Does your business website run on the WordPress platform? Want to know the things you should check each month to keep things running smoothly?

Bigrock Coupon share their WordPress maintenance checklist in this infographic.

Here’s a summary of what they cover:

• Processes to check and monitor
• Things to remove and delete
• Plugins and other items to update and maintain
• Areas to optimise and improve

Check out the infographic for more detail.

 

Running a WordPress website can be an exciting endeavor, but it comes with its fair share of responsibilities. One of the most critical aspects of managing a WordPress website is performing regular maintenance tasks. Neglecting website maintenance can lead to security vulnerabilities, poor performance, and a subpar user experience. To help you keep your WordPress site in top shape, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of 51 things to check every month.

1. Backup Your Website

Regular backups are your safety net. Ensure that your backup solution is functioning correctly, and test your backups to ensure they can be restored when needed.

2. Update WordPress Core

Always keep your WordPress core up to date to ensure you have the latest security patches and features.

3. Update Themes

Update your WordPress theme(s) to the latest versions to benefit from bug fixes, improvements, and compatibility with newer WordPress versions.

4. Update Plugins

Regularly update your plugins to ensure they are running smoothly and securely.

5. Review and Delete Unused Plugins and Themes

Remove any plugins or themes that you no longer use to reduce clutter and potential security risks.

6. Check for Broken Links

Use a tool like Broken Link Checker to identify and fix broken links on your website.

7. Review and Optimize Website Speed

Check your website’s loading speed using tools like Google PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix. Optimize images and implement caching if necessary.

8. Test Contact Forms

Verify that all your contact forms are working correctly by sending test submissions.

9. Review and Update Contact Information

Ensure that your contact information, such as email addresses and phone numbers, is up to date.

10. Test Search Functionality

Test your website’s search functionality to make sure it provides accurate results.

11. Check for 404 Errors

Regularly monitor your website for 404 errors and fix broken links or redirect them to relevant pages.

12. Scan for Malware

Run malware scans using security plugins or online tools to detect and remove any malicious code.

13. Check SSL Certificate

Verify that your SSL certificate is valid and up to date for secure HTTPS connections.

14. Review and Update Privacy Policy

Ensure that your privacy policy is compliant with current regulations and accurately reflects your data handling practices.

15. Test Mobile Responsiveness

Check your website’s mobile responsiveness on various devices and browsers.

16. Review and Update Content

Update outdated content, correct any typos or errors, and ensure all information is relevant.

17. Monitor Comments

Moderate comments to prevent spam and engage with your audience.

18. Analyze Website Traffic

Review your website’s traffic data using tools like Google Analytics to identify trends and user behavior.

19. Check for 503 Errors

Monitor your website for temporary service unavailability issues (503 errors) and address them promptly.

20. Review and Update User Roles

Check user roles and permissions to ensure the right people have the appropriate access.

21. Test Website Forms

Test all website forms, including registration and login forms, to make sure they work correctly.

22. Scan for Broken Images

Regularly inspect your site for broken images and replace them as needed.

23. Review and Update SEO Settings

Ensure that your SEO settings, including meta tags and descriptions, are optimized for search engines.

24. Test Social Sharing Buttons

Check that social sharing buttons are working correctly and display the correct content when shared.

25. Review and Update Sidebar Widgets

Update and rearrange sidebar widgets to keep your website fresh and engaging.

26. Monitor 301 Redirects

Keep an eye on 301 redirects to ensure they are functioning as intended.

27. Test E-commerce Functionality

If you have an e-commerce website, thoroughly test the shopping cart, checkout process, and payment gateway.

28. Review and Update Terms and Conditions

Ensure that your terms and conditions are accurate and comply with legal requirements.

29. Check Server Resources

Monitor your server resources to ensure your website has enough resources to perform optimally.

30. Test XML Sitemap

Verify that your XML sitemap is up to date and includes all relevant pages.

31. Review and Update Blog Categories

Organize and update your blog categories for better navigation and user experience.

32. Check Email Subscription Forms

Test email subscription forms and ensure that subscribers receive confirmation emails.

33. Monitor DNS Records

Regularly check your DNS records for accuracy and security.

34. Review and Update Testimonials

Update and showcase recent testimonials to build trust with your audience.

35. Test Video and Audio Players

Ensure that video and audio players are functioning correctly and playing media files smoothly.

36. Check Website Accessibility

Use accessibility tools to check your website for compliance with accessibility standards.

37. Review and Update Navigation Menus

Optimize your website’s navigation menus for ease of use and clarity.

38. Test RSS Feeds

Verify that your RSS feeds are working and delivering content as expected.

39. Check for Duplicate Content

Use tools to identify and resolve duplicate content issues that can negatively affect SEO.

40. Review and Update Featured Images

Refresh featured images for blog posts and pages to enhance visual appeal.

41. Test Website Backups

Regularly test your website backups to ensure they can be successfully restored.

42. Monitor Uptime

Use uptime monitoring services to track your website’s availability and address downtime promptly.

43. Review and Update Security Plugins

Ensure that your security plugins are up to date and configured for maximum protection.

44. Test Newsletter Signup

If you have a newsletter, test the signup process and confirm that subscribers receive newsletters.

45. Check External Links

Verify that external links on your website are still valid and lead to relevant content.

46. Review and Update Testimonials

Update and showcase recent testimonials to build trust with your audience.

47. Test Email Notifications

If your website sends email notifications, test them to ensure they are delivered correctly.

48. Check CDN Configuration

If you use a content delivery network (CDN), review its configuration and performance.

49. Review and Update Featured Images

Refresh featured images for blog posts and pages to enhance visual appeal.

50. Monitor Uptime

Use uptime monitoring services to track your website’s availability and address downtime promptly.

51. Perform a Security Audit

Regularly conduct a thorough security audit of your website to identify and address vulnerabilities.

By diligently performing these 51 monthly website maintenance tasks, you can ensure that your WordPress website remains secure, optimized, and user-friendly. Regular maintenance not only enhances the performance and functionality of your site but also contributes to a positive user experience, which is crucial for attracting and retaining visitors. Make website maintenance a priority to keep your WordPress site running smoothly and effectively.