Here's why website maintenance is crucial

Website maintenance is essential to ensure optimal performance and a high-quality user experience. WordPress simplifies maintenance with its plugins and themes. ^[2]while hosting influences ease of maintenance, tools and support for optimal performance and simplified maintenance ^[3].

Regularly updating a website is crucial to a successful digital marketing strategy ^[4]. Neglecting this aspect can lead to out-of-date information, a poor user experience and lower search engine rankings ^[5]. This comprehensive expert maintenance and update guide will help you optimize the security, performance and SEO of your business website.

Regular security scans and vulnerability checks are important to protect the site and its users. ^[1]. An e-commerce site must have an SSL certificate. The HTTPS protocol guarantees secure traffic and information exchange between users and the site. ^[2]. An SSL certificate on a website prevents the transmission of users’ personal data. It intercepts data exchanges on a site and prevents unauthorized access to user information. ^[3].

Choosing a web host capable of adapting to your needs and providing regular security updates is essential. Make sure your web host provides regular security updates and offers a level of security tailored to your needs ^[3]. Regularly updating your CMS reduces the risk of hacking. Obsolete CMS platforms are common targets for hackers, with 44% of hacked sites having an obsolete CMS ^[3]. Regular backups of your site’s files and database are crucial in the event of a breach. Some web hosts offer automatic backups; if not, consider setting up a backup solution. ^[3].

Here are some other essential safety measures:

• Use strong, unique passwords for all site accounts. Regularly change passwords for access to the back office (administration), hosting and domain management to prevent unauthorized access. ^[2].

• Give users only the access they need for their tasks. Limit access to the site’s core by IP address or specific tools. ^[2].

• Use security tools and plug-ins, including firewalls, connection security, malware scanning and protection against brute-force attacks. ^[3].

• Be careful with comments to avoid spam and malicious links. Tools like Akismet Anti-Spam or Antispam Bee can help ^[2].

• Make sure your hosting provider regularly scans sites for viruses and malware. Have a backup and reinstallation plan in case of security problems. ^[2].

Regular monitoring and optimization of website performance can improve speed and responsiveness. ^[1]. Regular cleaning and optimization of the site’s database helps maintain optimal performance ^[11]. Here are a few tools to optimize your website’s performance :

• Fasterize: a paid solution for optimizing SEO and the user experience of web pages, offering real-time optimization of resources and code, compatibility with all CMS and the support of webperf experts. ^[12].

• Lighthouse: a free tool launched by Google to optimize web page positioning ^[12].

• PageSpeed Insights: a free tool launched by Google to measure web page loading speed ^[12].

• GTmetrix: a freemium SEO tool for evaluating website performance ^[12].

• appYuser: a freemium solution for measuring the performance and digital experience of your sites ^[12].

• Pingdom: a paid tool to analyze your websites’ performance and improve your ranking ^[12].

• Dareboost: a paid tool for auditing and analyzing the performance of a site or web page ^[12].

Google provides free tools like PageSpeed Insights and Lighthouse to help improve website performance, assessing performance against Core Web Vitals including LCP, FID and CLS ^[12]. GTmetrix and Dareboost offer more advanced features for optimizing website performance and user experience, providing detailed recommendations for improving performance and allowing you to prioritize actions based on potential gains. ^[12].

Here are some best practices for optimizing your website’s performance:

1. Optimize content by minimizing JavaScript and CSS files, prioritizing the loading of key elements after the main page, and compressing images. ^[13].

1. Use a CDN to optimize site performance by delivering content from servers geographically close to the user. ^[13]. 1001Web uses 100% CDN for all its websites.

1. Implement browser caching to reduce server load and improve user experience ^[13], such as Wp-Rocket.

1. Test site speed using tools such as Site Audit, PageSpeed Insights, GTmetrix, Dareboost, YSlow or Pingdom to identify areas for improvement. ^[13].

Regular content updates are essential to maintain a relevant, attractive and SEO-optimized website. ^[14]. Refining and regularly updating content is the key to improving SEO and user engagement. ^[15]. Regular updating of links, content and general maintenance is required. ^[1]. Regular updates enable the site to keep pace with the latest trends and offer innovative visitor experiences. ^[11]. Regular updating and optimization of content is essential to maintain and improve search engine rankings. ^[8].

Here are a few best practices to keep your website up to date:

1. Add new content regularly via a blog or news section on your website. Aim to add new content at least once a month. ^[1].

1. Visit your site regularly as a user would, checking for obsolete information or areas for improvement ^[1].

1. Use relevant, high-quality images. Update visuals regularly to keep the site fresh and professional. ^[1].

1. Keep abreast of the latest trends in web design and consider incorporating them into your site ^[1].

1. Regularly update the technical aspects of the site, in particular by keeping your CMS and extensions up to date, ensuring compatibility with current standards and maintaining site security. ^{[1] [16]}.

