Start 2025 with the best Website Health Check Basics

Your website is the digital front door to your business, and just like any other asset, it requires regular upkeep to stay secure, functional, and effective.

Whether you’re running an eCommerce platform or a simple informational site, this DIY health check will show you how to improve performance, boost security, and enhance user experience—without needing a tech expert to do it for you. But of course, we know a few of them if you need a little help

Our 6-Point Inspection allows you to quickly check to be sure everything is running smoothly, so you can prevent costly issues before they arise and keep your site performing at its best.

1. Update Software, Themes, and Plugins

The foundation of any website, especially WordPress-based sites, relies on up-to-date software. WordPress core updates, theme updates, and plugin updates not only add new features but also patch security vulnerabilities. Outdated software is one of the biggest risks for hacks and malware.

Pro Tip: Schedule regular updates or let us handle these updates for you, ensuring no critical component is missed. 

2. Test Website Speed and Performance

A slow website is a major turn-off for users and can even impact your search engine rankings. Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix to analyze your site’s speed and load times. Slow performance could indicate the need for image optimization, caching solutions, or even a more powerful hosting plan.

Pro Tip: Compress images and implement browser caching to give your site a noticeable speed boost.

3. Backup Your Website Regularly

Imagine losing all your website data due to a hack, crash, or accidental deletion. Backups are your insurance policy. Regular backups ensure that you can quickly restore your site to a working state in case of any disaster.

Pro Tip: Automate backups using a reliable plugin or have your hosting provider schedule them regularly, and always store backups in a separate location. 

4. Check for Broken Links and 404 Errors

Broken links not only frustrate visitors but also negatively impact your SEO. Use tools like Screaming Frog or Google Search Console to identify and fix any broken links or 404 errors. Ensuring all links work properly improves user experience and helps retain traffic.

Pro Tip: Implement a custom 404 page with helpful navigation links, just in case users encounter broken links.

5. Strengthen Website Security

Cyber threats are on the rise, making website security more important than ever. A security health check includes scanning for malware, strengthening passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and ensuring your SSL certificate is up-to-date.

Pro Tip: Make sure you are using a security plugin for real-time monitoring to block malicious activity before it happens. At NDIC we handle Solid Security Pro, so let us know if you need some help with this. 

6. Review Your SEO Strategy

Start the year by reviewing your site’s SEO performance. Check that your meta tags, alt texts, and on-page content are optimized for relevant keywords. Also, ensure that your website is mobile-friendly since Google gives preference to mobile-first websites.

Pro Tip: Use tools like Yoast SEO or SEMrush to help analyze and improve your site’s SEO strategy for better rankings in 2025.

Make Maintenance Easy: Let Us Handle It for You

A website health check might seem overwhelming, but it’s essential for a successful and secure online presence. If you don’t have the time or technical know-how, we’re here to help. Our comprehensive website maintenance services ensure your site stays updated, secure, and running at peak performance all year long.

Start 2025 right with a clean bill of health for your website. Contact us today to schedule your website health check!