Every month, update software and plugins, check backups restore properly, test forms and links, review content accuracy, watch speed and search errors and make one small improvement. Regular small checks prevent expensive emergencies.
Websites are not finished when they launch. Software ages, plugins need updates, content goes out of date and small faults accumulate. A short monthly routine prevents most serious problems.
Use this checklist yourself, or ask an agency to do it for you.
Security and updates
Out-of-date software is the most common way sites get hacked, so keep everything current.
- Update the core system, themes and plugins after testing
- Remove plugins and themes you do not use
- Check user accounts and remove people who left
- Use strong, unique passwords and two-step login
- Review security alerts from your host or security tool
Backups
A backup you have never restored is a hope, not a plan. Check that backups are running, that they are stored away from the website server and that you could actually restore one.
- Confirm that scheduled backups ran
- Keep copies in a separate location
- Test a restore at least a few times a year
Forms, emails and links
Many businesses lose enquiries for weeks because a form stopped sending. Test it every month.
- Submit each contact form and confirm the email arrives
- Check phone and WhatsApp buttons
- Click through main navigation and key pages
- Look for broken links and missing images
Content and accuracy
Check that opening hours, addresses, phone numbers, team members, offers and policies are still correct. Remove expired offers and update dates. A page that mentions last year's festival looks neglected.
Speed and search
Run key pages through a speed test, and check Search Console for errors, pages that dropped out of the index and unusual changes in impressions. Review your top pages and see if any need refreshing.
Small improvements
Pick one improvement each month: add a testimonial, rewrite a weak page, speed up a slow image or add a missing answer to an FAQ. Small, steady improvements compound.
Key takeaways
- Update the platform, themes and plugins promptly
- Confirm backups are recent and restorable
- Test forms, emails and important links
- Review content for accuracy and look at search reports
Common questions
How often should backups run?
As often as your site changes. Busy sites need more frequent backups than static ones.
What if I find a security problem?
Restore a clean backup if needed, change passwords, update software and find the cause.
Is monthly checking enough?
For most small sites, yes, with automatic alerts for downtime and security issues in between.
Keep reading
- Website Launch Checklist: Things to Check Before You Go Live
- Core Web Vitals Explained for Business Owners
Where we help
- What is a website AMC?
- Get a free review of your website
- Areas we serve: Dombivli, Thane, Mumbai and more
Planning a Website? Let Us Help
No time for this? Our Website Management Programme covers it, with a short report each month. Tell us about your business and we will suggest a clear next step.
