What Website Maintenance Actually Does (& Why It Matters)

by | Jan 1, 2026 | Business Operations, HAS Solutions Spotlight, Website & Tech Insights

One of the most common questions I hear from business owners is some version of this:

“If my website is brand new — or everything seems to be working fine — why would I need maintenance?”

It’s a fair question. And honestly, it’s one I’ve heard even after launching a freshly rebuilt website.
Recently, I worked with a client whose site had just been redesigned. Everything looked great. Nothing appeared broken. From her perspective, the website felt finished, so the idea of ongoing maintenance felt unnecessary and confusing.
That conversation stuck with me because it’s incredibly common. Not because maintenance isn’t valuable, but because it’s often misunderstood. So, let’s clear that up.

What Website Maintenance Actually Is

Website maintenance isn’t about constantly changing your site or redesigning pages. At its core, website maintenance is preventative care. It typically includes things like:
  • Keeping WordPress core up to date
  • Updating plugins and themes safely
  • Monitoring for security issues
  • Addressing small fixes before they become larger problems
  • Making minor adjustments or edits as needed
Most of this work happens quietly, behind the scenes — which is exactly why it can feel invisible when it’s done well.

Why a “New” Website Still Needs Maintenance

A common assumption is that a new website doesn’t need attention right away. In reality, maintenance begins the moment a site goes live.
WordPress, themes, and plugins are all actively maintained software. Updates are released regularly to:
  • Fix bugs
  • Improve compatibility
  • Patch security vulnerabilities
Those updates don’t pause just because your website is new.
Without maintenance, even a brand-new site can slowly fall out of sync — which is often when problems start to surface.

Think of Website Maintenance Like Car Maintenance

You don’t wait for your car to break down before changing the oil.
You don’t assume a new car will never need service. Routine maintenance keeps things running smoothly and helps prevent more costly or stressful repairs later. Websites work the same way. When maintenance is done consistently:
  • Small issues are handled early
  • Security risks are reduced
  • Your site stays stable and functional
When it’s ignored, issues often show up at the worst possible time — when you’re busy, launching something, or relying on your site to work.

“But Nothing Is Wrong With My Website…”

This is another very common (and understandable) thought. Many website issues don’t announce themselves right away. Problems can exist quietly in the background, such as:
  • Plugins that stop working after updates are skipped
  • Forms that fail without obvious error messages
  • Performance issues that slowly build over time
  • Security vulnerabilities that go unnoticed
The goal of maintenance isn’t to react after something breaks — it’s to reduce the chances of those problems happening in the first place.

Maintenance Is About Support, Not Constant Changes

A well-maintained website doesn’t feel high-maintenance.
It feels supported. It means someone is paying attention, so you don’t have to:
  • Watching for issues
  • Keeping things updated
  • Handling small fixes before they become big disruptions
For many business owners, that peace of mind is the real value.

Where to Go From Here

If your website is an important part of your business — whether it’s brand new or has been live for years — ongoing care matters.
That’s why I offer website maintenance support for business owners who want their site looked after without needing to manage every detail themselves.
If you’d like to learn more about what that support looks like, you can explore my website maintenance options here: 👉 Check out the Maintain

Stay Connected

If you want ongoing tips, simple tech fixes, and updates on upcoming offers or resources, I’d love to have you join my monthly newsletter, Workflow Wisdom. Click here to sign up.

Need Help Refreshing Your Website?

If you realized your website might be falling behind or you want to explore what a refresh could look like, I’d be happy to help.  Book a call with me

Book A Discovery Call!

5 Signs It’s Time to Refresh Your Website

by | Dec 1, 2025 | Business Operations, Website & Tech Insights

Your website is one of the hardest-working systems in your business. It works around the clock, speaks for you when you’re not in the room, guides people to take action, and shapes the very first impression a potential client has of your brand.

But just like any other system, your website needs attention from time to time. And as your business grows or shifts direction, it’s easy for your site to fall out of alignment with where you are today.

If you’ve been wondering whether it might be time to refresh your site, here are five clear signs to look for.

1. Your website no longer reflects who you are or what you offer

Businesses evolve. Your website should evolve with you.

