What should a website maintenance plan include?

A website maintenance plan should explain what is checked, what is updated, how backups are handled and who responds when something breaks. The exact work depends on the website and the agreement.

Updates and compatibility checks

Agree which application, plugin and hosting updates are covered. Important changes should be checked before release, including the forms and integrations your business relies on.

Backups and restoration

A backup is useful only if it can be restored. Discuss which files and data are included, how long copies are kept, who can access them and how a restoration is tested. Keep account ownership and recovery information clear.

Checks on important journeys

Review the pages and actions that matter: opening the website on a phone, finding a service, sending an enquiry and using any booking or payment flow. Broken links and outdated contact details are maintenance issues too.

Content and search visibility

Decide whether the plan includes editing pages or publishing articles. Check that important public pages remain accessible, that titles describe their content and that removed pages have an appropriate destination when one exists.

Support boundaries and costs

Write down contact channels, coverage hours and which work requires a separate quote. Hosting, domain renewal, email, third-party subscriptions and new features may be separate items. Do not assume they are included.

Before you agree

• Ask for a clear list of covered tasks
• Identify the owner of every account
• Agree backup and recovery responsibilities
• Define the reporting and support process
• Record exclusions and recurring costs

See our hosting and maintenance services or ask about support for your website.