{"id":19257,"date":"2025-11-24T05:56:06","date_gmt":"2025-11-24T03:56:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/weaverbird.co.za\/?p=19257"},"modified":"2025-11-24T06:15:49","modified_gmt":"2025-11-24T04:15:49","slug":"wordpress-maintenance-onboarding-process","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/weaverbird.co.za\/en-au\/wordpress-maintenance-onboarding-process\/","title":{"rendered":"WordPress Maintenance Onboarding Process"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1763955739995{margin-bottom: 60px !important;}” text_direction=”default”]This is the Website Maintenance Onboarding Process for new web maintenance contracts.<\/p>\n

Please go through the following steps and submit the checklist at the bottom of the page when complete.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]\n

<\/span>0. Backup<\/span><\/h3>\n
\n
Install Updraft+<\/strong><\/a> plugin and backup the site.<\/li>\n
Check the WP Config setting meet the minimum requirements of all plugins and themes.<\/li>\n
Get access to the web hosting ftp or Control Panel for emergency troubleshooting.<\/li>\n
Update all plugins, theme and WordPress.<\/li>\n
Delete all unnecessary plugins and themes (if you have any questions about plugins, please send an email to\u00a0support@weaverbird.co.za<\/a> detailing the names of the Plugins you feel can be removed and what the plugins are normally used for.)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]\n
<\/span>1. Security<\/span><\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][toggles style=”default” accordion=”true” accordion_starting_functionality=”closed” border_radius=”10px”][toggle color=”Default” heading_tag=”h6″ heading_tag_functionality=”default” title=”1. Force SSL”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]If required, Install and Setup Really Simple Security plugin<\/strong><\/a> (formerly called Really Simple SSL), and force SSL certificate.[\/vc_column_text][\/toggle][toggle color=”Default” heading_tag=”h6″ heading_tag_functionality=”default” title=”2. Install Firewall”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]If the website is on one of our website maintenance plans, install and activate Malcare<\/strong><\/a> and apply Geoblocking for the following countries:<\/p>\n
\nTable of Contents<\/span>\n Toggle<\/span>
0. Backup<\/a><\/li>
1. Security<\/a><\/li>
2. Basic Speed Optimisation<\/a><\/li>
3. Testing & Backup<\/a><\/li>
4. Submit Completion Checklist<\/a><\/li>
Optional extra: Search Optimisation<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n
\n
Belarus<\/li>\n
Bulgaria<\/li>\n
Cambodia<\/li>\n
China<\/li>\n
Indonesia<\/li>\n
Iran<\/li>\n
Lithuania<\/li>\n
Myanmar<\/li>\n
Nigeria<\/li>\n
North Korea<\/li>\n
Philippines<\/li>\n
Romania<\/li>\n
Russia<\/li>\n
Syria<\/li>\n
Thailand<\/li>\n
Ukraine<\/li>\n
Vietnam<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
If the website will not be on one of our maintenance plans, install Wordfence<\/strong><\/a> and activate the free firewall.[\/vc_column_text][\/toggle][toggle color=”Default” heading_tag=”h6″ heading_tag_functionality=”default” title=”3. Hide WordPress login URL”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]Ideally, you can configure this setting using Admin and Site Enhancements (ASE)<\/strong><\/a> by Bowo. If not, you can use a specific plugin for this called WPS Hide Login.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n
Replace the \/wp-admin login url with something unique – for example: \/secure<\/p>\n
At the end of the onboarding process, we need to email the client with the new login link.[\/vc_column_text][\/toggle][toggle color=”Default” heading_tag=”h6″ heading_tag_functionality=”default” title=”4. Obfuscate emails”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]Hide all emails from bots using one of the following methods:<\/p>\n
\n
Automated: Configure this setting using Admin and Site Enhancements (ASE)<\/strong><\/a> by Bowo.<\/li>\n
Manual: Email Obfuscation.<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/toggle][toggle color=”Default” heading_tag=”h6″ heading_tag_functionality=”default” title=”5. Disable Comments”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]Most business sites don’t require comments on posts and pages. For these sites, install and setup Disable Comments.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n
Apply disabling to the whole site.[\/vc_column_text][\/toggle][toggle color=”Default” heading_tag=”h6″ heading_tag_functionality=”default” title=”6. Install and Setup Spam Protection”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]Options:<\/p>\n
\n
Wp Forms:<\/strong>
\nOur preferred contact form plugin is WP Forms. When using WP Forms, you can setup Google ReCAPTCHAv3. Ensure that the email weaverbirdmarketing@gmail.com<\/a> is either used to create the Google ReCAPTCHA or made an admin collaborator.<\/li>\n
Contact Form 7:\u00a0<\/strong>
\nIf the site uses Contact Form 7 plugin for contact forms, setup Google ReCAPTCHA v3 or use the Contact Form 7 add-on Honeypot for Contact Form 7<\/a><\/strong>,<\/li>\n
Optional additional Anti-Spam for Blog Post comments:<\/strong>
\nIf you feel additional spam protection is required, you can install Akismet<\/a><\/strong> or Anti-Spam Bee<\/a>.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/toggle][toggle color=”Default” heading_tag=”h6″ heading_tag_functionality=”default” title=”7. Check WP users”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]\n
\n
Avoid having a user with the username “admin” as this is a default username which hackers know to exploit.<\/li>\n
Delete all unnecessary users.<\/li>\n
Ensure all users have strong passwords.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/toggle][toggle color=”Default” heading_tag=”h6″ heading_tag_functionality=”default” title=”8. Limit Login Attempts”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]\n
\n
Navigate to Admin and Site Enhancements (ASE) via Tools > Enhancements > Security.<\/li>\n
Enable Limit Login Attempts<\/strong> to prevent brute force attacks.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/toggle][toggle color=”Default” heading_tag=”h6″ heading_tag_functionality=”default” title=”9. Disable XML-RPC”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]\n
\n
Navigate to Admin and Site Enhancements (ASE) via Tools > Enhancements > Security.<\/li>\n
