When I bring in a new client with an existing WordPress website, it’s usually because the site has been hacked, something isn’t working correctly, or new features and functionality need to be added.
I talk with my client about their business, site design, what’s not working, and goals for the site.
My typical client with an existing self-hosted WordPress site has had their site for several years. But hasn’t had anyone maintain or update the site infrastructure for a year or more.
Which is problematic, given how often WordPress, themes, and plugins are updated with bug and security fixes throughout a year.
Before making any changes on the site, I conduct a site assessment to get a better understanding of the site design, configuration, and infrastructure.
The assessment doesn’t take long, less than a business day.
It provides helpful information to my client as well as recommendations for next steps.
And gives me crucial details about their site.
I always discover three important things missing from every site.
Three Important Things to Set up On Your WordPress Site
Like your vehicle or home, you need to take steps to maintain your WordPress site and keep it secure.
A self-hosted WordPress site is not something you can create and forget.
Which is why I stress to my clients the importance of three things for your WordPress site:
- Use a security service or install a security plugin.
Make sure your site is secure so hackers can’t infect your site with malware.Often malware takes the form of adding hidden links on your pages that lead visitors to sites that have nothing to do with your website.
If you have managed WordPress hosting, a security solution may be included with your hosting plan. On shared hosting, you can install a security plugin or purchase a website security service.
- Set up a backup solution.
Schedule backups of your entire WordPress site, which includes both the database and files. Backups are insurance for your site.Without a backup, you can spend days trying to restore your site when something goes wrong.
Install a backup plugin or use an automated backup service to make sure you have regular backups of your site. And store your backups offsite.
- Install an anti-spam plugin.
Sometimes I think spam is going to take over the web! We’ve all had to deal with spam over the years in email.Unfortunately, WordPress sites can receive hundreds of spam comments as well as registration comments each week.
While the first step to managing spam on your WordPress site is to configure your WordPress discussion comments, you’ll want to install an anti-spam plugin to eliminate spam on your site.
Wrapping Up
Keeping your self-hosted WordPress site running smoothly requires regular maintenance and updating.
Install plugins or purchase services to keep your site secure from hacks, backed up, and configured to avoid spam messages.
If you need help or prefer someone else manage and maintain your site for you, I offer monthly web site care packages. Contact me for more information.
Originally published March 14, 2015, updated with new content and imagery on September 20, 2021.
