Your website may look perfectly fine on the surface, but when was the last time someone properly checked what’s happening behind the scenes?
My Website Health Check gives you a clear picture of how well your website is working and highlights any areas that may need attention.
Technology changes, software becomes outdated, links stop working and small problems can gradually build up unnoticed. A regular website health check can help identify these issues before they turn into bigger and more expensive problems.
What is a Website Health Check?
A Website Health Check is a personalised review of your website carried out by me.
I’ll look through your website, check how it’s performing and identify anything that could be affecting its security, usability or effectiveness.
I’ll explain what’s working well, highlight areas that need attention and give you practical recommendations you can act on.
What does a Website Health Check include?
Every website is different, so each review is tailored to your website. I will look at:
website security and software updates
WordPress, theme and plugin health
PHP and hosting compatibility
mobile usability
page speed and performance
navigation and user experience
broken links, forms or buttons
basic SEO settings
website content and calls to action
backups and general maintenance
I’ll also check whether your website clearly explains what your business does and makes it easy for visitors to take the next step.
When updates are continually ignored, different parts of a website can become incompatible. Your website may become slow, unreliable or more vulnerable to hacking and malware.
I’ve recently worked on websites where a lack of maintenance has eventually led to much larger problems and costly repair work. Regular checks can help spot potential issues much earlier.
Who is the Website Health Check for?
A Website Health Check could be useful if:
you haven’t updated your website for some time
you’re seeing warnings in your WordPress dashboard
your website feels slow or unreliable
something isn’t working properly
you’re worried about website security
you’ve inherited or taken over an older website
you’re unsure whether your website is being maintained
you want an experienced second opinion
You don’t need to wait until something goes wrong. A health check can also give you reassurance that your website is being properly maintained.
What happens after you book?
After completing the request form, you’ll receive an email containing a secure payment link and instructions explaining how to provide access to your website dashboard.
The Website Health Check costs £60. Identifying problems early could save you a great deal of time and money by preventing small issues from turning into expensive repairs.
I will personally review your website and prepare your report within 3 working days.
Your report will explain:
what’s working well
any problems I’ve identified
which issues should be prioritised
practical recommendations for improving your website
You can then decide whether to make the changes yourself, ask your existing web designer or arrange for me to help.
Keep your website working for your business
Your website is an important part of your business. It may generate enquiries, take bookings, sell products or provide essential information to your customers.
A Website Health Check will give you a clearer understanding of how your website is performing and whether anything needs your attention.
Would you like me to take a proper look at your website?
If you’re unsure whether your website is secure, up to date or working as well as it should, book a Website Health Check and I’ll take a proper look behind the scenes.
WordPress has released five updates in under three months – including two updates within the space of just five days in September.
Most website owners will never know these updates have happened. However, behind the scenes, they are an important part of keeping a WordPress website secure and working properly.
Why does WordPress release so many updates?
Just like the software on your phone or computer, WordPress is continually being improved and updated.
Some updates add new features. Others correct bugs, improve performance or make WordPress compatible with newer technology.
Most importantly, some releases fix newly discovered security vulnerabilities.
One recent WordPress release addressed critical and high-severity security issues, while another included 11 separate security fixes. In both cases, WordPress recommended that websites should be updated immediately.
That doesn’t mean WordPress is unsafe. In fact, regular updates show that the WordPress community is actively identifying and fixing potential problems.
What can happen if a website isn’t updated?
An outdated website becomes increasingly vulnerable over time.
Hackers often use automated tools to search the internet for websites running older versions of WordPress, themes or plugins with known vulnerabilities. They don’t need to target a particular business personally – they simply look for a way in.
An unmaintained website can be at greater risk of:
hacking and malware
spam pages or unwanted redirects
broken forms and missing enquiries
compatibility problems
slow performance
parts of the website no longer working
the website going offline completely
Once a website has fallen significantly behind, bringing it up to date may not be straightforward. Themes, plugins, WordPress and the website’s PHP version can all become incompatible with one another.
At that stage, repairing the website can be much more expensive than maintaining it properly in the first place.
Isn’t it just a case of clicking “Update”?
Sometimes it is – but not always.
A WordPress website is made up of several connected parts:
WordPress itself
the website’s Theme
plugins
the PHP version
the hosting environment
An update to one part can occasionally cause a conflict somewhere else. A plugin may not yet be compatible with the newest WordPress version, or an older theme may stop working correctly with a newer version of PHP.
That is why good website maintenance also includes regular backups, compatibility checks and monitoring.
Automatic updates are useful, but they don’t check whether the website still looks right, whether its forms are working or whether an update has caused an unexpected problem.
What I look after for my clients
My Hosting and Maintenance service isn’t simply space on a server.
