scan your website for malware, vulnerabilities, or suspicious activity. Address any issues promptly to keep your site secure.
Monitor performance
A fast, reliable website is crucial for a positive user experience. Regular performance checks help you identify and fix issues before they affect your visitors.
What to do:
- Check page load speed: Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to assess your site’s load time. Optimise images and code to improve speed.
- Test mobile responsiveness: Ensure your website works well on mobile devices. With more users browsing on their phones, mobile-friendliness is essential.
- Review browser compatibility: Test your website on different web browsers to ensure it displays correctly and functions as expected.
Review analytics and adjust strategy
Website analytics offer valuable insights into how your site is performing. Use this data to refine your content strategy and make informed decisions.
What to do:
- Review traffic sources: Analyse where your visitors are coming from—whether it’s search engines, social media, or direct traffic. This helps you focus your marketing efforts.
- Identify popular content: Look at which pages or posts are performing well and consider creating more content on similar topics.
- Monitor engagement metrics: Keep an eye on bounce rates, session duration, and other engagement metrics. If these are low, think about ways to improve your content or user experience.
Test and update forms and functionalities
Forms are an essential part of your website, whether for contact, subscriptions, or sales. Regular testing ensures they’re working properly and providing a smooth user experience.
What to do:
- Test all forms: Check that all forms on your website are functioning correctly. Ensure that submissions are being received and processed as expected.
- Update anti-spam measures: Make sure any Captcha or anti-spam features on your forms are working effectively to prevent spam while remaining user-friendly.
Update SEO and metadata
SEO is an ongoing process that requires regular attention. Monthly updates help improve your site’s visibility and attract more visitors.
What to do:
- Review and update keywords: Reassess your target keywords and adjust your content and metadata accordingly.
- Update meta titles and descriptions: Ensure all pages have unique, keyword-rich meta titles and descriptions. This improves both SEO and click-through rates.
- Check alt text for images: Make sure all images on your site have descriptive alt text that includes relevant keywords.
By following this monthly checklist, you can keep your website secure, performing well, and relevant to your audience. Regular maintenance helps ensure that your site remains a valuable asset for your business and provides a positive experience for your visitors.