Regularly updating content, adding new news articles and integrating new media such as images and videos improve SEO and user engagement. Regularly adding new information to your website helps you position yourself as a leader in your field, providing valuable information to your customers. Search engine algorithms favor frequently updated websites, which can lead to higher rankings in search results. A fresh, up-to-date site encourages user engagement and fosters trust.

Testing on real devices is crucial for verifying how a web application looks and functions in different environments. ^[17]. Use emulators and simulators to test the web application on different screen sizes without having to own or access real devices ^[17]. Apply cross-browser tests to ensure that the web application is compatible with the browsers used by your users ^[17].

Here are a few best practices to ensure that your website is compatible with the latest technologies:

1. Use simple coding and JavaScript libraries such as Foundation and Bootstrap to ensure cross-browser compatibility. ^[18].

1. Validate your CSS and HTML code for cross-browser compatibility ^[18].

1. Use conditional comments to associate different style sheets with different browsers ^[18].

1. Check Doctype for cross-browser compatibility ^[18].

1. Use Reset CSS to correct differences in the default CSS rules ^[18].

1. Be prepared for differences in the way browsers interpret code ^[18].

Common problems with Firefox include lack of support for Web SQL Database, Filesystem & FileWriter API and EOT fonts. ^[18]. Safari has problems with CSS overflow-anchor, Shared Web Workers, Web Authentication APIs and partial compatibility with HTML5 forms and CSS masks. ^[18]. Comparium is recommended for testing cross-browser compatibility ^[18].

Understanding user behavior is crucial to ensuring the compatibility of web applications with different screen sizes ^[17]. Use responsive design to adjust the layout and content of web applications according to screen size ^[17]. Frameworks such as Bootstrap, Foundation or Materialize can be used to implement the principles of responsive design. ^[17]. Test on real devices to check how the web application looks and works in different environments ^[17]. Tools such as BrowserStack, Sauce Labs or LambdaTest can be used to access and test the web application on a variety of real-world devices. ^[17]. Follow web standards and best practices to create web pages compatible with different screen sizes, browsers and devices ^[17]. Use semantic HTML, CSS and JavaScript, optimize images and fonts, and minimize and compress code. ^[17]. Tools such as W3C Validator, Lighthouse or WebAIM can be used to check and improve compliance with web standards. ^[17]. Check the compatibility of new versions with your CMS ^[16].

Regular data backups and a disaster recovery plan are essential ^[1]. Regular backups guarantee data availability and continuity in the event of errors. ^[16]. They protect against server failures, hacker attacks and user errors. ^[16]. They save images, videos, publications and web files. ^[16].

Here are some best practices for website backups:

1. Perform regular, automated backups ^[16].

1. Backup files via FTP and the database ^[16] :

1. • Copy all server data via FTP

1. • Compress data if necessary

1. • Export database

1. Choose a reliable hosting service to avoid breakdowns ^[10].

1. Perform regular updates to prevent security breaches ^[10].

1. Store backups in a safe place to protect them from physical risks.

1. Regularly check the integrity of backups and carry out test restores.

Regular backups offer many advantages:

• Prevent data loss due to human error, hardware problems, natural disasters and cybercrime ^[20]

• Disaster recovery plan to ensure data availability in the event of hardware failure ^[20]

• Compliance with tax authorities during audits ^[20]

• Protection against cyber attacks and damage reduction ^[20]

• Improved sales operations and customer relationship management ^[20]

• Simplified archiving of important documents ^[20]

• Significant competitive advantage ^[20]

• Increased productivity and better time management ^[20]

• Peace of mind in the face of the unexpected ^[20]

Regularly checking the availability of a website ensures that it is always accessible to visitors. ^[1]. Here are some popular real-time monitoring tools:

• 1001Web.ca has its own professional 24/7 monitoring system that is included for all our customers as part of our turnkey website creation services.
• HTTPCS Monitoring: a paid tool to monitor your website’s availability in real time ^[12].
• Softmetrics Monitoring: helps identify and diagnose problems by tracking errors in real time ^[22].

• Contentsquare: a digital experience analysis platform offering functionalities such as zone heat maps, path analysis, merchandising, product analysis, inter-session analysis, retention analysis, user segments, digital experience monitoring, error analysis, frustration scoring, velocity analysis, session replay, mobile app analysis, impact quantification, AI insights, benchmarks, cloud and integrations &. APIS ^[25].

