Maintaining a WordPress or Joomla website is not just about keeping it online—it’s about ensuring optimal performance, security, and user experience. As two of the most popular Content Management Systems (CMS), WordPress and Joomla empower businesses of all sizes to create dynamic, professional websites. However, the ease of building a site doesn’t negate the ongoing responsibilities of maintenance.
In this guide, we’ll outline essential tips for maintaining your WordPress or Joomla website, ensuring it stays functional, secure, and delivers value to your business.
1. Keep Your Core CMS Updated
Both WordPress and Joomla regularly release updates to improve functionality, fix bugs, and address security vulnerabilities. Neglecting these updates can leave your website exposed to cyberattacks or result in compatibility issues.
How to Stay Updated:
- Enable notifications for new versions of WordPress or Joomla.
- Test updates in a staging environment before applying them to your live site to avoid potential downtime.
Why It Matters: Outdated software is one of the leading causes of website hacking. Staying updated keeps your site secure and compliant with modern web standards.
2. Update Plugins, Extensions, and Themes
Third-party plugins (WordPress) and extensions (Joomla) extend your website’s functionality but can also introduce vulnerabilities if not maintained properly.
Best Practices:
- Regularly review and update all installed plugins and themes.
- Delete unused or inactive plugins/extensions to minimize security risks.
- Avoid using outdated or unsupported tools, as these may no longer receive necessary security patches.
Pro Tip: Use trusted sources for plugins and themes to avoid malicious or poorly coded options.
3. Conduct Regular Backups
Backups are your safety net. They ensure that even in the worst-case scenario—such as a hack, server failure, or accidental deletion—you can restore your website with minimal downtime.
Backup Strategy:
- Use backup tools like UpdraftPlus (WordPress) or Akeeba Backup (Joomla).
- Store backups in multiple locations, such as cloud storage and local devices.
- Automate daily or weekly backups, depending on your site’s activity level.
When You Need It: A reliable backup can be a lifesaver if an update goes wrong or your site is compromised.
4. Optimise for Performance
A fast website is essential for user experience and SEO rankings. Regular performance optimization ensures your site loads quickly and remains competitive.
Tips for WordPress:
- Use caching plugins like WP Rocket or W3 Total Cache.
- Optimize images with tools like Smush or ShortPixel.
Tips for Joomla:
- Enable caching in Joomla’s Global Configuration settings.
- Optimize your database by regularly cleaning up unused data and revisions.
Monitor Performance: Tools like Google PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix can help identify areas for improvement.
5. Secure Your Website
Security is a critical aspect of maintenance. Both WordPress and Joomla are frequently targeted by hackers due to their popularity.
Essential Security Measures:
- Use strong passwords for all user accounts, especially administrators.
- Implement two-factor authentication (2FA) for an added layer of security.
- Install security plugins like Wordfence (WordPress) or RSFirewall (Joomla).
- Regularly review user roles and permissions to prevent unauthorized access.
Don’t Forget the Basics: Ensure your hosting provider offers robust security features, including firewalls and malware scanning.
6. Monitor for Broken Links
Broken links can frustrate users and harm your site’s SEO. Regularly checking for and fixing broken links ensures a seamless browsing experience.
How to Check:
- Use tools like Broken Link Checker (WordPress plugin) or online tools like Dead Link Checker.
- Joomla users can install extensions like “Check My Links” for automated scans.
Quick Fix: Redirect broken links to relevant pages using a redirection plugin or Joomla’s URL management features.
7. Ensure Mobile Responsiveness
With most web traffic coming from mobile devices, maintaining a responsive design is critical for your site’s success.
What to Do:
- Test your site on various devices and screen sizes.
- Optimize your site’s navigation and buttons for touch interactions.
- Use Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test to ensure compliance.
Why It Matters: A mobile-friendly website improves user experience and search engine rankings.
8. Regularly Audit Content
Fresh, engaging content keeps your website relevant and helps maintain traffic. Conduct regular audits to ensure your site remains up-to-date.
Audit Checklist:
- Review old blog posts and update them with new information or statistics.
- Remove outdated content, such as events or announcements.
- Optimize content for SEO with relevant keywords and metadata.
For Business Sites: Keep services, pricing, and contact details accurate to avoid confusing potential clients.
9. Enable Analytics and Track Performance
Understanding your website’s performance is vital for growth. Analytics provide insights into visitor behavior, traffic sources, and areas for improvement.
Recommended Tools:
- WordPress: Use Google Analytics via plugins like MonsterInsights.
- Joomla: Integrate Google Analytics using third-party extensions or directly embed tracking codes.
Key Metrics:
- Monitor bounce rates, session durations, and conversion rates to identify issues.
10. Regularly Test Your Website
Routine testing ensures that all elements of your site function correctly.
What to Test:
- Forms: Ensure contact, subscription, and feedback forms work as intended.
- Links: Confirm internal and external links direct users to the correct pages.
- Checkout Process: If you have e-commerce features, test the entire customer journey regularly.
Frequency: Perform testing monthly or after significant updates.
11. Stay Informed About Your CMS
Both WordPress and Joomla have active communities that frequently share updates, tips, and resources.
Where to Look:
- Subscribe to official blogs like WordPress News or Joomla Community Portal.
- Join forums and groups to stay updated on trends and solutions.
12. Consider Professional Maintenance Services
Managing a website can be time-consuming, especially for businesses with limited technical expertise. Outsourcing maintenance to professionals ensures your site is always in top shape.
Benefits of Professional Maintenance:
- Peace of mind with expert oversight.
- Regular updates, backups, and security monitoring handled for you.
- Personalized solutions tailored to your business needs.
Why Choose Cartmell Communications Limited?
We specialize in maintaining WordPress and Joomla websites, offering reliable hosting, updates, and support. By partnering with us, you can focus on growing your business while we take care of the technical details.
