WordPress is one of the most powerful blogging and content management systems (CMS) to date. Since it powers approximately 27% of all websites, there’s no room for sluggish load times, potential security vulnerabilities, or search engine delistings. To avoid these problems altogether, sticking to the following this WordPress Maintenance checklist will help.
Make Frequent Backups
It’s crucial that you perform a daily offsite backup of your WordPress files and database. This ensures data security in the event of a network breach or natural disaster and facilitates the resumption of your business’s regular operations. Although there are plugins like BackUpWordPress that help to automate the backup process, you should still perform manual backups. It is important to find a hosting partner that offers frequent backups or even Managed WordPress Hosting.
Verify your Backups
Not only should you be making backups, you should also be verifying them. By doing so, you are making sure that the backed up files are going where they are supposed to, and backups are being restored. The last thing you need is a failed backup strategy on the day you need it most!
Daily Security Reports
If you ask any cybersecurity expert, “Is it crucial to maintain a daily network security report?” the answer will be a resounding YES. While you might not have enough time to carry out thorough inspections and create these reports yourself, you can rely on security monitoring services like Delaney Computer Services. Not only does it carry out the inspections, it sends an SMS notification of any suspicious activity and even emails you a daily status report.
Malware Scans
Cybercriminals are growing in both number and sophistication. With every passing day, new strains of malware are developed and released onto small- or medium-sized businesses. Unless you are a bonafide hacker yourself, detecting malware might be a little tricky. WordPress plugins like Wordfence keeps your website safe using the latest firewall rules, malware signatures, and malicious IP addresses.
Speed Audits
Slow and steady might be qualities valued by some, but not so much for your website. Plugins like Google PageSpeed Insights test how fast your site loads. Because if it takes more than five seconds, you should consider implementing caching and other measures to speed up your site. Slow sites put off visitors and lower search rankings.
Review Your Site
For this step, sit down with an impartial friend and let them explore your website. A fresh pair of eyes might highlight issues you might have overlooked, such as forgetting to update the copyright date in your footer. It is important to note that doing all of the above on a consistent basis is important and for may of us is a difficult task so finding a partner who offers managed WordPress hosting may be an excellent option.
Forbes, National Geographic, and The New York Times are all powered by WordPress, which means you are in good company. By sticking to the checklist, you too can harness the power of this online, open-source website creation tool. Or, instead of signing up for half a dozen services that need daily check-ins, why not have us take care of all of it for you? If you have further questions, don’t hesitate to send us an email or give us a call!