I monitor WordPress releases and make sure essential updates are carried out. I also keep themes and plugins updated, maintain backups and regularly check the health of the websites I host.
Most of this work happens quietly in the background – and that’s exactly the point.
My clients can concentrate on running their businesses without having to monitor WordPress security announcements or work out which updates their websites need.
Maintenance is an investment, not an extra
Your website is an important part of your business. It may generate enquiries, take bookings, sell products or provide essential information to your customers.
Leaving it unmaintained is a little like never servicing your car and simply hoping it continues to run.
Regular maintenance helps to protect the investment you have already made in your website. It reduces the risk of security problems, unexpected breakdowns and expensive repairs further down the line.
If your website is hosted and maintained by JR Digital Design, you can be reassured that I’m keeping an eye on these updates and looking after your website behind the scenes.
If you have a WordPress website that hasn’t been updated or checked for some time, please get in touch. I can carry out a Website Health Check for you and let you know what needs attention.
Have you ever come across a message about your website’s PHP version on your WordPress Dashboard and thought… what on earth is that? — you’re not alone.
Did you know that:
👉 It’s one of the most important parts of your website.
And if it’s not up to date, it can cause problems behind the scenes.
It’s the code that runs on your server and builds your website pages.
Every time someone visits your website, PHP is working in the background to:
Pull your content from the database
Run WordPress and your plugins
Process forms and user actions
Generate the page your visitor sees
All in a fraction of a second.
What Does PHP Stand For?
PHP originally stood for “Personal Home Page”.
These days, it’s officially known as a recursive acronym: 👉 “PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor”
(Yes… slightly confusing—but don’t worry, the name matters far less than what it actually does!)
It’s Essential for WordPress Websites
If your website is built on WordPress (like most of the sites I work on), PHP is absolutely essential.
It’s what allows your site to be dynamic, meaning you can:
Update your content easily
Add blog posts
Receive enquiries
Sell products
Manage memberships
Without PHP, your website simply wouldn’t function.
What Happens if PHP is Outdated?
This is where things can start to go wrong…
If your site is running an outdated version:
❌ It becomes less secure
❌ It can slow down
❌ Plugins and themes may stop working properly
❌ You increase the risk of errors or even site crashes
Many older websites are still running PHP 7.4, which is now end-of-life—meaning it no longer receives security updates.
Why Keeping PHP Updated Matters
Updating PHP is one of the simplest ways to improve your website’s:
✔ Speed
✔ Security
✔ Stability
✔ Compatibility with modern plugins
It’s not something your visitors will ever see… but it has a big impact on how your website performs.
A Real Example (From a Recent Client Migration)
When I recently migrated a client website for Angela’s Aerobics, the site was running on an outdated PHP version.
On the surface, everything looked fine…
But behind the scenes, it meant:
Increased security risk
Reduced performance
Potential compatibility issues
As part of the migration, I upgraded the site to PHP 8.4—bringing it up to date and ensuring it runs smoothly going forward.
What Version Should You Be Using?
Right now, the recommended version for most live websites is:
👉 PHP 8.4
It offers the best balance of:
Stability
Performance
Compatibility
How to Check Your PHP Version
If you’re curious, you can usually check your PHP version in:
Your hosting control panel
Your WordPress dashboard (Tools → Site Health)
If you’re unsure, it’s always worth asking your web designer or hosting provider.
Final Thoughts
PHP might not be something you think about…
But it plays a crucial role in keeping your website running properly.
Keeping it updated is one of those small, behind-the-scenes tasks that makes a big difference to your website’s health.
Need Help Checking Yours?
If you’re not sure what version your website is running—or you’ve seen warnings and don’t know what to do next—
👉 Get in touch and I’ll happily take a look for you.
Recently we carried out a WordPress website rescue after discovering a client’s site had been flooded with 2,229 spam blog posts.
Sometimes a job that looks simple on the surface turns out to reveal much more beneath.
Recently, we were asked to quote for what should have been a straightforward project: migrating a client’s website to a new hosting environment. The client, Claire Merriweather of Claire Merriweather Osteopathy, had become unhappy with the level of service she was receiving from her existing web design company and felt she was paying over the odds for hosting without getting any real support in return.
Nothing unusual there.
However, when we logged into the website dashboard to take a look around, we discovered something rather surprising.
The blog section had been hacked.
And not just a little bit hacked.
A total of 2,229 spam posts had been added to the website.
At that point, what started as a simple migration quickly turned into something much more important: a full website rescue.
What We Discovered
Once inside the site, it became clear that the spam attack wasn’t the only issue. A closer look revealed several problems that had quietly developed over time.
The blog had been left open to spam attacks, which allowed automated bots to flood the website with thousands of junk posts. These posts served no purpose other than to damage the integrity of the site and potentially harm its search engine reputation.
