Having a website is a vital component of modern business. However, simply having a site isn’t enough – maintaining it properly ensures it continues to serve your business effectively. For small businesses, consistent website maintenance can be the difference between fostering a thriving online presence and getting lost in the vast digital ocean.

Here’s a website maintenance checklist for small businesses to keep their online platforms running smoothly.

Of course, if you’d like a professional to manage your website maintenance, then contact us. We aren’t expensive and you can focus on your business while I’m looking after your website.

1. Backups

Regularly Backup Your Website: Just as you’d back up important files on your computer, your website should be backed up regularly. Whether it’s a server failure, a hacking incident, or a simple human error, you’ll want a recent copy of your site to restore.

2. Update Content

Regularly Refresh Your Content: Outdated information can mislead customers or clients. Whether it’s outdated pricing, sold-out products, or old blog posts, regular updates keep your audience informed.

3. Software Updates

Update CMS, Themes, and Plugins: If you’re using a content management system (CMS) like WordPress or Joomla, updates are frequently released. These updates often provide new features, fix bugs, and patch security vulnerabilities.

4. Monitor Website Uptime

Use Uptime Monitors: Tools like Uptime Robot or Pingdom can notify you when your site goes down. Quick reactions to downtime can save you lost sales or disgruntled customers.

5. Renew Domain and Hosting

Keep Track of Expiry Dates: Few things are more unprofessional than letting your business domain lapse. Ensure you renew your domain registration and hosting plan in time.

6. Check for Broken Links

Run Regular Link Checks: Broken links can frustrate visitors and harm your search engine rankings. Tools like Broken Link Checker or Dead Link Checker can be invaluable.

7. Security Checks

Regularly Scan for Vulnerabilities: With the increasing threat of cyber-attacks, use security plugins or platforms like Sucuri to regularly scan your site. Ensure you have an SSL certificate for your website, which encrypts user data and boosts SEO.

8. Optimize Website Speed

Test Load Times: Slow-loading pages can lead to high bounce rates. Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix to check your site’s speed and get recommendations for improvement.

9. Mobile Responsiveness

Test on Multiple Devices: With more users browsing on mobile devices, ensuring your site is mobile-friendly is essential. Regularly test your site on various screen sizes to ensure it’s responsive.

10. Review SEO

Update Keywords and Meta Descriptions: SEO isn’t a “set it and forget it” task. Regularly review your target keywords, optimize meta descriptions, and ensure high-quality backlinks.

11. Review Analytics

Monitor Website Traffic: Tools like Google Analytics can give insights into which pages are popular, where traffic is coming from, and how long visitors stay. Regular reviews can inform your content strategy.

12. User Experience (UX) and Navigation

Seek Feedback and Test Navigation: Ensure that visitors can find what they’re looking for easily. Regularly revisit your site’s navigation, and consider seeking feedback from customers or using UX tools to gather insights.

13. Database Optimization

Clean and Optimize Your Database: Over time, databases can become cluttered. Regular optimization, like removing spam comments or old drafts, ensures your website runs smoothly.

14. Check Forms and CTAs

Test Regularly: Contact forms, subscription forms, or other CTAs should be regularly tested to ensure they’re working correctly. Broken forms can mean lost business.

15. Stay Legally Compliant

Review and Update Legal Pages: Ensure pages like Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Cookie Policies are up-to-date with the latest regulations, especially with evolving online privacy laws.

Conclusion

Website maintenance might seem like a daunting task, but it’s crucial for the smooth operation and professional appearance of your small business website. Regularly reviewing and acting on this checklist ensures that your website remains an effective tool for your business, builds trust with your visitors, and continues to drive growth. Remember, a well-maintained website is an asset; a neglected one can quickly become a liability.