Common Website Maintenance Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Maintaining a website can often feel like a daunting task for accounting firm owners, especially for those unfamiliar with the technical aspects or busy juggling other responsibilities.

It's easy to overlook key maintenance steps, which can lead to problems down the line. In this blog post, we will identify common website maintenance mistakes and provide practical tips on how to avoid them, ensuring your website runs smoothly and effectively.

Neglecting Regular Backups

One of the most critical mistakes accountants make is failing to create regular backups of your website. Backups ensure that you can quickly restore your site in case of data loss due to hacking, server crashes, or other unforeseen issues.

Imagine spending countless hours creating content, designing your site, and finally launching it, only to lose everything overnight. Regular backups serve as your safety net, allowing you to recover valuable data without significant disruption to your business. It’s not just about backing up once in a while; set up automated backups at regular intervals to make this process easier and more reliable.

Additionally, store your backups in multiple locations, such as cloud storage and external hard drives, to mitigate risks. This way, even if one location fails, you can still retrieve your critical files from another. Regularly review your backup strategy to ensure you are capturing everything necessary—after all, the peace of mind that comes with knowing your data is safe is invaluable.

How do I backup my Squarespace website?

You can backup your Squarespace website by going to your sites dashboard -> settings -> Website -> Import / Export.

Disclaimer: Unfortunately, this is one of the big cons when it comes to Squarespace. It's export features are rather weak and the export process can require a lot of time and work. It also only allows you to export your file in a way that is compatible with Wordpress. Which is strange but once you export your content from Squarespace -> import it to wordpress -> you can then export it from wordpress in a format that is compatible with Squarespace. Yes, it sounds crazy. Yes, it is the best export / backup option we have found with Squarespace.

Ignoring Software Updates

Keeping your website’s software updated is essential for security and performance. Ignoring updates can leave your site vulnerable to attacks and compatibility issues.

Software updates often contain patches that fix vulnerabilities, thus safeguarding your site from threats. By neglecting these updates, you not only increase the risk of a data breach but also may experience functionality issues. Regular updates enhance performance and introduce new features that can improve user experience.

To avoid forgetting updates, consider setting reminders or utilizing management tools that automate this process. Moreover, always test updates on a staging site first to ensure that they don’t interfere with existing functionality. A well-maintained site is more welcoming to users and can improve your site's reputation significantly.

Finally, subscribe to notifications from your software providers so that you remain informed about any new releases. Staying ahead of the curve can keep your website not only safely running but also primed for optimal performance.

Squarespace does make it easy to update your website when they come out. Plenty of times no action needs to be taken on your part but sometimes you will need to go in to toggle on the updates or confirm you would like the updates to take place.

Overlooking SEO Best Practices

Website maintenance isn't just about technical upkeep; it also involves monitoring your SEO practices. Failing to keep up with SEO best practices can negatively impact your site's visibility.

SEO is an ongoing process that requires regular attention. Search engines frequently update their algorithms, meaning last month’s techniques might not be effective today. Regularly audit your site for SEO factors like keyword optimization, meta tags, and content relevance. Keeping a pulse on these elements is crucial, as it helps your site rank higher in search results.

Moreover, maintaining quality backlinks is also part of effective SEO. Regularly evaluate the links pointing to your site and ensure they are relevant and trustworthy. Removing broken or low-quality links can enhance your site's authority and improve user experience.

Engagement metrics, such as the average time visitors spend on your site or your bounce rate, can also provide insights into what may need improvement. By analyzing these metrics and adapting your content strategy accordingly, you can ensure that your website remains relevant and engaging for your audience.

Neglecting Mobile Optimization

With more users accessing websites via mobile devices, neglecting mobile optimization is a significant oversight. Regularly testing and maintaining your site's mobile responsiveness is vital.

A website that looks good on a desktop but is poorly formatted on a mobile device can drive users away. Make sure that all your content, images, and links are easily accessible on smaller screens. Consider implementing responsive design techniques to ensure a seamless user experience across all devices.

Additionally, Google now prioritizes mobile-friendly sites in its rankings, which means that optimizing your mobile experience can significantly enhance your SEO efforts. Regular checks can alert you to any issues—such as slow loading times or broken elements—so you can address them promptly.

Test your mobile site with various devices and screen sizes to ensure consistency. The more user-friendly your website is on mobile devices, the higher the chance you’ll retain visitors. A visitor today may be a customer tomorrow, and optimizing their experience can make all the difference.

Forgetting to Check Website Links

Broken links can frustrate users and harm your SEO. Regularly checking your links and ensuring they direct correctly can help maintain a positive user experience.

A broken link can feel like a dead end for users navigating your site. It’s not only irritating but can also damage your credibility when visitors expect smooth navigation. Schedule regular audits of your site's links to catch and fix any that may be broken.

Using tools, like Semrush, that automatically check for broken links can simplify this task. These tools will save you time and ensure you don’t miss any critical links that could detract from your user experience. Make it a point to replace broken links with fresh content or updates, which can enhance both usability and SEO.

Additionally, pay attention to any internal links that may lead to outdated or irrelevant pages. This way, your website remains a comprehensive resource for visitors seeking information—after all, a well-organized site is more likely to convert casual visitors into loyal customers.

Lack of a Clear Maintenance Plan

Finally, not having a clear and actionable website maintenance plan can lead to disorganization and missed tasks. Creating a checklist can help streamline your maintenance routine.

A well-defined plan lays the foundation for consistent website maintenance. Consider documenting tasks like regular backups, SEO checks, and content updates in a maintenance calendar. This way, all team members will be aware of their responsibilities, and nothing will slip through the cracks.

Establishing a routine not only helps enforce accountability but also ensures that each aspect of website maintenance receives due attention. Regularly scheduled reviews of site performance and user experience can identify areas needing improvement and lead to optimized website functionality.

Don’t hesitate to involve your team in this process; collaboration can generate new ideas and improve efficiency. A proactive approach to maintenance can save you from costly issues in the future and keep your website running smoothly.

By avoiding these common website maintenance mistakes, you can enhance your site's performance and security, ultimately providing a better experience for your visitors. Regular maintenance is crucial for keeping your website up-to-date and functional. Remember, the key is consistency—so set a schedule and stick to it!