If you’ve updated your services, shifted your audience, rebranded, or refined your messaging, but your website still reflects the version of your business from two or three years ago, it’s time for a refresh.

Your website should:

  • communicate what you actually do
  • speak clearly to your ideal client
  • match your current brand and tone
  • make your offers easy to understand

If your site doesn’t look or feel like your business anymore, it can create confusion instead of confidence.

2. Visitors struggle to find what they need

Clarity is everything.

If people land on your website and can’t quickly figure out what you offer, how to work with you, or where to find key information, they often click away — not because they don’t want to work with you, but because the path forward isn’t obvious.

Some indicators of navigation issues include:

  • confusing menus
  • too many pages or too few
  • unclear calls-to-action
  • broken buttons or outdated links
  • important information buried too deep

A strong website guides visitors effortlessly, helping them find what they need without friction.

When used intentionally, automation keeps your business running smoothly while giving you the space to bring your best to the work that really matters.

3. Your website feels slow, outdated, or clunky

Even if your branding is beautiful, outdated website performance can make your business feel less credible.

Common red flags include:

  • slow loading speed
  • missing mobile optimization
  • plugins or themes no longer supported
  • outdated design that doesn’t reflect modern standards

A refreshed site isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about trust.
A clean, modern build communicates professionalism and reliability before a single word is read.

4. Your website isn’t bringing in inquiries or conversions

Your website should work for you.

If you’re getting traffic but not inquiries, or if visitors are dropping off without taking the next step, your website may not be doing its job.

Often, this comes down to:

  • unclear messaging
  • lack of a compelling call-to-action
  • poor layout or structure
  • no strategic flow guiding visitors from interest to action

Refreshing your website can help rebuild the customer journey in a way that supports your goals.

5. You’ve simply outgrown your current setup

Sometimes the clearest sign is the simplest:
You’ve grown, but your website hasn’t.

Maybe you’ve added new services, launched new programs, expanded your client base, increased your pricing, or refined your niche.
Maybe you’ve learned who you really enjoy working with, or what your brand truly stands for.

Your website should represent the business you have now — and the one you’re stepping into next.

Stay Connected

If you want ongoing tips, simple tech fixes, and updates on upcoming offers or resources, I’d love to have you join my monthly newsletter, Workflow Wisdom. Click here to sign up.

Need Help Refreshing Your Website?

If you realized your website might be falling behind or you want to explore what a refresh could look like, I’d be happy to help.  Book a call with me

Book A Discovery Call!

How Streamlined Systems Free You to Focus on What Matters Most

by | Nov 1, 2025 | Business Operations, Website & Tech Insights

As business owners, we wear a lot of hats. We handle client work, manage communication, plan marketing, track finances, and try to squeeze in a little life between it all. It’s easy to feel like the days disappear before we’ve even had a chance to catch our breath.

That’s why streamlined systems are more than just a “nice to have.” They’re the key to creating space for the things that matter most in your business and your life. When your tools, processes, and technology work together, you can step out of constant catch-up mode and operate with calm confidence.

The good news? You don’t have to do it all to make a difference. Small, focused improvements can free up hours each week and make your days run more smoothly. Let’s walk through three simple ways to get your systems working for you instead of against you.

1. Systems reduce decision fatigue

Every extra click or “Where did I put that?” moment takes up brainpower you could spend elsewhere. When your workflow is clear, your brain doesn’t have to work as hard to figure out what’s next.

Creating a few simple systems for common tasks, like onboarding new clients, processing invoices, or publishing content helps eliminate repetitive decision-making. You know exactly what happens next because the process is already mapped out.

It’s amazing how much mental energy that frees up. Instead of reinventing the wheel each time, you can focus on doing the actual work and showing up for your clients with clarity and focus.

2. Automation supports intentional effort

Automation doesn’t replace effort… it supports it. The goal isn’t to take your hands off the wheel, but to keep your energy focused on what truly requires your attention.

Automating small things like appointment reminders, recurring invoices, or social post scheduling can clear the clutter from your day. You still have to create, connect, and deliver, but automation ensures that the behind-the-scenes tasks happen on time without pulling you away from your priorities.

When used intentionally, automation keeps your business running smoothly while giving you the space to bring your best to the work that really matters.