Beyond the spam problem, there were several other issues affecting both usability and design:
The contact form was not functioning properly and displayed random symbols.
The testimonials page wasn’t displaying correctly, leaving large blank areas where reviews should have appeared.
The footer had never been properly designed and still contained the default Elegant Themes template content.
The homepage had not been correctly optimised for mobile devices, which meant visitors on phones were not seeing the best version of the site.
There was no “Back to Top” navigation button, making it harder for visitors to move around the page.
Important website essentials such as privacy policies and GDPR cookie preferences had not been implemented.
None of these issues alone would necessarily break a website. But together they created a site that was slowly becoming less effective, less secure, and more difficult for visitors to use.
Why We Recommended a Rebuild
With over two thousand spam posts embedded within the blog database, cleaning up the site would have been time-consuming and risky. Rather than attempting to patch an ageing setup, we recommended a clean rebuild of the website to the same design specifications as the original.
A rebuild allowed us to create a fresh, secure WordPress installation while preserving the look and feel that the client’s patients were already familiar with.
This approach ensured that the website would be stable, easier to manage, and protected against future spam attacks.
What We Fixed and Improved
During the rebuild process, we addressed both the technical issues and the usability improvements that had been missing from the original site.
Security and stability improvements
Removed all spam blog content
Installed preventative anti-spam protection to stop future attacks
Created a fresh, clean WordPress installation
Design and usability improvements
Designed a proper footer layout including contact details, opening hours and a Google Maps location link
Fixed the testimonials page so client reviews display correctly
Repaired the contact form so enquiries can be submitted without errors
Added a Back to Top button to improve navigation on longer pages
Increased the universal body text size to 16pt for better readability
Implemented a fixed header on mobile devices for easier navigation
Essential website additions
Added a Privacy Policy page
Installed a GDPR cookie preferences plugin
Connected the site to Google Site Kit
Implemented YOAST SEO to improve search engine visibility
From a visitor’s perspective, the website now looks very similar to the original version. But behind the scenes, it is now significantly more secure, easier to manage, and properly configured to support the business moving forward.
What This Story Tells Us About Many Websites
One thing we see quite often is that websites rarely fail in dramatic ways.
Instead, small issues quietly build up over time.
Plugins become outdated. Security gaps appear. Forms stop working. Design elements are left unfinished. Spam finds its way in.
And because these problems happen gradually, they often go unnoticed until someone finally takes a closer look inside the website dashboard.
This is why regular website maintenance, security checks and occasional updates are so important.
A Simple Website Health Check
If you run a business website, it’s worth asking yourself a few simple questions:
When was the last time you logged into your website dashboard?
Do you know where your website is hosted?
Is your contact form definitely working?
Are your plugins and security tools up to date?
Would you know if something had gone wrong behind the scenes?
These things are easy to overlook, especially when you’re busy running a business.
But as this story shows, a quick check can sometimes reveal issues that are well worth fixing.
If you would like a fresh pair of eyes on your website, we’re always happy to take a look and point out anything that might need attention.
Sometimes it’s just a small tweak.
And occasionally… it turns into a full website rescue.
Jacquie was a delight to work with! She arranged the transfer and tidy up of my website, liaising with my previous provider and making the whole process easy. She is friendly yet professional and I feel confident that she will do a great job in helping maintain my website in the future. Thank you! Claire Merriweather
A comprehensive rundown of key web design mistakes and how to fix them!
10 Common Web Design Mistakes to Avoid
Your website is often the first impression people get of your business. A poorly designed website can turn visitors away, but a well-thought-out design can convert visitors into customers. To help you build a site that stands out for all the right reasons, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 most common web design mistakes to avoid.
1. Cluttered Design
A cluttered design overwhelms users and makes navigation difficult. When visitors land on your site, they should be able to quickly find what they need without being bombarded with too much information. Less is often more!
How to fix it: Use plenty of white space, clear sections, and focus on one main goal per page. A clean and simple layout will make your site more user-friendly and visually appealing.
2. Not Mobile-Friendly
In today’s mobile-first world, having a website that doesn’t adapt to different screen sizes is a huge mistake. More than half of web traffic comes from mobile devices, so if your website isn’t responsive, you’re missing out on potential customers.
How to fix it: Test your site on various screen sizes, from mobile phones to tablets, and ensure it looks and functions well across all devices.
3. Slow Loading Speed
A slow website can frustrate visitors and drive them away before they even see your content. People expect websites to load quickly—ideally in under three seconds.
How to fix it: Compress large images, reduce the number of plugins, and use a fast, reliable hosting service. These steps can dramatically improve your site’s loading time.
4. Poor Navigation
If visitors can’t find what they’re looking for, they’ll leave. Your navigation should be simple, clear, and intuitive, helping users move around your site effortlessly.
