Published: 2026-10-15 · Updated: 2026-10-15
Start with a clear inventory
Record where the domain, DNS, hosting, source code and database live, and who can access each one. Keep recovery instructions somewhere the right people can reach.
Review updates and backups
Schedule dependency and platform updates. Check that backups completed and that a restore procedure is documented; a backup that has never been tested may not be recoverable.
Watch the important paths
Check the home page, contact form, SSL status and key user journeys after significant changes. Monitoring should help someone take action, not generate noise.
Agree on maintenance boundaries
Define what routine care includes, how quickly issues are handled, and which changes require a separate estimate. Clear scope protects both the site owner and the maintainer.
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