FALL WEBSITE MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST
Easy updates for a smooth winter
Before the holiday rush hits, give your website a little fall tune-up. Just like you’d prepare your shop, office, or home for winter, your website needs some attention to keep it running smoothly through the colder months.
Here are six easy things you can check on or ask your web team about to keep your site secure and ready for business:
1. Keep duplicates of your website’s content
Backing up your content or simply keeping a duplicate of all of your content is your safety net. It ensures that your website can be restored quickly if something goes wrong.
What you can do:
Ask your website manager or hosting provider if your site is backed up automatically [and how often].
Keep a document with all the copy on your website. Update it regularly as you make changes to your site.
Store copies of all photos, videos, logos, illustrations, and other media used on your website.
If you use Squarespace, you can duplicate your entire website to keep as a backup at no additional charge. We do this for all of our clients after their website launches.
Confirm that any copy, media, and other backups are stored in two places.
Pro tip: If you make frequent changes to your site [like new products or posts], backup the information daily or weekly.
2. Make sure updates are current
Your website runs on software that needs regular updates just like your phone or computer. Keeping everything current helps prevent bugs and security risks.
What you can do:
Check with your web provider or developer that your site’s platform, plugins, and themes are fully updated.
Review your site afterward to make sure everything looks and works normally.
If you see something off [a broken form, missing images, strange errors], report it right away.
If your Instagram feed is embedded on your website, confirm that connection is still live and up-to-date.
Pro tip: Schedule quarterly website check-ins so you don’t have to remember these updates yourself.
3. Strengthen your security
Online traffic [and, unfortunately, hacking attempts] often increase during the holiday season. A few simple steps can help protect your site and your customer data.
What you can do:
Use strong, unique passwords for your website logins.
Don’t share login info over email or text.
If your website sends you strange security alerts or login attempts, tell your web manager right away.
Check your permissions. Remove old vendors or former employees who still have access.
Pro tip: Set a reminder to change your passwords every few months.
4. Check your website’s speed and user experience
A slow or confusing website can cost you sales, especially when customers are shopping online more during winter.
What you can do:
Visit your site on your phone. Does it load quickly? Is it easy to navigate?
Test your contact forms, shopping cart, or appointment booking to make sure everything works.
Ask your web team to run a quick speed test and fix anything slowing the site down.
Pro tip: If you notice your site loading slowly, it might be time to optimize images or upgrade your hosting.
5. Review and refresh your content
Fall is a perfect time to tidy up your website’s content before the new year.
What you can do:
Read through your main pages and update anything outdated like old offerings, holiday hours, or team changes.
Check that your contact info, links, and forms all work.
If you aren’t already, start posting at least one blog per month.
Look at your analytics [or ask your web team for a report] to see which pages get the most traffic and where visitors drop off.
Pro tip: Use what you learn to plan next year’s updates or marketing campaigns.
6. Plan Ahead for the New Year
Once your website is secure and up to date, take a few minutes to think ahead.
What you can do:
Note any new services, promotions, or changes you want reflected on your site next year.
Check that your domain and hosting are set to renew automatically.
Schedule your next maintenance check before things get busy again.
Pro tip: Treat your website like it’s a physical storefront. Regular care keeps it welcoming, trustworthy, and ready for new customers.
If you’d like a hand reviewing your site before the holidays, RB Collaborative offers website checkups and maintenance plans to make sure everything’s running smoothly while you focus on your business.