Real-time error alerts are sent as soon as the first error is detected during script execution, reducing the time it takes to notify users of problems. ^[23]. Alertbot, Hubspot CMS Hub, Better Uptime, Sematext, Freshping, Datadog, Dotcom-Monitor, WebGazer, Pingdom and Site24x7 are popular monitoring tools with an average price of around $25 per month. ^[24]. These tools help ensure that websites are always available and working properly, alerting administrators when problems are detected. ^[24].

Error analysis in Contentsquare identifies and rectifies technical and functional errors, prioritizing those that have an impact on conversions and revenues. ^[25]. Text search in Contentsquare analyzes warning and error messages, understands their impact on conversions, identifies friction points and visualizes user behavior leading to problems. ^[25]. Real-time alerts in Contentsquare send alerts directly to Slack or Microsoft Teams, allowing engineers to review data queries and responses for rapid problem resolution ^[25].

Regular monitoring can detect problems such as server downtime, HTTP errors and page load delays, improving SEO and user experience. ^[26]. Monitoring tools such as Pingdom, Uptime Robot, Dareboost, Montastic and Site 24×7 guarantee site availability and a good user experience, identify and resolve problems quickly, and have a positive impact on SEO. ^[26]. Implement security modules such as captcha to block hackers ^[16].

Cookies are essential for the proper functioning of a website. Necessary cookies contribute to the site’s basic functions, such as navigation and access to secure areas. Preference cookies enable the site to memorize user preferences, such as language settings. ^[27]. Users can manage their cookie preferences via a dedicated panel, allowing them to give or withdraw consent for different categories of cookies ^[27].

Compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is essential to respect user privacy, avoid sanctions, access the European market, improve brand reputation and comply with other data protection regulations ^[28]. The GDPR requires the data controller to maintain a register of all data processing activities, providing a clear and comprehensive view of the organization’s activities that require the collection and processing of personal data ^[4]. It must:

• Inform data subjects of the conditions under which their data is used and of their rights, including the contact details of the data controller, the purpose of data collection, the legal basis for processing and data retention periods ^[4].

• Enable data subjects to exercise their rights, in particular the right of access, rectification, erasure, opposition, data portability and limitation of processing. ^[4].

A page dedicated to the site’s privacy policy is mandatory, including the name of the data controller, the purpose of data processing, the categories of data recipients and the rights of access, rectification, opposition and deletion. ^[29]. Websites must ask for users’ consent to the use of cookies and provide an opt-out option, with a consent period of 13 months. ^[29]. Google Analytics marketing data must be kept for a maximum of 3 years and users can modify or delete their data on request. ^[29]. Forms must collect only the necessary information indicated in the privacy policy, and users must give their voluntary consent for the use of the data. ^[29]. Websites must ask for user consent before publishing comments ^[29]. E-commerce sites must not collect users’ data without their explicit consent during the checkout process or abandoned cart recovery. ^[29]. Skazy is committed to helping customers comply with the RGPD, offering advice, support and referrals to specialist law firms for legal advice ^[30].

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a set of free techniques that enable a website to comply with the rules of search engines such as Google ^{[7] [8] [9]}. The objective is to make as many pages as possible of your website appear in the first positions of Google search results following a user’s query. ^{[7] [9]}. Google has three crucial stages: crawling (or analysis), indexing and ranking. ^{[7] [8] [9]}. SEO criteria include technical aspects, UX, content and recommendations. ^{[7] [8] [9]}.

The creation of relevant and optimized content following an established SEO strategy is essential to improve the SEO of a website with content. ^{[6] [7] [8] [9]}. You need to identify the best keywords to use, including the main keyword, the semantic keyword and the long tail keyword. ^{[6] [7] [9]}. The page title should contain one or more important keywords, preferably at the beginning ^{[6] [7] [9]}. Internal and external links must be used strategically ^{[6] [7] [8] [9]}. Aim for a minimum of 800 words per page ^{[6] [7] [8] [9]}. Keyword placement should include ^{[6] [7] [8] [9]} :

• Article title

• The links

• The meta description

• Hn tags

• Fat

• The text

• The first paragraph

• The beginning of a sentence

• The beginning of a paragraph

Off-site SEO can be improved by promoting the page externally, mainly on social networks and other websites, and by obtaining quality backlinks ^{[6] [7] [8] [9]}. Using marketing automation software such as Leadfox can help optimize SEO strategy by tracking the performance of a marketing strategy. ^[6]. Regular updates and revisions are essential for the proper functioning and SEO ranking of a site. ^[14]. Proper maintenance ensures a positive user experience and higher search engine rankings ^[14]. Regular SEO monitoring helps maintain website visibility in search engine results ^[1]. Search engine algorithms favor frequently updated websites, which can lead to better search result rankings: Search engine algorithms favor frequently updated websites, which can lead to better search result rankings].

