Website Maintenance Checklist for Ongoing Reliability
A repeatable routine for updates, backups, forms, security and content checks after a site goes live.
Review updates and access
Check the content-management system, plugins, themes and server components for supported versions and relevant security updates. Review administrator accounts, remove access that is no longer needed and confirm account recovery methods still work.
Verify backups and core journeys
Confirm backups completed and that a recent copy can be restored. Test the website’s important journeys, such as enquiry forms, checkout, booking and login, using a safe test process that does not create unintended customer activity.
Check security and performance signals
Review certificate status, uptime notifications and available security alerts. Check representative pages on mobile and desktop, look for broken links or missing resources, and investigate meaningful changes rather than relying on a single score.
Keep a maintenance record
Record what was checked, what changed, when it happened and who approved it. A clear log helps diagnose regressions, plan future work and give owners visibility into the care their website receives.
Frequently asked questions
How often should a website be maintained?
The schedule depends on the site’s software, risk and how often it changes. Review security updates promptly and set a recurring routine for backups, forms, access and content checks.
Can automatic updates replace maintenance?
Automatic updates can help, but they do not confirm that backups restore, forms still work or a site remains secure and usable. Review important functions after updates.