How to fix it: Limit the number of menu items, use clear labels, and make sure every link works as expected. Always guide your visitors toward the most important content.
5. Ignoring SEO
You might have the best website in the world, but if no one can find it, it’s not doing its job. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) helps your site appear in search results, driving organic traffic.
How to fix it: Incorporate relevant keywords, create SEO-friendly titles and meta descriptions, and use image alt tags. This will help improve your rankings on search engines like Google.
6. Lack of a Clear Call-to-Action (CTA)
If your website doesn’t tell visitors what to do next, they’ll likely leave without taking action. A strong call-to-action guides users toward your goals—whether that’s signing up for a newsletter, making a purchase, or contacting you.
How to fix it: Place clear, bold CTAs on every page, encouraging users to take the next step. Be specific about what you want them to do.
7. Too Much Text
Long paragraphs and blocks of text can overwhelm readers. People scan web content quickly, so keep your text concise and to the point.
How to fix it: Break your content into smaller sections, use bullet points, and include images or icons to make the content more digestible.
8. Inconsistent Branding
Your website is an extension of your brand. If your colors, fonts, and tone of voice vary from page to page, it confuses users and makes your brand appear unprofessional.
How to fix it: Establish a brand style guide and ensure that your fonts, colors, and imagery are consistent across all pages.
9. Overuse of Pop-ups
Pop-ups can be helpful when used correctly, but too many—or ones that appear at the wrong time—can annoy visitors and cause them to leave your site.
How to fix it: Use pop-ups sparingly and ensure they don’t cover the main content too quickly. Only use them for important information, such as special offers or newsletter sign-ups.
10. Neglecting Website Maintenance
A website is never truly “finished.” Regular maintenance ensures your site stays secure, functional, and up to date. Neglecting updates can lead to broken links, security vulnerabilities, and an outdated user experience.
How to fix it: Schedule regular maintenance checks, update plugins, review content for relevancy, and ensure your site’s security is always up to par.
Final Thoughts
By avoiding these common web design mistakes, you’ll ensure that your website is not only visually appealing but also functional, easy to navigate, and optimized for both search engines and user experience. A well-designed site can make a world of difference in turning visitors into loyal customers!
If you’re ready to create a website that works for your business, avoid these pitfalls and set yourself up for success. And if you need help along the way, feel free to reach out!
In this digital age, where your business thrives online, the integrity and security of your website are paramount. Yet, despite advancements in technology, websites remain vulnerable to various threats ranging from cyberattacks to technical failures. Safeguarding your website through regular backups is not just advisable – it’s essential.
Why Backing Up Your Website Matters
1. Protection Against Cyber Threats: Cyberattacks, such as malware injections, ransomware, and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, pose significant risks to websites. A robust backup strategy ensures that even if your website falls victim to such attacks, you can quickly restore it to a previous, uncorrupted state.
2. Minimise Downtime: Website downtime can result from server crashes, software updates gone wrong, or human error. By maintaining up-to-date backups, you can swiftly recover your website, minimising downtime and preventing potential revenue loss.
3. Content Integrity: Your website’s content represents your brand and communicates your message to the world. Regular backups ensure that your valuable content, including blog posts, product listings, and multimedia files, remains intact in the event of accidental deletion or corruption.
Implementing a Backup Strategy
1. Choose the Right Backup Solution: Select a backup solution that aligns with your website’s platform (e.g., WordPress, Joomla, Shopify) and hosting environment. Options range from manual backups performed through your hosting provider’s control panel to automated solutions offered by third-party services.
2. Establish a Backup Schedule: Define a regular backup schedule based on the frequency of updates to your website’s content and the criticality of your data. Daily or weekly backups are common for dynamic websites with frequent content changes, while static websites may suffice with less frequent backups.
3. Store Backups Offsite: Storing backups offsite, preferably in a secure cloud storage service or on a separate server, mitigates the risk of data loss due to server failures or physical disasters. Ensure that your chosen storage solution provides adequate security measures, such as encryption and access controls.
4. Test Backup and Recovery Procedures: Periodically test your backup and recovery procedures to verify their effectiveness. Simulate scenarios such as restoring a backup to a new server or recovering specific files to ensure that you can confidently recover your website in case of emergencies.
Backing up your website is not a luxury but a necessity in today’s digital landscape. By prioritising website backups, you protect your online presence, maintain business continuity, and uphold the trust of your audience. Remember, investing time and resources in a comprehensive backup strategy today can save you from costly disruptions tomorrow. Stay proactive, stay secure, and safeguard your digital assets with regular website backups. All our own hosted websites are backed up each month to our remote Cloud Storage System as part of our Maintenance Plan.If you’re unsure as to whether you have a Backup Plan contact your Web Hosting Company or Web Designer.
