How to Keep Your Website Running Like New: A Monthly Maintenance Checklist

Unfortunately, many website owners neglect maintenance, leading to broken links, slow performance, or worse—security breaches. With this monthly checklist, you can ensure your website stays in top condition.

Why Website Maintenance Matters

Regular website maintenance ensures:

• Enhanced security to prevent hacking and data breaches.
• Optimal performance for faster loading times and better user experiences.
• Up-to-date software for smooth functionality.
• SEO improvements to maintain or improve search rankings.

Step-by-Step Monthly Maintenance Checklist

1. Backup Your Website

Backing up your site ensures that you can recover all data in case of an unexpected event. Use a trusted plugin or hosting provider to schedule regular backups.

How to Do It:

• Install a backup plugin like UpdraftPlus or use your hosting provider’s tools.
• Set automatic backups to run weekly or monthly.
• Store backups in a secure cloud service like Google Drive or Dropbox.

2. Update Plugins, Themes, and Core Software

Outdated software can lead to vulnerabilities. Regular updates fix bugs, enhance security, and improve functionality.

How to Do It:

• Log into your WordPress dashboard and check for updates under “Plugins” and “Themes.”
• Click “Update Now” for each item, ensuring compatibility with your WordPress version.

3. Check for Broken Links

Broken links frustrate users and hurt your SEO. Regular checks ensure your site stays user-friendly.

How to Do It:

• Use tools like Broken Link Checker or Ahrefs.
• Fix or redirect broken links to functional pages.

4. Optimize Your Website’s Speed

Page speed affects user experience and search engine rankings. Monthly optimizations can make a significant difference.

How to Do It:

• Compress images using tools like TinyPNG.
• Use caching plugins like WP Super Cache or W3 Total Cache.
• Check performance using Google PageSpeed Insights and follow its recommendations.

5. Test Mobile Responsiveness

With the majority of web traffic coming from mobile devices, ensuring your site works well on all screen sizes is non-negotiable.

How to Do It:

• Open your site on multiple devices or use browser developer tools to test responsiveness.
• Adjust any elements that appear misaligned or broken.

6. Perform Basic SEO Checks

Maintaining good SEO practices keeps your site visible to search engines and users.

How to Do It:

• Update meta descriptions and title tags for new pages or posts.
• Ensure all images have alt text.
• Submit a sitemap to Google Search Console if there are significant changes.

7. Test Contact Forms and Features

Broken forms or features can deter potential customers. Test them regularly to ensure they work as intended.

How to Do It:

• Fill out your contact forms and test all functionalities like file uploads or calendar integrations.
• Ensure forms send submissions to the correct email address.

How Inlo Design Can Help

Website maintenance can be time-consuming, but that’s where we come in. With our Content Support Care plan, we handle backups, updates, broken links, and more so you can focus on your business. Plus, you’ll enjoy monthly credits for design or development work to keep your site fresh and engaging.