How to Keep Your Website Alive (and Not Just Online)

A website isn’t something you build once and forget about. It’s alive. Not in the biological sense, but because everything that runs it keeps changing. Code evolves, platforms update, plugins get replaced, systems improve (and sometimes break). A website built a year ago is already different under the hood today.

That’s why I always say a website is like a car. It might look fine parked in the driveway, but if you don’t service it, things start to fall apart. Ignore it long enough, and the repair bill will make you wish you hadn’t.

When I step into a client’s website that’s been left untouched, the signs are apparent. Plugins haven’t been updated in months. The site feels sluggish. Pages don’t render properly. Images are broken, and bits of code are quietly crumbling in the background. It’s not pretty.

The good news is, it’s easy to prevent all of that. A simple monthly check-in keeps everything in shape. You don’t have to do major overhauls every time, just minor, regular updates. Little by little, you keep the system running smoothly so you never reach that overwhelming “everything’s broken” point.

When I manage websites, I start with the essentials. I fix the most important issues first, stabilise the site, and then begin improving what’s around it. There’s always something that can be done, whether it’s technical updates, design tweaks, or SEO improvements. My support plans are built around that consistency: keeping your website not just online, but healthy, fast, and performing at its best.

The hardest part is helping people see the value before the problems appear. Most business owners only notice once the pain stops. They stop getting error notifications. The site starts loading faster. Forms actually work again. It’s a slow burn, but it’s worth it.

So if there’s one thing I’d tell every business owner, it’s this: don’t let bugs take over your site. You wouldn’t ignore leaks or cracks in your home, so don’t do it to your digital home either.

Ready to take the next step with your website? Whether you’re starting from scratch or refreshing your current site, I can help you create something that feels right for you and works well for your audience. Get in touch here.