maintenance

How much maintenance does a website need?

Website maintenance depends on the type of website you have and the platform it runs on.

CMS websites (WordPress & Joomla)

If you have a CMS website, ongoing maintenance is essential to ensure security, performance and long-term functionality.

Website administration is performed via the backend with full administrator access.

Key maintenance tasks include:

  • Software security updates – keeping the core CMS software secure
  • Third-party software updates – updating plugins and extensions
  • Website backups – protecting your data in case of issues

Regular updates help prevent security vulnerabilities, improve site performance and ensure compatibility with evolving technology.

Learn more: What is a CMS?

SaaS websites (Squarespace, Shopify & Wix)

If you have a SaaS platform website such as Shopify or Squarespace, maintenance is handled by the platform and included in your monthly fee.

This means:

  • No manual software updates required
  • Automatic security patches applied
  • Built-in hosting and maintenance support

While SaaS platforms reduce the need for technical upkeep, it’s still important to regularly update website content and review performance.

Read more: What is a SaaS?

Choosing the right level of maintenance

The platform you choose has a direct impact on how much ongoing technical management your site needs. It’s worth factoring this in when deciding between a CMS and a SaaS platform – especially if you don’t have someone technical on hand to handle updates.

Compare platforms: What is the best website platform for your business?

Need help managing your website?

If you have a CMS website and want advice on keeping it maintained and secure, that’s something we can help with as part of a broader Cyber Security & Safety or Digital Setup engagement. We also advise on the best hosting packages from providers which can handle most of the technical upkeep automatically.