One of the biggest questions I get from clients is why updating their software plugins is so important. “I paid a lot of money to have my website built, why do I have to pay for monthly maintenance?”
Great question. In WordPress, not keeping the plugins up to date is one of the most common mistakes I see with potential clients. This can lead to contact forms not working, websites loading slower, security issues, or even a full crash of the whole website.
Think of your software plugins like the apps on your phone. These apps need to be up to date to interact properly with each other and with the phone itself.
My rule of thumb is to look at each component of the website at least once a week. For some sites, you may need to review this more often, and some sites may not need this as frequently.
Another question I get asked is whether all hosting providers will automatically do this. The short answer is no. For example Bluehost will maintain your server, if you’re on a shared server, but they won’t keep an eye on your website. If you’re on a dedicated server, you’re responsible for your own server management.
To help unravel this confusion, we created this graphic to help explain the difference in what hosting providers vs. web development firms typically provide. Still have questions or want to learn more? Feel free to contact us.
