When I build and design a website, the website receives constant attention. I’m uploading and updating new plugins. I’m creating a daily back-up. I’m always making sure that the new website is in good shape and free of any problems. Then the site goes live. Hooray! How exciting! But what about those plugins, updates and backups? Who takes care of these tasks now that the site is live?
Just like a house plant, you can’t ignore it or else … well … sad things can happen. You have to continue to pay attention to it! Let’s talk about the three things you need to pay attention to with your website once it’s complete.
WordPress Updates
WordPress releases a new update to its platform between 3 and 4 times a year (source). Like any software, these releases are often packed with not only new features but important security updates as well. When a security issue is found, they introduce a patch in the next update. Therefore, it’s critical that you update WordPress when a new update is available.
Plugins
Your WordPress site is built with a number of plugins. On average, most websites I build have about 10 or so plugins. These plugins are used to design your site, provide analytical codes, speed up the loading process of your page, interactive & design functionality, etc. Just like with WordPress, the manufacturers of these plugins will also release updates to their plugins. Some releases are minor (10.4.1 or 10.4.1.2) while other updates are major (vs. 11 for example). Some of these updates introduce new features and functionality but most of them are addressing bugs, issues, and security. It’s critical that you keep your plugins up to date as well.
Backups
Backups are like insurance. Let’s hope that you never need to use them! But they also provide a great peace of mind knowing that you have a backup of your website in case of an emergency. If something ever happens to your site, it’s nice to know that you have a backup that you can restore. How often you backup your website depends. If your site is more “static” with little change happening, you can do well with monthly backups. If you have more frequent changes, you may consider backups every week or daily.
All that being said, what are your options?
1) You can do update and backup yourself.
If you do it yourself, you can utilize any number of services like WP Manager, Backdraft Plus, etc. They’re fairly intuitive to use. But if you don’t have the time, don’t want to set a reminder and would just prefer to have someone else do it for you, it may be worth the investment.
2) Hire someone to handle your backups and updates.
For example, here’s what I have to offer:
For $49 year, I do the following maintenance for your website:
- Update WordPress with every update that is available
- Update all your plugins every Monday morning to the most recent version available
- Backup your website every month. Weekly & Daily backups are available for an additional $25/year
Please note that these services do not include making changes to your website. This is for maintenance only. Site changes can be made at my hourly rate of $75/hour or can be purchased in 4 hour sets for $250.
So the next time you look at your houseplant and recognize that it needs some water and attention, think about your website as well. It might need some attention too, unless you have someone else taking care of it for you. 😉
