Tag: digital-marketing

What to Update on Your Website Each Month (And Why It Matters)

Posted on by Hively

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 It’s more like a digital storefront—and if you don’t maintain it, things can get outdated, broken, or even hacked.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 Outdated plugins are a common backdoor for hackers and a major source of functionality issues.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.

Best Hosting for WordPress Sites: SiteGround vs. Kinsta vs. Cloudways

Posted on by Hively

Choosing the right hosting provider can make or break your website. And if you’re anything like most small business owners or creators I talk to, you’re not just looking for any hosting—you want something fast, reliable, and headache-free.

I’ve worked with a lot of hosting platforms over the years, and today I’m breaking down three of the best WordPress hosting options for 2025: SiteGround, Kinsta, and Cloudways. Whether you’re just starting out or growing fast, this comparison will help you make the right call.

🏆 Quick Verdict: Why I Recommend Kinsta

If you want premium speed, top-tier support, and a hosting platform that just works, Kinsta is my top pick for managed WordPress hosting in 2025. It’s built on Google Cloud, automatically handles updates and backups, and has one of the cleanest dashboards I’ve used. For non-techies and power users alike, it strikes that rare balance between simplicity and serious performance.

SiteGround: Great Starter Option with Solid Support

SiteGround has long been a favorite for small business owners—and for good reason. It offers:

  • Affordable pricing for beginners
  • Free daily backups
  • Excellent customer support
  • Built-in caching for better speed

However, in recent years, some users have noticed slower performance on shared hosting plans, especially as traffic grows. It’s a solid choice if you’re just getting started, but if you need scalable speed and power, you may quickly outgrow it.

Best for: Budget-conscious beginners with lower-traffic sites
Check SiteGround Hosting →

Cloudways: Flexible but Tech-Heavy

Cloudways is a unique hosting platform that lets you choose your own cloud provider (like DigitalOcean, AWS, or Google Cloud). It’s extremely customizable and offers:

  • Pay-as-you-go pricing
  • Blazing fast load times
  • Advanced performance tools

But here’s the catch: it’s not beginner-friendly. The dashboard can feel overwhelming, and you’re expected to handle more of the configuration and security setup yourself.

Best for: Developers or advanced users who want complete control
Explore Cloudways →

Kinsta: Fast, Secure, and Worry-Free Hosting

Kinsta is built for WordPress from the ground up and takes the guesswork out of performance, security, and scalability. Here’s what I love:

  • Google Cloud infrastructure for lightning-fast speed
  • Free premium CDN and SSL
  • One-click staging and backups
  • Outstanding support from WordPress experts
  • Built-in performance monitoring

What really sets Kinsta apart is how stress-free it is. You don’t need to worry about caching plugins, manual updates, or fixing weird errors in cPanel. Everything is handled in one intuitive dashboard. Yes, it’s a bit pricier than the others—but you truly get what you pay for.

Best for: Small businesses and creators who want premium performance without the tech headaches
Get Started with Kinsta →

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Host for Your Website

When it comes to the best WordPress hosting in 2025, there’s no one-size-fits-all. If budget is your top concern, SiteGround is a strong entry point. If you love tinkering, Cloudways offers powerful flexibility. But if you want speed, support, and peace of mind all in one, Kinsta is my personal go-to.

Still unsure? I break down more in-depth hosting recommendations on my resources page →

The Beginner’s Guide to SEO for Small Business Websites (Without the Overwhelm)

Posted on by Hively

If you’ve ever Googled “how to get my website to show up on Google” and instantly felt overwhelmed, you’re not alone. SEO (Search Engine Optimization) can sound technical and intimidating, but the truth is—you don’t need to be an expert to make real progress.

Whether you’re a small business owner, solo creative, or DIY website builder, this guide will walk you through beginner SEO tips in plain English—no jargon, no stress.

What Is SEO (And Why Should You Care)?

SEO is the process of optimizing your website so it appears in search engine results—ideally when people are looking for exactly what you offer. Good SEO helps your site show up higher on Google, which means more visibility, more traffic, and more potential customers.

Think of it like this: your website is a shop, and SEO is the sign out front that tells people you’re open for business.

3 Beginner-Friendly Ways to Optimize Your Website for Search Engines

1. Use Keywords (Naturally!)

Keywords are the phrases your ideal customers are typing into Google—like “best photographer in [your city]” or “custom jewelry near me.” Tools like Ubersuggest or Keywords Everywhere can help you find these terms. Sprinkle them into your page titles, headers, and blog content—but keep it natural. If it feels forced, skip it.

2. Install a WordPress SEO Plugin

If you’re using WordPress, start with a beginner-friendly SEO plugin like Rank Math or Yoast SEO. These tools guide you step-by-step through optimizing each page, from writing meta descriptions to improving readability and internal links.

3. Improve Site Speed and Mobile Friendliness

Google favors websites that load quickly and look good on phones. Use free tools like PageSpeed Insights to check performance, and choose a solid hosting provider like SiteGround or Kinsta to give your site a reliable foundation.

Keep It Simple, Keep It Consistent

You don’t have to “do all the SEO” at once. Start with the basics, focus on writing helpful content, and use tools that make optimization easier, not harder. SEO for small business websites isn’t about hacking the algorithm—it’s about helping real people find what they’re looking for.

And hey, if you’re here, you’re already taking a smart first step.