Website maintenance: keep your website running smoothly

Maintaining your website can help to keep it relevant, secure, up-to-date and fast to download. It should include regular content, design and technology checks and updates. Take these steps will help maintain a smooth, professional online presence and save you time and money.

Keep software and plugins up-to-date

Outdated software and plugins can expose your website to security risks and compatibility issues. Make sure your content management system (CMS) and plugins are up-to-date to improve security and keep features functioning.

Back-up code and content

Protect your website data, make sure you back it up regularly. In the event of a crash or cyber attack, having recent backups means you can restore your website to its previous state quickly without losing too much valuable content.

Do a regular content audit

An audit is a good way to keep your website content relevant and accurate. Review old posts, update information, and remove anything that is no longer relevant. Fresh, quality content keeps users engaged and helps with SEO.

Fix broken links

Broken links frustrate users and hurt your SEO ranking. Check for broken links regularly and fix them so your visitors can navigate your website without getting confusing error pages. A link checker is a handy tool, especially if you manage a large site. 

Remove personal data 

Work out how long do you need to store users' personal data. If your site has contact forms, surveys or other ways to collect personal information (no matter how trivial), you should only store it for a long as you need.  

Check your web stats

Understand how visitors use your site - review website analytics regularly. Use this data to make decisions about how to improve user experience, optimise performance and update or change your content.

Limit content management system access

Who has access to the CMS? Review CMS access permissions and levels and always remove inactive users to reduce the risk of accidental or unauthorised content changes. If a content manager only needs to post content to the news section of your website, only give them access to that section. When someone leaves the team, remove their access.