The monthly website maintenance checklist we run for every client
Most website problems are easier to prevent than to fix. A short monthly routine catches the common ones.
The short answer
Each month: apply and test updates, confirm backups complete and can be restored, review security and user accounts, test key pages and forms, check speed and broken links, update outdated content, and record what was done. This checklist is the routine behind our website maintenance service, written so that you can use it yourself.
The checklist
| Area | What to check | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Updates | Platform, themes and plugins updated, then key pages tested | Out-of-date software is a common way for sites to be attacked or to break |
| Backups | Latest backup completed and a restore tested | A backup you cannot restore is not a backup |
| Security | Admin users, passwords, security alerts, valid SSL certificate | Prevents most avoidable problems |
| Speed and function | Key pages, forms, checkout paths, broken links | Catches silent failures before customers do |
| Content and details | Hours, contact details, offers, team | Out-of-date details cost enquiries |
| Reporting | A short note of what changed and what needs attention | Keeps everyone informed |
1. Updates
Apply updates to the platform, themes and plugins, and remove anything unused. Test the important pages afterwards. If your site runs on WordPress, our WordPress maintenance schedule adds weekly and yearly tasks.
2. Backups
Confirm that backups are completing, store them somewhere separate from the website, and restore one to a test location now and then to be sure it works.
3. Security
Review user accounts and remove people who no longer need access, check that passwords are strong and two-step authentication is on, look at security alerts, and make sure your SSL certificate is valid. See website security for layered protection and recovery.
4. Speed and functionality
Load the home page and key pages on a phone, submit the contact form, and walk through checkout if you sell online. Look for broken links. If pages feel slow, see Core Web Vitals explained and website performance.
5. Content and details
Make sure opening hours, contact details, offers and team pages are current, and that your Google Business Profile matches. Out-of-date information can quietly cost you enquiries.
6. Reporting
Record what was done and what needs attention next month. If you would rather hand over the whole routine, website maintenance covers it, and website management adds content changes and hosting under one owner. The technical review that goes with it is in the technical SEO checklist.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the monthly routine take?
It depends on the size and complexity of the site. A small brochure site is quick; a store with many plugins takes longer.
Is monthly enough?
For most small sites, monthly with weekly quick checks is reasonable. Stores and sites with frequent changes may need more.
Who should do this?
Someone with access and responsibility. If no one on your team can, a maintenance service is the safer option.
What should I do if I find a problem?
Restore from backup if needed, change passwords, update software and investigate on a copy of the site before fixing the live one.
Sources and further reading
Facts in this article that come from outside sources are linked here. Everything else is our own recommendation, based on how we build and maintain websites.
- Hardening WordPress — WordPress Developer Resources — updates, backups, passwords, plugins
- SEO Starter Guide — Google Search Central — titles, headings, links, sitemaps, content