Managing a website is a bit like maintaining a nice garden: it requires consistent attention just to look good and to work great then to produce fruits or flowers it will need more time and energy: perhaps a maintenance professional or contractor.
If you are new to the world of web management or use platforms like WordPress, Squarespace or Wix, the idea of “website maintenance” might sound technical or even a little intimidating. But don’t worry; just like with any tool or system, there are straightforward ways to stay on top of things and keep your website performing well.
In this article, we’ll explore why websites naturally tend to “fall apart” over time – a concept in physics known as entropy – and what you can do to combat this tendency. And if you find that the routine is a bit more than you’d like to handle, you’ll learn how a good web maintenance contractor can save you time and energy.
“Web maintenance is the battle against entropy – keeping order in the ever-evolving chaos of the digital landscape.”
Jeremy Thomas
Understanding Digital Entropy: Why Websites Need Regular Maintenance
In physics, entropy is the natural tendency for systems to move toward disorder. This concept translates surprisingly well to websites! Over time, sites experience “digital entropy”. Software becomes outdated, links break, plugins need updating, and content loses relevance. Without regular upkeep, websites can gradually become slow, unreliable or even vulnerable to security issues.
Here are some common ways entropy shows up in websites…
- Natural Degradation Over Time
Even with the most modern website platforms, digital entropy happens to everyone. This includes outdated plugins, broken links, or features that worked well initially but start to break as software changes. For example, a plugin you installed two years ago might not work after a new update. It’s a natural part of the process. - Performance and Security Concerns
Security is a top reason to stay on top of maintenance. Website platforms frequently release updates to patch vulnerabilities. If your site isn’t updated, it’s exposed to potential threats, and issues can build up just like weeds in a garden. As technology changes, what was fast and efficient one year might become sluggish the next. - SEO and Content Entropy
Trends in web design and SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) are always evolving. A blog post or product page that was attracting visitors a year ago might not be as effective today. Keeping your content fresh not only appeals to users but also helps with search engine rankings, making your website more visible and relevant.
As technology changes, what was fast and efficient one year might become sluggish the next….
Taking a Proactive Approach to Website Maintenance
Think of website maintenance as regular check-ups that prevent bigger issues down the line. Here are some examples of preventive vs. reactive maintenance that you can apply to your website:
- Preventive: Regularly updating plugins, adding fresh content, optimising images, and doing small design tweaks are ways to keep your site running smoothly.
- Reactive: If the site hasn’t been maintained and suddenly breaks or runs slowly, it will likely take more time, effort, and money to fix. Regular care can prevent costly interventions later.
The Energy Cost of Keeping a Website in Good Shape
Just as physical systems need energy to fight against entropy, so does a website. Your site will require either time, money, or both to keep it functioning well. But the good news is that you don’t have to be a tech expert to handle basic maintenance. Many CMS platforms provide easy ways to run updates with a single click.
If you don’t have the time or confidence to do this yourself, hiring a web maintenance contractor can help you keep your site in order. This is particularly important for business websites or e-commerce stores, where reliability directly impacts customer experience.
Just as physical systems need energy to fight against entropy, so does a website…
Maintenance Across All Platforms
It’s worth noting that all CMS platforms—whether WordPress, Squarespace, or Shopify—will require some level of maintenance. From security patches to content updates, the principles are the same. This doesn’t mean that platforms aren’t reliable; they just need a bit of help to stay that way over time.
Conclusion: Keep Your Website Resilient
Web maintenance is like a small investment that pays off by keeping your site secure, functional and relevant. Tackling maintenance proactively helps you avoid digital entropy, making your site an asset that works for you rather than against you. And if it feels like too much to handle, remember that professional help is just a call away.
Whether you choose to do it yourself or bring in a contractor, your website, and your users including your target market, will benefit from the attention. Embrace the routine, and you’ll be rewarded with a site that stands the test of time.
