On this page
Quick answer: Maintenance means keeping software updated, taking and testing backups, watching security and uptime, renewing SSL and the domain, checking forms and speed, and keeping your prices and details current.
The routine tasks
| Task | How often | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Software and plugin updates | Weekly to monthly | Most hacks use known, unpatched weaknesses |
| Backups and restore checks | Daily backups; restore test now and then | Recover quickly from any problem |
| Uptime monitoring | Continuous | Know the site is down before customers tell you |
| SSL and domain renewals | As they come up | Avoid security warnings and lost domains |
| Form and email tests | Monthly | Broken forms silently lose enquiries |
| Speed and broken-link checks | Monthly to quarterly | Keep visitors and Google happy |
| Content updates | Whenever things change | Wrong prices or hours cost trust |
Content is maintenance too
Outdated prices, old staff photos, past specials and a 2021 copyright line tell visitors the business isn't paying attention. Review every page at least twice a year.
Do it yourself or hand it over?
If you are comfortable with your site's admin area and will actually do the checks each month, you can manage it. Most owners prefer to hand it over, because the cost of a hacked site or a lost domain is far higher than a monthly plan.
Business Hosting Plus, R350 a month, covers hosting, business email, SSL, DNS management, backups where supported, and support. See domains and hosting.
Domains & Hosting from Digitalx, priced in writing before we start.