In this article, we will discuss the main elements of website management. We will cover what website management is, security, accessibility, technical performance, search engine optimization, and design. We will also provide answers to some frequently asked questions about website management.
What is Website Management?
Website management is the practice of maintaining and updating your website over time. The goal of website management is to keep the website appealing, uncluttered, secure, and easy to find, resembling the goals of managing a physical store. Website management is particularly important for e-commerce businesses because the website is a crucial part of the customer journey. Potential customers may use your website to learn more about your products, make purchases, get customer support, and even leave feedback. Without proper website management, customers may be unable to complete any of these steps.
Security
E-commerce stores need to prevent breaches and ensure the security of customer data such as addresses and credit card information. The three most important security practices for website management include:
- Maintaining security certificates. The most famous security certificate is SSL, which tells browsers and visitors that the website’s server is not accessible by anyone else. When a website has an SSL certificate, all URLs begin with “https” (a more secure protocol) instead of “http” (not secure). This certificate should be renewed regularly.
- Regular website backups. By keeping backups of website files and capturing the code after every change, you can restore the website to its normal state following a breach or malfunction.
- Regular updates. Security vulnerabilities often occur when a business website is not updated regularly. Some content management systems and frameworks like Shopify are automatically updated over time. Meanwhile, other systems like WordPress and most of its plugins require manual updates. These updates need to be reviewed and accepted regularly.
Accessibility
Physical stores are expected to comply with accessibility standards such as wheelchair access. Similar online accessibility standards exist, designed to support internet use for people with disabilities, including blindness, deafness, and learning difficulties. The globally accepted standards are the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Three of the most important practices web managers can comply with are:
- Text alternatives for non-text content. Provide alternative text for images, captions for videos, and transcripts for audio content. This ensures that users who cannot see or hear your content can understand it.
- Contrast and colors. Ensure adequate contrast between text colors and background colors. Avoid using color as the sole means of conveying information, as this can be problematic for users with color blindness.
- Accessible forms. Clearly label form elements and provide easy-to-understand error messages and instructions. Ensure that all form controls can be accessed by keyboard without needing to use a mouse.
Technical Performance
The website manager must ensure that every page on the website loads quickly and without errors on all devices. They can influence this by following best practices in web development, such as mobile-oriented HTML/CSS, ensuring images are scaled according to the viewport, and updating broken links. Additionally, they can review hosting providers, plugins, applications, and the content management system to ensure it has the right service suite for the website’s performance needs.
Search Engine Optimization
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is the practice of optimizing your website to rank higher in search engine results without paying for advertisements. On-page SEO is a subset of this practice and is highly relevant to website management. It focuses on making changes to your site (instead of collaborating with other sites) that help search engines discover and understand your content.
Design
It is believed
Most people think that website management is a technical practice. However, having a website with a modern, user-friendly interface and a visually appealing appearance is just as important as the other practices mentioned here. Websites do not need to be redesigned continuously. However, every new addition to the site, such as a new product page or landing page, should be created with design in mind. Additionally, web design standards and tastes change over time. If your website has not been redesigned in more than five years, you may have an opportunity to update it to align with your visitors’ expectations of what modern web looks like.
Frequently Asked Questions About Website Management
- How much do you pay someone to manage a website?
- What are the five elements of website management?
- What tools are required for website management?
Website management is often part of the responsibilities of a marketing manager, SEO specialist, or web developer, rather than a separate job – although you might consider delegating management to a website management service. Small business owners can also hire web agencies or freelancers who provide website management services, and their prices can range from $500 to $5000 per month, depending on the agency’s experience, location, and scope of work.
The five most important elements of website management are security, accessibility, technical performance, SEO, and design.
The most essential tool for website management is your content management system (CMS). This is where you make changes to your site’s content and code. Other useful tools for website management are web hosting platforms like GoDaddy and SEO analysis tools like Google Search Console.
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