As the gloomy winter weather retreats and flowers begin to bloom, it’s normal to feel pulled into spring cleaning. The fresh and vibrant nature of spring makes you feel new again (and like you can finally crawl out from under your heated blanket). Your home isn’t the only spot craving a spring clean, though. Completing website updates this season will keep your site running smoothly and your business growing throughout the season.

Here are a few website updates I recommend for your spring cleaning:

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#1 Run a Full Backup of Your Website

Before you complete any website updates, you want to make sure your site is backed up. By completing this step, you can sleep soundly knowing a copy of your website is always there – just in case something were to go wrong during your updates. Some hosts include site backups in the cost, but if not, you can use plugins like Updraft*.

#2 Delete Old Plugins

Part of spring cleaning is getting rid of anything that will weigh you down in this new season. The same goes for your website! Deactivate and delete any WordPress plugs that you’re no longer using. These old plugins can slow your site down and make you vulnerable to security issues.

#3 Update Your Plugins

Don’t forget about the plugins you do use! An essential website update is to check all your current plugins and make sure they are up-to-date. I recommend updating them one at a time and checking your homepage after each update, just in case you run into any errors. (If you do, that’s what your site backup is for!)

Want help updating and maintaining your plugins? Join Worry-Free Maintenance! I’ll take care of your site for you, so it stays safe and secure.

#4 Test Out Your Opt-Ins and Contact Forms

One website update people skip over is their forms. There’s no point in having a contact form or opt-in if it’s not functioning! Be sure to test out that people can sign up and contact you through these forms.

#5 Update Your About Page

I’ve worked on a lot of websites, and I can’t tell you how many outdated About pages I’ve read. 😬 The About page on your website is one of the most visited pages on your site, so make sure it’s up to date and includes recent photos.

#6 Check Your Menu

You want your website to be simple to use and navigate, so your spring cleaning should include a menu check. Click each link in your website menu, and make sure it’s working and takes you to the right page. This website update could be the difference between making a sale or losing a customer.

#7 Clean Out Your Media Gallery

Each time you upload an image or file to your website, it gets stored in your media gallery. The problem is that your site has to load that entire gallery every time. Update your website by deleting old images or files that you no longer use, so your website doesn’t lag.

These updates aren’t just about creating a nice-looking website, it’s about having a website that’s accessible, runs smoothly, and keeps your customers on the page. People have a low tolerance for buggy websites, so make sure you complete website updates regularly!

Don’t want to stress over website updates? Join Worry-Free Maintenance! Each month, I’ll back up your site, monitor your security, check your performance, and more – so your site runs smoothly without you lifting a finger. 🙌🏻