Website Maintenance Plans

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One of our favorite times at time4design is the official launch of our client’s website: from the buildup of the launch date, to the creation of promotional materials, and finally the satisfaction from the shier amount of hours invested into the project.

At time4design, the customer is always the main focus, and this is reflected in the importance we place on the quality of a website’s content, marketing and search visibility. A website that does not maintain frequent attention will not meet original strategic goals. This, in turn, can result in the falling of search engine rankings and the possibility of customers becoming less interested. Does “Someone should really get around to updating latest news from new website launched in 2010” sound all to familiar? We understand that other business priorities make it easy to push updating your web content to the end of your long to do list.

So is a maintenance plan right for your company? Let’s take a closer look at some obstacles that you might face:

Content Management
It provides information to your customers. It informs them of what is happening and why they should be consider your services. Common complaints include old news, outdated images and new pages that should be added. Keeping a website fresh with new content and imagery keeps one informed and a reason to return.

Content Management System (CMS) Maintenance
Most Content Management Solutions today (WordPress, Joomla, Drupal etc.) constantly come out with security updates and new releases. At times new updates can break a website dependent on what software has been installed. If a CMS is not updated, it leaves a website vulnerable to security issues and possible ‘hacking’.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Maintenance and Analytics
It’s no secret to most SEO teams that Search engines love new content. A website that is updated with fresh content regularly will have a higher chance of being found. A good maintenance plan includes optimization techniques that will help keep a website at a satisfactory visibility rank and continues to reach its audience. (read our previous article – SEM and SEO Campaigns)

Social Networking Plans
Over the last few years, social networking has become a full time job. Once a new article has been released, this should be posted to a social network platform. This strengthens your SEO campaign and help promotes your brand.

Browser Compatibility
Cross browser compatibility is standard for every website design company. Once a site is launched, it is expected to work on most browsers and other platforms. Yet, technology moves forward and websites may not be supported on some new releases…especially with popularity of smart phones and tablets. Have you looked at yours recently? Now might be the time!

Other maintenance to be aware of:

• Hosting, Email, and Domain Support
• Upgrades & Security Patches
• Monthly Website Backups
• Site Link Checks
• Website Failures
• General IT Support