Most sites don't fail on launch day. They fail months later, when updates pile up, backups were never tested, and a contact form quietly stops working.

Here's a simple routine:

  • Daily/automated: availability alerts, backup status, critical transaction failures
  • Weekly: test key forms and visitor journeys, review pending updates
  • Monthly: content accuracy, performance trends, search reports, access changes
  • Quarterly: restore test, supplier scope review, broader usability review

A few rules that make it work:

  1. Give every task an owner and a definition of "done". "Check contact form" means submit a test inquiry and confirm delivery.
  2. Back up before every major update, and test the restore, not just the backup.
  3. Keep an inventory of admin access, hosting contacts and renewals so nothing depends on one person's inbox.

The full guide covers site optimization, accessibility checks, choosing a maintenance provider and how to measure outcomes: read it on Saesoft.

What's on your maintenance checklist that I missed?