Does your business have a website? Your website is like a vehicle that can take your business to many places. Just like any motorized vehicle, your website is also a machine that needs regular maintenance to perform at its best or eventually it will start to break down which could lead to a big costly disaster. When was your last oil change? Does your website need a tune up?
Website maintenance can mean two different things. Updating backend code and design or updating content. The backend includes the framework and platform your website is running on and is always being updated to newer versions that increase performance and security. The question is, are these updates being applied to or even checked on your website regularly?
Some online platform providers such as Wix and SquareSpace take care of all the backend updates which is great if all you need is basic website functionality. Other hosting providers offer managed WordPress or SharePoint services that will also take care of updating the website themes and plugins but this put’s your website into a shared environment with limits on customization. For custom built websites using content management systems such as WordPress, updates to the themes and plugins are being rolled out at least every 3 months. The question is, are these updates being applied to or even checked on your website regularly?
With the growing security concerns of today, it is more important than ever to regularly check and update your websites. If your website has forms of any kind and they are not secured or behind SSL (the little padlock in your browser address bar) you are putting your website at risk for data theft and or hacking. If your website is outdated or using outdated technology then it too is at risk to get hacked.
Sometimes updates are not yet compatible with other features and may break the site if installed in which case the site can be rolled back to the last backup. Your website service technician should be able to let you know if any update is incompatible with any other features on your website.
Here is a quick basic Oil Change checklist for your website!
- Make sure all website files and databases are being backed up on a schedule at least once every day, especially before any upgrade is performed.
- Make sure all core files, plugins, modules or components are being updated when available or at least every 3 months to the latest versions.
- Check with hosting provider to make sure your site is using the latest technology framework.
- Enroll in a website maintenance plan that will take care of these updates automatically or at least every 3 months.
Once updates are applied you may notice a relaxed peace of mind knowing your website is up to date and being backed up every day, automagically! We encourage you to talk with your website mechanic to schedule your oil change today!
Written by Paul Altman