3. Clarity creates freedom

When everything has a place, your client notes, passwords, to-do lists, and workflows, your business feels lighter. You can see what’s working, what needs attention, and what can wait.

That sense of clarity isn’t just about being organized. It creates a sense of calm confidence because you’re not constantly second-guessing what’s next. You can plan projects, make informed decisions, and move forward without feeling scattered or rushed.

Let’s Get Your Systems In Sync…

When your systems are in sync, your business runs with less stress and more purpose. You don’t have to overhaul everything overnight. Start small, choose one area that feels messy or manual and give it a little structure.

Before long, you’ll notice how much more time and headspace you’ve reclaimed. And that space? That’s where creativity, connection, and growth happen.

Ready to simplify your workflow before the new year?

Book a call with me and let’s create more space for what matters most.

Book A Discovery Call!

3 Simple System Tweaks to Save Hours Before the Holidays

by | Oct 1, 2025 | Business Operations, Website & Tech Insights

Get your systems in shape before the holidays!

The holiday season is busy enough without adding business chaos into the mix. Between wrapping up projects, running promotions, and trying to enjoy family time and all the holiday festivities, the last thing you want is tech headaches stealing your attention. The good news? A few small system tweaks can save you hours of frustration and give you more space to actually enjoy the season.

Tip #1: Automate your scheduling

Instead of playing email tag to set up meetings or consultations, use a tool like TidyCal or Calendly. Adding buffers between calls, setting holiday blackout dates, and sending automated reminders cuts down on no-shows and saves you countless back-and-forth emails.

Tip #2: Streamline your communication

If your messages are spread across email, DMs, and texts, now’s the time to centralize. Setting up an email filter, using a project management tool (like Trello or Asana), or even batching your responses during the day can reclaim hours each week.

Tip #3: Prep your promotions in advance

Whether it’s a Black Friday special, holiday bundle, or just your regular newsletter, schedule it ahead. Most platforms (Mailerlite, Mailchimp, Flodesk, etc.) allow you to pre-write and schedule campaigns so they go out automatically–even if you’re at a holiday dinner.

These tweaks don’t require massive overhauls, but together they can make the difference between a frantic December and a smooth one. Start small, and you’ll thank yourself later.

Ready to Work Together?

And if you’d rather hand the setup over? That’s what I do for my clients. From automation to website updates, I make sure their systems are ready before the busy season hits.

Book a call with me and let’s get your business ready for the holidays.

Book A Discovery Call!

What a Systems & Solutions Partner Actually Does (And How It Helps Your Business Run Smoother)

by | Sep 1, 2025 | Business Operations, Website & Tech Insights

🎉 Two Years In—And Just Getting Started

As HAS Solutions turns two, I’ve been reflecting on the support I provide behind the scenes—work that helps business owners feel less overwhelmed and more in control.

Whether it’s streamlining tech tools, refreshing a website, or setting up better admin systems, the goal is always the same: make business easier and more efficient for the people I work with.

So if you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to work with a Systems & Solutions Partner, here’s a real-world look at what I do (and how it might help you, too).

Not sure what a Systems & Solutions Partner really helps with?

Here’s how I support growing businesses—through websites, tech tools, and admin systems.

💻 Website Support

A website is more than just a digital brochure—it’s your online home, first impression, and 24/7 information hub. I help clients build, maintain, and improve their websites so they can feel confident in what they’re putting out into the world.

Ways I help:

  • Build brand-new WordPress websites
  • Refresh and modernize outdated designs
  • Create or update service pages, bios, and FAQs
  • Troubleshoot broken layouts, mobile display issues, or slow load times
  • Manage ongoing website maintenance and edits

Platforms I commonly work with:

  • WordPress
  • Divi
  • WooCommerce
  • TidyCal (for booking integrations)
  • Flodesk and Mailerlite (for opt-ins)

📌 Example project: A client came to me with a half-finished site and a short timeline. I filled in the gaps, organized her content, and got the site launched within two weeks—without taking over her calendar.

 

🗂️ Admin Support

Many clients come to me when they’re buried in backend tasks and know they need help—but aren’t ready to hire a full-time VA. I step in as a trusted support partner to handle the pieces they don’t have time (or desire) to manage.

