Launching a website is the start, not the end. Like a shop, it needs regular care. A neglected site becomes slow, insecure and out of date, and visitors notice.

What maintenance includes

Updates. Platform, themes and plugins need updates for security and compatibility.
Backups. Regular copies stored away from the site, with a test restore from time to time.
Security checks. Look for unknown accounts, strange files and warnings from your host.
Uptime. Know quickly when the site goes down.
Speed. Re-test your key pages and fix what has slowed down.
Forms and links. Send a test message through every form and click through the main links and buttons.
Content. Check that opening hours, phone numbers, prices and team details are current.
Renewals. Domain, hosting and security certificates have expiry dates.

How often

Weekly: check updates, uptime and form messages.
Monthly: test backups and forms, run a speed test, review user accounts.
Every few months: review content, links and what visitors look at.
Yearly: renew domain and hosting, and review the design and features.

What neglect costs

Skipped updates are the most common route to a hacked site. A broken contact form can silently lose enquiries for weeks. An expired certificate shows visitors a warning that sends them away. Each of these costs more to fix than to prevent.

Doing it yourself or hiring help

If you are comfortable with your website platform, you can handle the basics. If not, agree a maintenance plan with the company that built the site, and ask what it covers, how fast they respond and what it costs. More on protecting your site in our website security basics.

What a monthly report can include

Updates applied to the platform, theme and plugins.
Backup status and the date of the last test restore.
Uptime and any downtime.
Speed test results for key pages.
Security scan results and blocked attacks.
Any problems found and fixed.

Maintenance plan or pay as you go?

A plan gives you regular care for a set fee and faster help when something breaks. Pay as you go can cost less if you rarely need help, but problems may wait until you notice them. Whichever you choose, ask what response time to expect when the site goes down.

If your website goes down

Check whether it is down for everyone, not only you.
Look at your hosting dashboard for notices.
Contact your host or developer with the time and what you saw.
Do not change many things at once. Note each change you make.
After it returns, find the cause and fix it so it does not repeat.

Frequently asked questions

How much does website maintenance cost?

It depends on the size of the site and the care you want. Ask for a clear list of what is included and the price for it, rather than comparing only the monthly figure.

Can I maintain my website myself?

You can handle simple tasks such as content changes and updates if you are comfortable with your platform. For security, speed and fixes, many owners prefer to have a developer on call.

What if my developer disappears?

Make sure you hold the logins for your domain, hosting and website admin from the start. If you own them, a new developer can take over.

Want to talk through your own project? Message us on WhatsApp at +92 345 9081781 or use the contact page. We reply Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.