22


A website isn’t done after the development team that made it has finished production on it. Continuous maintenance is needed to ensure the website continues to function the way it was built. If a website is left untouched, one day it will become outdated, both in the code and the software. Users will encounter slow load time, broken links, and outdated content if no website maintenance is ever performed. Just like you would take your car into the auto shop to get its routine oil change after the check engine light comes on, you should make sure your website gets the same tender love and care. Here is why website maintenance is so important.
Security
Security is arguably the biggest reason why one should maintain their website. If you are using a content management system (CMS) like WordPress, you need to keep up with the platform’s security and software updates. When you fail to do these things you make your website more vulnerable to hackers. Hacking happens to all types of websites. No site is too small and no CMS is excluded. Hacking typically happens to older sites that haven’t been maintained.
SEO
Another reason why website maintenance is importance is SEO. Google and other major search engines reward websites that are up to date, are always publishing fresh content, and function properly. As a result, you can lower your site’s search ranking, receive less site traffic, and encounter less sales by not maintaining your site.
There are six key components to SEO. Keywords on site, dynamic content, mobile friendliness, fast site speed, social media engagement, and high quality external websites linking to your own (this is referred to as link building). By maintaining your site, it will be easier for other sites to want to link to you.
It Improve User Experience
Search engines aren’t the only thing that like sites that offer users a positive user experience. The users themselves love that and want that!
No user wants to go to a website only to find the page they were looking for is broken and therefore can’t present the information they need.
When websites aren’t maintained, their theme and template files may not display properly on new versions of web browsers and mobile devices.
Another thing that contributes to a positive user experience is dynamic content. Dynamic content not only improves a site’s SEO, but it shows users your business is still in operation. Additionally, research has found that 84% of people expect brands to create content. Content educates and delights users and can be a contribute to prospects ultimately buying from you.
It Backs Up Important Files
One of the things website maintenance does is it backs up files. If you’re not backing up files and a malware attack happens, you could lose your whole site! Imagine having no website. You would have to start all over again. In turn, being on a maintenance plan can save you money and time.
In a nutshell, website maintenance is incredibly important and can’t be ignored. At Sperling Interactive, we can manage a site’s maintenance, hosting, security, and SSL certificate. It doesn’t matter if we didn’t design or develop your site for you. We’re here to help you. You can give us a call at (978) 304-1730.