Top Website Maintenance Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

JB Annan
Apr 18
2 min read

You launched your site. It looks great. But what happens next?

Too many business owners treat their website like a one-time project—set it and forget it. But just like a car, your site needs regular checkups to keep running smoothly.

Let’s break down the most common website maintenance mistakes (and how to fix them fast).

1. Ignoring Software Updates and Plugins

The Problem: Outdated tools leave your site vulnerable to bugs, broken features, and even security risks.

The Fix: If you're using platforms like Wix or Shopify, updates are mostly handled for you. But always check app/plugin versions and review your third-party tools quarterly.

2. Letting Old Content Collect Dust

The Problem: Stale blogs, outdated service info, and broken links lower your SEO ranking and hurt your credibility.

The Fix: Update your homepage, service pages, and top blogs every 3–6 months. Add fresh testimonials or case studies to stay current and build trust.

3. No Backup or Recovery Plan

The Problem: What if your site crashes or gets hacked? (Small businesses are the biggest target for hackers and scammers.)

The Fix: Make sure your platform has automatic backups (Wix does). If not, use a reliable backup tool and store versions off-site. It's better to have it and not need it.

4. Ignoring Performance and Speed

The Problem: Slow-loading sites frustrate users and hurt your Google ranking.

The Fix: Compress large images, remove unnecessary scripts, and test your speed regularly with tools like Google PageSpeed Insights. Keep your design clean and lean.

5. No Ongoing SEO Maintenance

The Problem: You launched with good keywords—but then what?

The Fix: SEO is ongoing. Monitor your traffic and keyword rankings. Keep building internal links, updating meta tags, and publishing fresh content that matches what your audience is searching for.