If you’ve ever launched a website and then… kind of forgot about it, you’re not alone. But here’s the thing: a website isn’t a “set it and forget it” kind of tool. It’s more like a digital storefront—and if you don’t maintain it, things can get outdated, broken, or even hacked.
That’s why having a monthly website maintenance checklist isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. Whether you’re running a WordPress blog, a small business site, or an eCommerce store, here’s what to update each month to keep things fast, secure, and working the way they should.
🛠️ 1. WordPress Updates and Plugin Checks
One of the easiest ways to protect your site is to update your WordPress core, themes, and plugins regularly. Outdated plugins are a common backdoor for hackers and a major source of functionality issues.
Use a plugin like WP Reset or ManageWP to monitor and manage multiple updates easily. And before you update anything, always back up your site first (more on that next!).
Related: Best Tools for WordPress Maintenance →
💾 2. Backups (Because Mistakes Happen)
Imagine spending months perfecting your site—then losing it all after one broken update. Yikes.
That’s why automatic backups are non-negotiable. Tools like UpdraftPlus or hosting providers like Kinsta (which includes daily backups) let you restore your site in minutes if anything goes wrong.
Tip: Keep at least one backup stored offsite (e.g., Google Drive or Dropbox) in case your hosting account is compromised.
🔐 3. Run Security Scans
If you’re not checking for malware or suspicious activity, who is?
Install a security plugin like Wordfence or iThemes Security to run monthly malware scans, track login attempts, and keep an eye on vulnerabilities.
Need more help with security? Check out my guide to website security tips for small businesses.
⚙️ 4. Test Your Site Speed & Performance
Over time, your site can slow down due to plugin bloat, large image files, or poor hosting. Use tools like PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix monthly to check your site’s load time.
If you consistently see slow speeds, it might be time to upgrade your hosting. I personally recommend Kinsta for small businesses who want fast, secure WordPress hosting without the stress.
📈 5. Review Your Analytics
What’s working? What’s not?
Each month, take 15 minutes to log into Google Analytics or Fathom and review your top-performing pages. This helps you make smarter decisions about content, calls to action, and where to focus next.
✅ Your Monthly Website Maintenance Checklist:
- Update WordPress core, plugins, and themes
- Back up your site (automatically + offsite)
- Run a full security scan
- Test site speed and fix slowdowns
- Review analytics and user behavior
- Check for broken links and outdated content
Final Thoughts: How to Maintain Your Website Without the Headache
Monthly website maintenance doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right tools, a simple checklist, and a few scheduled reminders, you can keep your site running smoothly—without spending hours on tech stuff.
Want a done-for-you checklist you can use every month? Download my free Monthly Maintenance PDF →
And if you’re still setting up your tech stack, don’t miss my recommended tools page for plugins, backup services, and hosting I trust.
Optimize, Market & Maintain 