So, you’ve got a WordPress site—whether it’s a blog, a store, or your business hub, it’s your digital home. But just like your real home, it needs a little regular TLC. Imagine ignoring your roof, pipes, or front door. Yeah, chaos! That’s what happens when you forget about site maintenance.
TLDR (Too Long, Didn’t Read)
Taking care of your WordPress site every month helps keep it secure, fast, and user-friendly. A monthly maintenance checklist ensures nothing falls through the cracks. This includes updating plugins, cleaning up spam, scanning for malware, and backing up data. It sounds like a chore, but with a checklist, it’s easy—and it saves you BIG time later.
Why Maintenance Matters
WordPress is awesome, but it’s not set-it-and-forget-it. Plugins get outdated. Hackers try their luck. Broken links sneak in. Your site can start slowing down—or worse, crash completely! Regular checkups keep things running smooth, secure, and stress-free.
Alright, let’s jump into your monthly to-do list.
The WordPress Monthly Maintenance Checklist
1. Update Everything
This includes:
- WordPress Core – Make sure you’re on the latest version.
- Themes – Even inactive ones. Outdated code = security risk.
- Plugins – They add cool features, but need regular updates to stay safe.
Always update one at a time and test your site afterward. And yes, back it up first!
2. Back That Site Up
You’d never write a novel without saving your work. Same rule here. A backup is your safety net when disaster strikes.
Use plugins like UpdraftPlus or Jetpack Backup and store copies on the cloud or locally. Don’t only rely on your hosting provider.
3. Check Site Performance
Your visitors won’t wait 10 seconds for your site to load. Run performance tests monthly.
- Google PageSpeed Insights – Free and helpful.
- GTmetrix – Dig deeper into what’s slowing you down.
If your site is getting slow, it might be time to optimize images or switch hosting.
4. Scan for Malware and Security Issues
Hackers don’t take vacations, so scan your site monthly. Use tools like:
- Wordfence
- iThemes Security
- Sucuri Site Check
These tools alert you of any threats and help you take action fast.
5. Clean Up Spam Comments
Spam is like digital trash—it piles up and slows everything down. Clear it out each month:
- Empty the spam comment folder.
- Consider adding anti-spam tools like Akismet or Antispam Bee.
Bonus: Say goodbye to shady links and weird ads in your comment section.
6. Test All Forms
Ever tried sending a message and the form didn’t work? Frustrating, right? Don’t lose leads!
- Test your contact forms, newsletter signups, and checkout forms.
- Make sure they’re sending emails correctly and redirecting where they should.
7. Optimize Your Database
Your database stores everything: posts, comments, settings—you name it. Over time, it gets cluttered.
Use plugins like WP-Optimize to clear out:
- Post revisions
- Spam comments
- Trashed content
It makes your site faster and more efficient.
8. Fix Broken Links
Broken links are bad for SEO and give visitors the 404 blues. Use tools like:
- Broken Link Checker (plugin)
- Ahrefs or Screaming Frog (for deeper audits)
Don’t forget to fix or redirect those dead links.
9. Review Analytics
Open your Google Analytics or Jetpack stats. Ask yourself:
- What pages are getting the most traffic?
- Where do people drop off?
- What traffic sources are working?
Use what you learn to improve content and user experience.
10. Test Mobile Responsiveness
More visitors are using smartphones than ever. Make sure your site looks great and functions perfectly on small screens.
- Use your own phone for a quick test.
- Or use browser tools to simulate mobile devices.
A site that’s not mobile-friendly = traffic loss.
11. Review Backups (Yes, Again)
You made backups earlier, right? Now just review them. Ensure:
- They’re current (within the last month).
- They’re complete and restorable.
- Stored in more than one place.
You’d be surprised how many people think they have backups… and then don’t.
12. Update Legal Pages
If laws or your business change, your policies have to too. Check your:
- Privacy Policy
- Terms & Conditions
- Cookie Notices
It keeps you compliant and builds trust with your audience.
13. Audit Users and Roles
People come and go. Maybe someone shouldn’t have admin access anymore?
- Remove old users.
- Review roles and permissions.
- Always follow the rule of least privilege.
Fewer admins = fewer chances for things to go boom.
Helpful Tools to Make Maintenance Easier
You don’t have to do it all manually! Try these:
- ManageWP: Manage multiple sites from one dashboard.
- MainWP: Open-source alternative for power users.
- Jetpack: Bundles a host of features including backups and performance tools.
Automation = less stress = happy you!
Make It a Routine!
Pro Tip: Add your checklist to Google Keep, Notion or even print it out! Set a calendar reminder for the first of every month. Brew a coffee, hit your list, and you’re done in under an hour.
Wrapping It Up
Monthly WordPress maintenance is like brushing your teeth. Skip it and things get messy—fast. But stay on top of it, and your site will serve you beautifully for years to come.
So, put on your digital gloves and get maintaining. Your future self (and your visitors) will thank you!