Launching a WordPress site is exciting. But the real challenge is keeping it running smoothly months and years after launch.
Most sites don’t fail because of some big catastrophic error — they fail slowly, through neglect.
Here are a few simple habits that make WordPress sites last longer and stay reliable.
1. Update regularly
It sounds obvious, but many site owners ignore updates until something breaks.
WordPress core, themes, and plugins release patches for security and compatibility. Skipping them leaves your site exposed.
Make updates part of your routine: check once a week, or set safe automatic updates for minor versions.
Always back up before big updates.
2. Back up often (and test restores)
A backup is only useful if it works.
Set daily backups if possible, or weekly for low-activity sites. Store them offsite — not just on the same server.
More important: test the restore process at least once. Many people discover too late that their backup plugin isn’t restoring correctly.
3. Monitor broken links
Links rot over time. A page gets deleted, a product disappears, an external site changes its URL.
Broken links frustrate users and hurt SEO.
Use tools like Broken Link Checker or external services that crawl your site monthly. Fixing a handful of links regularly is easier than repairing hundreds after years of neglect.
4. Monitor uptime
Even good hosting providers have downtime. Without monitoring, you might not notice issues until users complain.
Set up a free uptime monitor (e.g., UptimeRobot). A quick email alert helps you react fast if the site goes offline.
5. Review performance quarterly
Websites slow down as they grow. More content, more scripts, more media — little by little, load times increase.
Run Lighthouse or PageSpeed Insights every few months.
If you notice performance slipping, optimize images, audit plugins, and clean the database. Small adjustments keep the site healthy.
6. Document changes
Keep a simple log: when you installed a plugin, updated WordPress, or changed hosting.
When problems appear, this log helps you trace what happened.
Future-you will thank present-you for the notes.
Final thoughts
Websites don’t stay solid by chance. They survive because someone cares enough to maintain them.
These habits don’t take long, but they extend the life of a site and make it less stressful to manage.
Longevity isn’t magic — it’s consistency.
🌱 Ellie Miguel – WordPress freelancer from Málaga | elliemiguel.es
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