Five reasons to perform monthly website maintenance for Craft CMS websites

Craft CMS stands out as a powerful platform for website development, offering flexibility, scalability, and a user-friendly interface. However, like any software system, maintaining a Craft website involves more than just the initial setup; it requires regular website management. One critical aspect of monthly Craft website maintenance is updating the CMS core and plugins. 

Why must Craft CMS websites undergo monthly maintenance for their plugins and core?

1. Security Vulnerabilities: One primary reason for regular updates is to patch security vulnerabilities. Hackers are constantly probing websites for weaknesses, and outdated plugins or CMS cores can provide them with easy access points. Craft CMS developers work diligently to identify and address security flaws, releasing updates that fortify the system against potential threats. By staying up-to-date, website owners can significantly reduce the risk of security breaches and protect sensitive data.
2. Bug Fixes and Performance Enhancements: Updates address security issues, fix bugs, and improve overall performance. Bugs can manifest in various ways, from minor glitches to significant malfunctions affecting user experience. Regular updates ensure these bugs are promptly identified and resolved, leading to a smoother and more reliable website performance. Additionally, updates often include optimizations that enhance speed, efficiency, and compatibility with other software components, contributing to a better user experience.
3. Compatibility with New Features: Craft CMS is a dynamic platform that continues to evolve with each new release. Updates introduce new features, functionalities, and enhancements that empower website owners to expand their capabilities and stay competitive in the digital landscape. However, to leverage these new offerings, keeping the CMS core and plugins up-to-date is essential. Failure to do so could result in compatibility issues, rendering certain features inaccessible or causing unexpected behavior.
4. Maintaining Long-Term Stability: Consistent updates contribute to the long-term stability of a Craft website. Neglecting updates for an extended period can lead to a buildup of technical debt, where the gap between the website’s current state and the latest version widens, making future updates more challenging and time-consuming. By adopting a monthly update routine, website owners can mitigate technical debt.
5. Proactive Maintenance Approach: Adopting a proactive approach to website maintenance is far more advantageous than reactive measures taken after encountering problems. Monthly updates are a proactive strategy to address potential issues before they escalate into major problems. By staying ahead of the curve, website owners can minimize downtime, avoid disruptions to business operations, and uphold their brand’s reputation.

By prioritizing updates for both plugins and the CMS core, website owners can safeguard their investment, enhance user experience, and stay ahead of the curve. Ready to protect your digital investment and lay the foundation for sustained growth? Learn more about Daylight’s monthly Craft maintenance services.