In short, regular website maintenance is crucial to ensure optimal performance, enhanced security and a quality user experience. Frequent content updates, regular backups, ongoing monitoring and search engine optimization are essential to maintaining a relevant, top-ranked website.

For professional, efficient website maintenance, rely on 1001Web.ca’s web maintenance services. Their expertise will allow you to concentrate on your core business, while ensuring that your website is up to date and efficient, ready to meet the needs of your visitors and achieve your online goals.

What are the advantages of using a maintenance service for your website?
Using a maintenance service for your website is crucial to maintaining its visibility on search engines. This involves regular monitoring of site positioning, backlinks and traffic. This means that any problems can be quickly detected and effectively remedied.

Why is regular website maintenance essential?
Regular website maintenance is essential to guarantee performance, security and efficiency. By performing regular updates, fixing bugs and optimizing content, you can deliver an optimal user experience, strengthen security against cyber-attacks and improve search engine rankings. What’s more, preventive maintenance prevents potential problems before they become major obstacles. In short, regular maintenance of a website is a crucial investment in its durability and long-term success.

What are the best practices for maintaining a website?
To optimally maintain a website, it is advisable to regularly publish new content. Search engines favor sites that update their content on an ongoing basis, which is a key factor in improving SEO.

Who is responsible for website maintenance?
The professional responsible for maintaining a website is often referred to as the “Webmaster”. The webmaster is responsible for all tasks required to keep the site up to date and running smoothly.

[1] – https://mailchimp.com/fr/resources/website-maintenance/
[2] – https://www.wizishop.fr/blog/comment-securiser-son-site-ecommerce.html
[3] – https://bastacommunication.ca/ameliorer-securite-site-web-4-etapes/
[4] – https://www.cnil.fr/fr/assurer-votre-conformite-en-4-etapes
[5] – https://fr.semrush.com/blog/conseils-pour-optimiser-performance-site-internet/
[6] – https://www.leadfox.co/blog-fr/seo-comment-optimiser-son-site-web
[7] – https://semji.com/fr/guide/techniques-seo-le-guide-complet/
[8] – https://www.seomix.fr/guide-optimisation-seo/
[9] – https://developers.google.com/search/docs/fundamentals/seo-starter-guide
[10] – https://www.astraga.fr/importance-sauvegardes-site-internet/
[11] – https://amphibee.fr/quest-ce-que-la-maintenance-dun-site-internet-et-pourquoi-est-elle-indispensable/
[12] – https://www.blogdumoderateur.com/tools/tech/performance-web/
[13] – https://www.octopulse.io/seo-guide/performance
[14] – https://hellodarwin.com/fr/blogue/pourquoi-maintenance-site-importante
[15] – https://www.oni-cif.com/quest-ce-que-la-maintenance-dun-site-et-en-quoi-est-elle-importante/
[16] – https://codaza.fr/pourquoi-est-il-important-de-sauvegarder-votre-site-web/
[17] – https://fr.linkedin.com/advice/3/what-best-ways-ensure-web-application-compatibility-amfje?lang=fr
[18] – https://comparium.app/fr/blog/cross-browser-compatibility/
[19] – https://digisense.fr/pourquoi-est-il-important-de-sauvegarder-son-site-web/
[20] – https://www.savbox.fr/pourquoi-sauvegardes-quotidiennes/
[22] – https://fastercapital.com/fr/contenu/Suivi-des-erreurs—correction-des-problemes-avec-Softmetrics-Monitoring.html
[23] – https://www.dotcom-monitor.com/wiki/fr/knowledge-base/alerte-sur-les-erreurs-de-surveillance-des-applications-web/
[24] – https://www.ecommerce-nation.fr/monitoring/
[25] – https://contentsquare.com/fr-fr/plateforme/fonctionnalites/error-analysis/
[26] – https://web-eau.net/blog/surveillance-monitoring-site-web
[27] – https://xn--russir-en-b4a.fr/7-conseils-pour-securiser-son-site-internet/
[28] – https://lexactitude.com/guide-complet-pour-assurer-la-conformite-au-rgpd-de-votre-site-web/
[29] – https://www.codein.fr/blog/guide-rgpd-les-pratiques-essentielles-pour-assurer-la-conformite-de-votre-site-web
[30] – https://mag.skazy.nc/rgpd-site-web-conforme/
[31] – https://digitad.ca/optimisation-seo-site-web/
[32] – https://www.boomerang.ch/fr/blog/quel-est-le-role-de-la-maintenance-d-un-site-internet-1797/
[33] – https://blog.simplebo.fr/qu-est-ce-que-la-maintenance-de-site-internet