website maintenance explained
website maintenance is keeping site working, secure, and up to date.
what maintenance includes:
software updates: cms and plugins need updates for security patches and bug fixes.
security monitoring: checking for malware, hacking attempts, vulnerabilities.
backup management: regular backups so site can be restored if something breaks.
uptime monitoring: checking site loads properly and stays online.
ssl certificate renewal: keeps site secure and browser security indicators working.
domain renewal: prevents domain expiring and site going offline.
what maintenance does not include:
content changes: adding new pages, updating text, changing photos.
design changes: layout modifications, color changes, style updates.
new features: adding functionality that did not exist when site built.
why maintenance matters:
security: outdated software is vulnerable to hacking. hackers target old cms versions.
performance: updates often include speed improvements and bug fixes.
compatibility: browsers update constantly. old code stops working in new browsers.
search rankings: google penalizes hacked sites and sites with expired ssl certificates.
legal compliance: privacy laws change. site needs updating to stay compliant.
what happens without maintenance:
site gets hacked: spam injected, redirects added, customer data stolen.
site breaks: browser updates make old code stop working. site looks broken to visitors.
domain expires: forget to renew domain, someone else can register it.
ssl expires: browsers show security warnings. customers don't trust site.
maintenance costs:
diy: free but requires technical knowledge and time investment.
managed hosting: £10-30 monthly. hosting company handles technical maintenance.
web designer: £50-200 monthly. includes maintenance plus content update allowance.
one-off updates: £50-150 when you remember to do it. risky if you forget.
computer web maintenance:
included in year two hosting: £10 monthly covers domain renewal, ssl renewal, security monitoring, backups, uptime checks.
also includes: up to 15 minutes content edits monthly. small text changes, photo swaps, contact detail updates.
additional edits beyond allowance: £25 per hour.
see what's included in our website service.
based in mere, wiltshire. work anywhere.