After launch: what your website actually needs

A website is not a printed brochure. After launch it still needs looking after, but not as much as some agencies imply. Here is what actually matters, and what you can safely skip.

What every site needs

• Reliable hosting. The site should stay up and respond quickly. Check who owns the account and that you hold the login.
• Backups. Automatic, stored away from the server, and tested. A backup you have never restored is a hope, not a plan.
• Updates and security. Software that is not updated is the most common way small sites get hacked.
• Domain and SSL renewals. Put the renewal dates in a calendar. An expired domain can undo years of work.

What is worth doing a few times a year

• Check every form still reaches you by sending a test enquiry
• Look at which pages get traffic and which enquiries come from where
• Update prices, team photos, opening hours and anything that has changed
• Re-run a speed test, especially after adding new scripts or large images

What improves results over time

• Adding a new page or article that answers a real customer question
• Collecting and displaying fresh reviews
• Improving the page that gets traffic but few enquiries

What you can ignore

Daily “SEO reports” full of vanity numbers, and promises of guaranteed rankings. If a number does not connect to enquiries or revenue, treat it with suspicion.

Who should do it?

If you are comfortable in a dashboard, much of this is a short monthly routine. If you would rather not think about it, an ongoing support plan can cover updates, backups and small changes for a predictable fee. Either way, you should own the accounts, and you should always be able to take the site elsewhere.

If you are not sure whether your current site is being looked after properly, ask us for a quick review. We will tell you what is fine and what is not.