It’s a terrible feeling to know that your website is down. You’ve built this amazing thing for people, but they can’t access it because of some technical error. It’s not only frustrating, but it also makes you look bad! As an online business owner, you are always looking for ways to improve your site and reduce the chance that downtime will happen again. Thankfully, there are several proven ways to keep your website running. Just follow these strategies because they will help prevent outages in the future.
Keep Your Website Updated
Keep your website updated. Keep the software and plugins on your server up to date, as well as any content management system (CMS) you use like WordPress or Drupal. If there are security updates available for it, install them right away – they can help prevent attacks that cause downtime. If you’re using a CMS, make sure to update the themes and plugins you’re using. Outdated software can leave your site vulnerable to attack, resulting in downtime. Most hosting providers offer an auto-update feature for software on your server. Enable this feature if it’s available, and your site will stay up-to-date with the latest security patches and software updates.
Test All New Software
Test all new software and updates before rolling them out to your website. You can fix any minor problems before they become widespread. The last thing you want is a new software update or addition to causing downtime on your website. Before implementing them on your live site, make sure to test all updates thoroughly.
Backup Your Files Regularly
Your web host may provide you with a backup option, or it’s your responsibility to take care of this task. The best backup time is before making any significant changes to the site, such as adding new plugins and editing files. This way, if something goes wrong when you update these elements, at least you have a current version from which to work. Regular backups will help ensure that your website content and files are safe in the event of an unexpected outage or crash.
If you’re unsure how to back up your site, ask your web host for assistance or search online for a tutorial. There are plenty of resources available on this topic. Website downtime is a serious issue that can cause lost sales and end up costing you money. Fortunately, there are many ways to reduce your chances of experiencing website downtimes in the future. Follow these six tips for reducing website downtime and ensuring your business stays online no matter what!