Protect your site from brute force, DOS and DDOS attacks<\/strong> via XML-RPC.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Nb.<\/strong> This also disables trackbacks and pingbacks.<\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][\/toggle][\/toggles][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]\n
<\/span>2. Basic Speed Optimisation<\/span><\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][toggles style=”default” accordion=”true” accordion_starting_functionality=”closed” border_radius=”10px”][toggle color=”Default” heading_tag=”h6″ heading_tag_functionality=”default” title=”1. Run a \u201cbefore\u201c Google Page Speed test.”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]Clients love to visually see the speed and performance improvements on their site, so before we apply speed & performance processes, we need to generate a “before” Google Page Speed report<\/a><\/span> which we can later share with client for a comparison with the “after” report.[\/vc_column_text][\/toggle][toggle color=”Default” heading_tag=”h6″ heading_tag_functionality=”default” title=”2. Backup site”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]Using Updraft+, create and download a backup<\/strong> or store on a cloud service.[\/vc_column_text][\/toggle][toggle color=”Default” heading_tag=”h6″ heading_tag_functionality=”default” title=”3. Adjust Theme Settings”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]Before applying any speed plugins and processes, we normally try to work with the premium theme\u2019s inbuilt performance settings to disable unnecessary settings.<\/p>\n
Nb.<\/strong>
\nEnsure the theme’s performance settings are not applied if the same performance settings will be applied through the 3rd party plugin. For example; with Salient, one of the theme performance settings you can activate is to delay Javascript Execution, however, a plugin such as Airlift or Nitropack might also run that setting and this could cause a conflict if enabled.[\/vc_column_text][\/toggle][toggle color=”Default” heading_tag=”h6″ heading_tag_functionality=”default” title=”4. Remove all unnecessary Animation (Optional).”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]Important.<\/strong> <\/span>
\nThis step must only be performed with client’s approval as it is not covered by the onboarding process. It can only be performed with use of monthly time allocation.<\/span><\/p>\n
Subtle UX animations can make a site LOOK & FEEL amazing, however, these can impact the website speed and performance. So it is our preferred process not to use much animation. If we feel animation is required\u00a0 to give a site a more premium feel, then we can use animation as required.[\/vc_column_text][\/toggle][toggle color=”Default” heading_tag=”h6″ heading_tag_functionality=”default” title=”5. Run Media and Database Cleaner (optional)”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]Important.<\/strong> <\/span>
\nThis step must only be performed with client’s approval as it is not covered by the onboarding process. It can only be performed with use of monthly time allocation.<\/span><\/p>\n
Run a Media and Database Cleaner<\/strong> plugin to remove unused files and data.<\/p>\n
\n
Media Cleaner<\/span><\/a> (optional)<\/li>\n
Database Cleaner<\/a><\/span>\u00a0(optional)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Be careful not to remove PDFs or other media that the website or client might be linking to via other communication methods such as email or social media.<\/p>\n
WordPress media cleaners pickup images that are not linked to on the website, but they don’t pickup if those media files are being utilised elsewhere on the web.[\/vc_column_text][\/toggle][toggle color=”Default” heading_tag=”h6″ heading_tag_functionality=”default” title=”6. Install and Setup Website Optimisation Plugin(s).”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]If the website is on one of our website maintenance plans, we can install and activate Malcare<\/strong><\/a> and apply Airlift<\/span><\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n
If not, we use one of (or a combination) the following:<\/p>\n
\n
\n
Nitropack:
\n<\/strong>Setup & test Nitropack\u2019s optimisation settings and manage necessary Nitropack exclusions. It’s very important to manage exclusions such as Instagram feeds, and other advanced features such as Booking Engines, and eCommerce functionality.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
\n
Siteground Optimiser<\/strong>\u00a0for websites hosted on Siteground.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
\n
Alternatives:<\/strong>
\nIn the past, we\u2019ve also used WP Super Cache<\/a><\/span> or W3 Total Cache<\/a><\/span> for free, beginner-friendly caching. For database optimization we\u2019ve used WP Optimize, but have experienced a few issues in the past.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/toggle][toggle color=”Default” heading_tag=”h6″ heading_tag_functionality=”default” title=”7. Image compression & resizing”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]Important.<\/strong> <\/span>
\nThis step must only be performed with client’s approval as it is not covered by the onboarding process. It can only be performed with use of monthly time allocation.<\/span><\/p>\n
If the speed plugin doesn’t handle image compression, we can install & setup TinyPNG Image Compression<\/a><\/span> <\/strong>which automatically compresses images uploaded to the website.\u00a0
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n
This plugin can also automatically resize large images by setting a maximum width and\/or height for more reasonable browser display.<\/p>\n
Alternatives:<\/strong>
\nWe\u2019ve also used image optimisation plugins such as Smush, Optimole, and ShortPixel.[\/vc_column_text][\/toggle][toggle color=”Default” heading_tag=”h6″ heading_tag_functionality=”default” title=”8. Run a \u201cafter\u201c Google Page Speed test”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]Generate an “after” Google Page Speed report<\/a><\/span> to share with client for a “before & after” comparison report.[\/vc_column_text][\/toggle][\/toggles][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]\n
<\/span>3. Testing & Backup<\/span><\/h3>\n
\n
Visually Inspect the Site.<\/li>\n
Test All Functionality.<\/li>\n
Create a Backup and Download it.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]\n
<\/span>4. Submit Completion Checklist<\/span><\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text]