What Website Maintenance Really Includes (And What It Doesn’t)

For MSPs, a website isn’t just a digital asset—it’s the foundation of your online presence. But keeping it in top shape takes more than just ticking off updates or running backups. Website maintenance is a mix of essential tasks and overlooked elements that ensure your site stays secure, functional, and effective.

What’s Typically Included Most maintenance contracts cover the basics, like:

• Software Updates: Keeping your CMS, plugins, and themes up to date to prevent security vulnerabilities.
• Backups: Regular backups so your data can be restored in case of an issue.
• Security Monitoring: Scanning for malware and applying patches to protect your site.
• Performance Checks: Ensuring fast load times and minimal downtime to maintain user satisfaction.

These tasks form the foundation of website upkeep, ensuring your site stays operational.

What’s Often Overlooked Some tasks, while critical, aren’t always included in standard maintenance contracts but can be addressed upon request:

• Content Updates: Refreshing blogs, service pages, or case studies to keep your site relevant and engaging.
• Broken Link Fixes: Checking and resolving broken links that can frustrate users and harm SEO.
• UX Testing: Ensuring your site is easy to navigate and works seamlessly on mobile devices.
• Compliance Checks: Meeting legal standards like GDPR is essential but requires legal advice. While we can flag areas of concern, full compliance needs legal expertise.
• Analytics Monitoring: Reviewing website data to identify opportunities for improvement, like reducing bounce rates or improving conversions.

Why It Matters Website maintenance isn’t just about keeping things running—it’s about creating opportunities. A well-maintained site builds trust, enhances SEO, and reflects the quality of your services.

Not everything is included in a maintenance contract, but knowing what to ask for can make all the difference. Whether it’s addressing broken links, refreshing content, or tackling compliance, taking a proactive approach ensures your website works as hard as you do.

Is your website performing at its best? If not, it might be time to give it the attention it deserves.