Website design · 2026 edition

Website maintenance: useful, mandatory or unnecessary?

A website is not something you set up and forget. But not every website needs the same level of care. Here is what maintenance covers, how often, and how to tell whether you need it.

  • The timeline
  • Prices
  • Security

Updated October 2026Rules checkedNo jargon

The answer

Maintenance in 30 seconds

In short

Maintenance covers security updates, backups, monitoring, renewing the domain name and the HTTPS certificate, and small fixes. A website with a content management system and plugins must be updated often, otherwise it becomes a way in for hackers. A static website, with no database, needs far less attention. Maintenance is not a legal requirement, but keeping the data you collect secure is.

Security

Updates and monitoring for security holes.

Backups

Regular, stored off the server, tested.

Renewal dates

Domain name, certificate, hosting.

Small changes

Opening hours, prices, photos, text.

The schedule

Who does what, and how often

A typical schedule for a business website with a content management system. A static website mainly lightens the updates row.

TaskFrequencyWhy
Security updatesAs soon as they are released, at least weeklyKnown security holes are exploited quickly
Full backupDaily or weeklyRoll back after an outage or a hack
Restore testEvery quarterA backup that has never been tested may be unusable
Form checksEvery monthA lost enquiry is a lost customer
Broken links and error pagesEvery monthVisitor experience and SEO
HTTPS certificateAutomatic, checked monthlyMaximum lifetime of 200 days since March 2026, 100 days in 2027
Domain name and hostingEvery yearForgetting can take down the website and your emails
Legal notice and privacy policyEvery year or whenever something changesStay compliant

HTTPS certificate lifetimes are being reduced in stages, down to 47 days in 2029. Renewal therefore has to be automatic.

Budget

How much does maintenance cost?

Typical prices vary a lot depending on the website and what is included. Indicative ranges for 2026.

Simple static website

Few technical updates: often a few hours a year, paid per job or as a small package.

Business website with a content management system

Packages of a few tens of euros a month are common, depending on frequency and the changes included.

Online shop

More care needed: payments, stock, plugins, security. Considerably higher budgets.

What to read in the offer

Response time, number of changes, backups, restores, and the option to stop at no cost.

The decision

Do you need a contract?

Answer these questions in order.

Our website packages

From a one-page site to a website that works for you

Choose the package that fits your business. The price is fixed in advance.

Simple Website · 1 page

A one-page website, simple and professional, to be present online.

  • 1 mobile-friendly page
  • Your copy and your logo
  • WhatsApp button
  • 1 round of changes included
  • File delivered, ready to publish

Fixed price€39.90

Delivered in a few days

Order my website

Essential Website

For a small business that wants a serious website, fast.

  • Up to 5 pages
  • Copy written for you
  • Basic SEO
  • Contact form
  • Publishing included

From€290

Delivered in a few days

Get this website
Our advice

Multilingual Pro Website

To reach customers in several languages.

  • 5 to 10 pages
  • 2 or 3 languages
  • Full SEO
  • Form linked to a tracking spreadsheet
  • WhatsApp button and direct contact

From€790

Delivered in a few days

Get this website

Website + Automations

For a website that works for you, day and night.

  • Everything in the Multilingual Pro Website
  • Quotes calculated and sent
  • Orders recorded automatically
  • Automatic invoices and reminders

From€1,490

Free quote

Get my quote

Online Presence Pack

Everything you need to exist on Google, set up for you.

  • Domain name in your name
  • Professional email address
  • Business Google account
  • Your website registered with Google

From€149

Set up in a few days

Get this pack

Options, for every offer

  • €29Domain name purchase and setup
  • €49Going live on hosting
  • €39Extra page with copywriting
  • €59Translation, per language
  • €19/monthWebsite monitoring and alerts

The website and the domain name are in your name. Simple Website: text and logo supplied by you, going live as an option. Indicative prices.

Save time

A website that almost looks after itself

Our websites belong to you, and maintenance is optional. Several checks can run on their own.

Alert if the website goes down

You hear about it before your customers do.

Renewal reminders

Domain name and hosting dates go into your calendar.

Form linked to a spreadsheet

Every enquiry is recorded, so nothing is lost if your email has a problem.

WhatsApp always on

A contact channel that keeps working even during maintenance.

FAQ

Your questions, our answers

Is website maintenance mandatory?

It is not a legal requirement. However, if the website collects data, the GDPR requires you to keep it secure, which means keeping it updated.

How much does website maintenance cost?

From a few hours a year for a static website to a few tens of euros a month for a business website with a content management system, and more for an online shop. Compare what is included.

What does a maintenance contract include?

Usually: updates, backups, monitoring, renewals and a set amount of small changes. Check the response time and how restores work.

What happens if you never update your website?

Known security holes stay open. The website can be hacked, display fraudulent content or be flagged as dangerous by browsers.

Can I maintain my website myself?

Yes, for a simple website, with a clear routine: updates, backups, checking the form. For an online shop, a professional is the safer choice.

Can I switch maintenance provider?

Yes, if you have the login details, the domain name in your name and a copy of the website. Plan for this in the original build contract.

Sources: GDPR, Articles 32 to 34 (security and personal data breaches) · guidance from your data protection authority and your national cybersecurity agency · certificate lifetime reduction schedule adopted by the CA/Browser Forum (2025).
General information, up to date as of October 2026. It does not replace advice from a professional.

Free quote

What if we automated all this for you?

Tell us about your project. We study it in detail, then you receive a personalised study and a clear quote in writing, within 24 business hours. No meeting, no obligation.

Or by email: contact@growthsystemexperts.com

WhatsApp