If you have a WordPress website, you know how important it is to keep it up to date and functioning properly. Regular maintenance can help you avoid security breaches, improve website speed, and enhance user experience. While hiring an expert may be a good option for some, there are many benefits to running your own DIY WordPress maintenance. Not only can it save you money, but it also gives you more control over your website and the ability to make changes quickly. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of running your own DIY WordPress maintenance and provide tips for keeping your website running like a pro.
Is DIY Website Maintenance Better Than Hiring an Expert?
Whether DIY website maintenance is better than hiring an expert largely depends on your specific situation and needs. Here are a few things to consider when making this decision:
Your expertise
If you have experience and expertise in website maintenance, then DIY may be a good option for you. However, if you are not confident in your ability to maintain your website, hiring an expert may be a better choice.
Time commitment
Maintaining a website can be time-consuming, especially if you are not familiar with the process. If you are busy with other tasks, hiring an expert to handle your website maintenance can free up your time to focus on other areas of your business.
Cost
DIY website maintenance can be cost-effective, but only if you have the necessary skills and tools. If you need to purchase software or tools, or if you make mistakes that require professional assistance, the cost can quickly add up. In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to hire an expert who can get the job done quickly and efficiently the first time.
Technical issues
If you run into technical issues with your website that you do not know how to solve, an expert can help you troubleshoot and resolve the problem quickly. This can save you a lot of time and frustration.
Ultimately, whether you choose to maintain your website yourself or hire an expert depends on your individual circumstances. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each option and choose the one that works best for you.
Now, on to the good stuff.
How to Run DIY Website Maintenance with WordPress
Running your own DIY website maintenance with WordPress keeps your website up to date and functioning properly. Here are some steps to get started:
Backup your website
Before making any changes, it’s important to backup your website in case something goes wrong. There are many WordPress plugins available that can help you backup your website, such as UpdraftPlus or BackupBuddy. Some hosting accounts such as WP Engine also do this daily for you.
Update WordPress, themes, and plugins
Keep your website up to date by regularly updating WordPress, themes, and plugins. You can do this through the WordPress dashboard or using an automatic updater plugin or WP Engine’s Smart Plugin Manager. Pro tip: Make sure you have the appropriate licenses for any paid plugins.
Check for broken links
Use a broken link checker plugin to find and fix any broken links on your website.
Optimize your database
Over time, your database can become cluttered with unnecessary data. Use a database optimization plugin, such as WP-Optimize, to clean up and optimize your database.
Check website speed
Use a speed testing tool, such as Google PageSpeed Insights or GTMetrix, to check your website’s loading speed. If it’s slow, consider optimizing your images or using a caching plugin.
Monitor website security
Keep your website secure by installing a security plugin, such as Wordfence or iThemes Security. These plugins can help you scan for malware, block suspicious IP addresses, and enforce strong passwords.
Monitor website analytics
Use a website analytics tool, such as Google Analytics, to monitor your website’s traffic and user behavior. This can help you make informed decisions about your website’s content and layout.
By following the steps we’ve outlined in this article, you can ensure that your website stays in top shape and provides a great user experience for your visitors. Whether you’re a small business owner or a blogger, regular website maintenance is essential for success in the digital world. With a little time and effort, you can take control of your WordPress website maintenance and keep your site running like a pro.
