[ 4 January 2024 ]

Brendan Haggerty

Website maintenance: because ‘set it and forget it’ only works for rotisserie chicken

Maintaining a business website can seem like a daunting task, especially for those who are not web developers. However, with the right approach and tools, anyone can keep their website running smoothly and effectively. In this blog post, I’ll outline the five most important things to consider when doing maintenance and upkeep on your business’s website, as well as some things that a non-web developer can do to maintain their website.

Keep your website updated: One of the most important things you can do to maintain your website is to keep it updated. This includes updating your website’s software, plugins, and themes and regularly creating new content. Not only does this keep your website running smoothly, but it also helps to keep your visitors engaged and interested in your business.

Non-web developers can easily keep their websites updated by using website builders that automatically update their software and plugins. Additionally, using a content management system like WordPress makes it easy to add new content without any coding knowledge.

Backup your website: Another vital aspect of website maintenance is regularly backing up your website. Recent backups ensure you can quickly restore your website in case of data loss or website crashes. You can use plugins or software to automate the backup process, making it easier to stay on top.

Monitor website speed and performance: Website speed and performance are crucial for providing a good user experience. For example, slow-loading pages can lead to high bounce rates and dissatisfied visitors. Monitoring your website’s speed and performance can help you identify and fix any issues that may slow down your website. Check my article on the three main factors that Google monitors and what you can do about it.

Several tools are available to non-web developers for monitoring website speed and performance, including Google’s PageSpeed Insights, GTmetrix, and Pingdom. These tools provide detailed reports on your website’s speed and performance and offer suggestions for improvement.

Check for broken links: Broken links can hurt your website’s user experience and SEO. Regularly checking for broken links and fixing them can help ensure that your website is functioning correctly and that visitors can access the information they need.

Non-web developers can use tools like Broken Link Checker to quickly identify and fix broken website links.

Ensure website security: Ensuring website security is essential for protecting your business and visitors’ data. Regularly updating your website’s security software and plugins and using strong passwords can help keep your website secure.

Non-web developers can use security plugins like Wordfence or iThemes Security to add a layer of protection to their websites.

Here is the bottom line, maintaining a business website doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming, even for non-web developers. By following these five essential tips and using the right tools, you can keep your website running smoothly and effectively, providing a positive user experience for your visitors while promoting your business.