A lot has changed in the way websites are created, developed, and managed. With ready-to-use Content Management Systems (CMS), the entire process is much simpler. However, the basics of managing a website are still the same. Beyond the incredible interface and visually delightful site front, goes a laundry list of maintenance tasks that site admins have to fulfill at regular intervals, varying from three months to six months. After all, the website you have created must continue to grow and be up and running at all times.
Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to maintain your website in a few easy steps:
- Periodically change the website passwords
You change the passwords of your email or social media accounts every now and then. Then why not of your website? The first and the most important step of site maintenance is changing your default (or previous) password with a more secure and stronger password to prevent easy access to hackers.
- Run data backups
Backing up your site data is indispensable. With all the important information about your clients, business, etc. you need to ensure that they are backed up at regular intervals. If your data is lost due to any unforeseen event or a disaster, having a backup in place can ensure that your data can be restored quickly. There are numerous tools to help you run a backup yourself or check with your hosting provider for their daily or weekly backup services. Few Cloud Hosting service providers offer advanced tools like CodeGuard for a nominal fee so that you can do automated periodic backups.
- Check security status and upgrade
When you are on the web, you are always exposed to security risks. Unwarranted accesses from hackers can pose threat to your site data or negatively impact your site performance. This could eventually mean a loss of business or your brand reputation. To avoid this review your website’s security levels and look for any suspicious activity. You can also use tools to scan your site daily or detect malware.
- Check for any spam content
Ensure that you check every single comment and find and delete all message which are spam. There are many plugins available for preventing and auto-deleting such comments.
- Update your WordPress files, if any
If you are running a site on WordPress, then you would need to run regular updates of the WP files, databases, forms, themes, plugins, and any WP element that need to be optimized to run the site smoothly. Also, ensure that all your site forms are duly synced with your business emails and so on.
- Optimize site media
Rich media is the cornerstone of an active website. But constant upload of images, videos etc. can slow down your site and reduce its loading time. Always remove unused or expired media files, and optimize files to increase your site speed.
- Run checks for site content audit and improve SEO
Without SEO your site has no relevance on the web space. For better search result rankings, make sure that your on-page SEO is on track, content is updated regularly and keywords are in place.
- Fix broken links and errors, if any
Page errors can be demotivating for any user. Page errors, missing/blank pages, broken links like wrong URLs, etc. can increase the bounce rate. Look for such glitches and fix them right away.
For everything else…
Always seek the help of a professional. These things will certainly help to provide maximum uptime and keep your data safe. This is where a Cloud Hosting service can also help you keep your site optimized. It brings all the benefits that are inherent to cloud architecture like reliability, scalability and security. A good web host can ensure that your website is up and running all the time by maintaining the server end. Do let us know the steps that you take towards maintaining your website in the comments section below.
