A website maintenance checklist covers four things: keeping software updated, keeping reliable backups, checking security, and checking that the site is still fast and working — forms, checkout and key pages. Done regularly, it prevents most emergencies. Skipped, small problems turn into broken sites, lost enquiries and hacked accounts.
Weekly checks
- Confirm the automatic backup ran and completed
- Submit a test enquiry through your contact form
- For stores: place or simulate a test order
- Glance at security alerts and failed login attempts
Monthly checks
- Update WordPress core, plugins and theme — after a backup, and ideally on a staging copy first.
- Remove unused plugins and themes. Inactive software can still be a security risk.
- Test speed on mobile with Google PageSpeed Insights and fix new issues.
- Check Google Search Console for indexing errors, security warnings and broken pages.
- Fix broken links and outdated information such as prices, opening hours and phone numbers.
- Review user accounts. Remove old staff and check administrator access.
- Check SSL and domain renewal dates.
Quarterly checks
- Restore a backup to a test location to prove it works
- Review hosting performance and storage space
- Audit forms, emails and automations end to end
- Refresh key page content and images
- Review accessibility basics: contrast, alt text, keyboard navigation
Backups done right
- Automatic — daily or weekly, depending on how often the site changes.
- Off-site — stored somewhere other than your hosting server.
- Complete — both files and database.
- Tested — a backup you have never restored is a hope, not a plan.
Updating plugins without breaking the site
- Take a fresh backup.
- Read the changelog for major version jumps.
- Update one plugin at a time for important plugins like WooCommerce and page builders.
- Check the homepage, a product page, the cart, checkout and contact form after updating.
- If something breaks, restore or roll back that plugin, then investigate.
Speed checks
Common causes of a slow site: large uncompressed images, too many plugins, heavy page-builder layouts, and missing caching. Use one image optimisation plugin and one caching plugin — running several that do the same job can slow the site down or cause conflicts.
When to hand it off
If you do not have time each month, or your site takes payments, maintenance is worth outsourcing. Our Website Maintenance service handles updates, security and backups; Priority Support adds faster access to our team. Maintenance is also included in the Startup Package: WordPress and plugin updates, security monitoring and weekly backups, alongside SEO, content and social media.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I update plugins?
Check at least monthly, and apply security updates as soon as possible. Always back up first.
What does website maintenance cost?
It depends on the size of the site and how much is included — updates only, or also content changes, speed work and support. Compare the deliverables, not just the price; see what each package price should include.
Do I need maintenance if my site rarely changes?
Yes. Even an unchanged site runs software that receives security fixes, and forms or emails can stop working without anyone noticing.
Need a hand? Get in touch or message us on WhatsApp.