Attention business owners, running your own website is more complex than you may think. Your website is alive and working for you around the clock.
A website runs on software, code, scripts, or whatever terminology you like to use, and that code needs to be updated on a weekly basis at minimum. So, yes, in my humble opinion, managing a website is hard and takes experience.
In this article, I am going to take you behind the scenes to look at what managing a website entails. We are going to look at my email inbox to see all the different alerts about security concerns, software patches, search engine updates, and new features that are rolling out on a daily basis.
Why Running A Website Is Hard Work
As a business owner, I’m sure your day looks much different than mine. You have projects to attend to, staff to manage, and bills to pay. You prioritize your day to make sure your business gets the attention it needs where it needs it most.
I would bet that your website is not high on the list of priorities. When you visit the site, everything looks good and is working as expected.
Now let’s take a look at my day as a website manager – because my day revolves around keeping your website safe, secure, and running smoothly. After all, that’s why we call it a website care plan!
Reviewing Website Software Updates: Website Management 101
When I start my work day, my first task is to look at all my client websites to get an idea of what software updates came in overnight.
I then have to see if any of those updates contain any critical security updates. If the update fixes a dangerous security concern, then all sites running that software must get the update as soon as possible. But updating the software isn’t always a simple task.
Testing New Software Updates
When a new software is released, I test the update on a testing website (the technical term is a staging site).
The new software is installed and tested. I look at the site to see if the update:
- Caused your website to break or display incorrectly
- Caused a conflict with another software
- Is working as expected
If all looks good on the testing environment, then the update is applied to your production website. If something went wrong, then I have to see what the conflict is and try to resolve the issue.
Websites Need Frequent Software Updates
Meta Box is a popular WordPress plugin that always notifies its users of security updates and is dedicated to providing the best software possible. I bet you had no idea that version 5.9.3 was released. That’s a good thing, because that’s my job.
Common Challenges in DIY Website Management
As a business owner, you have to focus your time on what matters most. That time should not be spent updating your website.
Many small business owners want to cut costs and try to manage their own website. But DIY website management is hard.
- You have to learn the software
- You have to learn about website security
- You have to backup your website frequently
- You have to keep your website up and live for you customers
- You have to update your website from time to time with fresh content
All of these items above are a huge time suck. That’s why website management is an investment, not a cost center for your business.
Hiring A Professional Website Management Company Is An Investment
Consulting with a professional website management company is an investment in your business and I can prove it.
I woke up to an email from Google saying any domain purchased on Google Domains is going to lose search console verification because they sold this part of their business to Squarespace.
Google Search Console is the tool used to add your website to the Google Search engine, it’s a big deal to ensure this is working properly. If you ignore this email because you thought it didn’t really matter, you could be losing out on business because your website is not indexed correctly on the search engine.
Leverage The Expertise Of Website Management Company
When I talk to new clients about website management, I explain that they are investing in my experience running websites and bringing this expertise over to their business.
Who wouldn’t want years of experience injected into their marketing plan for as little as $99/month?
In less than 24 hours, I received two critical alerts about websites I manage in my agency.
One alert was a security patch and another alert was about search engine indexing.
Those were only two examples in a 24-hour time period. Take a moment to think about what updates your site might need in a week, a month, or a year.
What to Look for in a Professional Website Management Company
There are many website management businesses you could hire today. But here are a few things to look for before you hire someone to manage your website:
- Do they offer backups of your website?
- Do they backup your website’s core software and plugins frequently?
- Do they offer content updates?
Backups Are a Key Service of a Good Website Management Company
Weekly, nightly, and hourly backups should be a key service offering from company offering website care plans and website management services.
If your website doesn’t change much, weekly backups are probably fine.
However, if you are blogging, updating your services, or making frequent changes to your website, you should backup your site nightly.
If you have a website that sells products, you should probably consider hourly backups so you can take frequent snapshots of all of your sales.
Core Software And Plugin Update Frequency
All websites have a core software (sometimes called a content management software CMS) that powers the site. This is like the engine of your website. Just like your vehicle, this software gets periodic updates. These updates happen infrequently, but when they do, other software on your website could break.
Plugins are smaller packages or tools that enhance your website’s functionality. Plugins receive updates much more frequently.
I suggest checking and updating software on a website at least once a week. The one caveat here comes with security updates. These patches need to be updated ASAP.
Monthly Content Updates
A good website management package (or website care plan) should come with some amount of time dedicated to content updates. This should come at no extra charge to you.
Most companies offer 30 minutes to an hour of time per month where you can request updates to existing content. That could entail updating the text, adding or changing images, or adding a new video.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is managing my own website difficult?
Yes, managing a website can be challenging. It involves keeping the software, code, and scripts updated at least weekly. This task is complicated by the need to stay on top of security alerts, software patches, search engine updates, and new features. Without experience, these responsibilities can quickly become overwhelming.
2. What does website management entail?
Website management includes reviewing and applying software updates, testing new updates on a staging site, resolving any conflicts or issues, and ensuring the website remains secure and functional. It also involves frequent backups, content updates, and staying informed about critical alerts that could affect website performance or security.
3. Why should I consider hiring a professional website management company?
Hiring a professional website management company is an investment in your business. Professionals bring experience and expertise, handling all aspects of website management so you can focus on your core business activities. Services include ensuring your website is updated, secure, backed up, and optimized for search engines, which can save you time and prevent potential losses.
4. What should I look for in a professional website management company?
When selecting a website management company, look for services that include regular backups, frequent updates of core software and plugins, and content updates. Ensure they offer comprehensive care plans that cover everything from security patches to content management. This will help keep your website running smoothly, securely, and up-to-date.
Final Thoughts On Is Managing A Website Hard?
Managing a website is not easy. It’s an ongoing responsibility that demands attention and the right expertise.
You have to carve out the time for regular software updates and quickly update critical security vulnerabilities.
But software updates are not the only activities a website management company should provide. A good website care plan should include backups and content updates too.
This article has shed light on the behind-the-scenes efforts required to keep a website operational, secure, and up-to-date, highlighting the value of professional website management services.
Trusting your website management to an experienced company not only ensures optimal performance but also frees up your time to focus on other key business objectives.
Investing in professional website management service is not just about maintaining your online presence; it’s about enhancing your business’s efficiency, security, and ultimately, its success in the digital landscape.
