Most business websites are built, launched, and then left alone — until something breaks, gets hacked, or quietly stops sending contact-form enquiries. Routine maintenance prevents all three. Here is the checklist we work through for the sites we host and manage.

Every month

  • Update everything: the content management system, plugins, themes, and server software. Most website hacks exploit known, already-fixed vulnerabilities.
  • Check backups ran and that a recent copy is stored away from the web server.
  • Test the contact form end to end — submit it and confirm the email arrives. Forms fail silently more often than you would think.
  • Review uptime and error reports for outages or pages returning errors.

Every quarter

  • Restore a backup to a test site to prove it works.
  • Check speed on mobile with Google PageSpeed Insights or Lighthouse and fix the largest problems first — usually oversized images.
  • Fix broken links and outdated pages, prices, staff names, and phone numbers.
  • Review user accounts: remove old logins and make sure every admin uses a strong password and multi-factor authentication.

Every year

  • Confirm the domain and SSL certificate renew automatically, and that renewal emails go to someone who still works for you.
  • Review security headers and the hosting configuration.
  • Check accessibility — clear contrast, keyboard navigation, alt text on images.
  • Revisit search: review Google Search Console for errors, update your key pages, and make sure your business details match your Google Business Profile.

Signs your site needs attention now

Unexpected redirects, unfamiliar admin accounts, a sudden drop in enquiries, browser security warnings, or a site that feels slow on a phone all deserve a closer look today, not at the next scheduled check.

We host and maintain business websites with updates, monitoring, tested backups, and security hardening included — so your website keeps working for you without you having to think about it.

Related service: Web Development — Website hosting and web-enabled applications.

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