Launching a website is not the finish line -- it is the starting line. Without ongoing maintenance, even the best website deteriorates over time.
What Happens to Unmaintained Sites
- Security vulnerabilities: Outdated software gets exploited. 30,000 websites are hacked daily, and the majority are running outdated CMS versions.
- Performance degradation: Database bloat, expired caches, and accumulated errors slow sites down over time.
- Broken functionality: Browser updates, PHP version changes, and plugin conflicts cause features to break.
- SEO decline: Broken links, outdated content, and slow speeds cause rankings to drop.
What Maintenance Includes
A proper maintenance plan covers:
- Security updates: CMS, plugin, and theme updates applied promptly
- Backups: Regular automated backups stored offsite
- Performance monitoring: Regular speed tests and optimization
- Uptime monitoring: Alerts when the site goes down
- Content updates: Keeping information current and accurate
- SSL renewal: Ensuring certificates stay active
AppWT offers maintenance plans that keep your site secure, fast, and ranking well. We monitor proactively so problems get fixed before you or your customers notice them. View our maintenance plans.
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Tony Paris
Founder and Tech Wizard at AppWT Web & AI Solutions. With over 29 years of experience in web development, Tony helps businesses succeed online through custom websites, SEO, and AI integration.
Learn more about TonyFrequently Asked Questions
How often does a website need maintenance?
At minimum, websites need monthly maintenance: software updates, security scans, backup verification, performance checks, and content updates. WordPress sites need more frequent attention due to plugin and core updates that happen weekly.
What happens if I do not maintain my website?
Unmaintained sites become vulnerable to hacking, experience slower load times, develop broken links, lose search rankings, and eventually stop working when server software is updated. The cost of fixing a neglected site always exceeds the cost of maintaining it.
How much does website maintenance cost?
Basic maintenance plans start at $97/month for simple sites. Comprehensive plans with regular content updates, SEO monitoring, and priority support range from $297 to $497/month. Enterprise maintenance with dedicated support starts at $697/month.
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