Ways I help:

  • Set up and organize client intake forms
  • Create Google Drive folders or naming systems
  • Manage calendars and appointments
  • Build simple SOPs and workflows for repeated tasks
  • Follow up with leads or clients with prepared email templates

📌 Example project: A client was overwhelmed trying to onboard three new clients while preparing for a retreat. I helped her automate her intake forms and scheduled all follow-ups so she could focus on showing up well.

 

🔧 Tech Setup & Cleanup

The backend of a business can get messy—fast. I help clients untangle the tech chaos, set up the right systems, and clean up the tools they no longer need. The goal? Smooth systems that save time and reduce stress.

Ways I help:

  • Set up CRMs, schedulers, or email automation
  • Connect forms to email marketing tools (ex: Flodesk, Mailerlite, Project Broadcast)
  • Clean up old forms, tools, and duplicate processes
  • Audit and optimize existing tools for efficiency
  • Troubleshoot platforms that aren’t “talking” to each other

Platforms I’ve worked with:

  • TidyCal
  • Flodesk
  • MailerLite
  • Project Broadcast
  • Google Workspace
  • Canva
  • ThriveCart
  • Follow Up Boss
  • Kajabi

📌 Example project: One client had five disconnected tools she was using daily—none of which were working well together. I helped her consolidate what she actually needed, created a single workflow, and removed the tools that were adding confusion.

 

Ready to Work Together?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, behind on website updates, or just tired of piecing together tech systems that don’t quite work, I can help.

As a Systems & Solutions Partner, I don’t just complete tasks—I look at how everything fits together and help you run your business more smoothly, sustainably, and confidently.

📅 Book a free 30-minute call

Let’s talk about what’s working, what’s not, and how I can support you.

Book A Discovery Call!

Why Website Maintenance Matters More Than You Think

by | Aug 1, 2025 | Business Operations, Website & Tech Insights

The real cost of ignoring your website—and what to do instead

Your website is not a “set it and forget it” kind of thing.

Think of it like owning a car. Just because you bought it and drove it off the lot doesn’t mean you can ignore it for the next five years. You still need to change the oil, rotate the tires, and fix things when they wear down—or risk being stranded when you least expect it.

Your website is no different.

Neglect Adds Up—Quietly

If it’s been a while since you logged into your site, that silence doesn’t mean “all good.” In fact, websites that go untouched often break down quietly in the background. And you may not notice until a client tells you a form didn’t work, a link is broken, or worse—your site is flagged as insecure.

Here’s what can happen when you skip regular maintenance:

  • 🔐 Outdated plugins or themes create security gaps

  • 🧱 Broken links, missing images, or layout glitches hurt your credibility

  • 🕰️ Old info leads to confusion—and lost sales

  • 💥 No backups = major headaches if your site crashes or gets hacked

  • 🐢 Slow load times hurt your SEO and drive visitors away

A Simple Monthly Website Maintenance Checklist

Don’t worry—you don’t have to be “techy” to keep your site in shape.
Here’s a short, manageable list to follow each month:

  • ✅ Update WordPress core, plugins, and themes

  • ✅ Check all site links and contact forms

  • ✅ Back up your website and confirm the backup worked

  • ✅ Review content for outdated details, dates, or links

  • ✅ Test your site on mobile + check page load speed

  • ✅ Clear out spam comments, extra images, and unused plugins

Doing this monthly keeps your site running smoothly, protects your investment, and makes sure your first impression stays strong.

Don’t Have Time (or Interest) for This? That’s OK.

You’re not alone. Most business owners aren’t logging into the back end of their site unless something’s broken—or they’re trying to update a product, post, or service. But what’s happening under the hood matters just as much.

That’s where I come in.

I offer monthly website maintenance plans that handle all of this for you. Whether you need someone to keep an eye on things behind the scenes, or you want help cleaning up a site that’s already feeling clunky—I’ve got your back.

📅 Book a free 30-minute call and let’s chat about what your site needs.

Free Resource: 5 Tech Fixes Every Business Owner Should Know

Not quite ready to commit to a plan but want to make sure nothing is breaking behind the scenes?

Grab my free guide: 5 Tech Fixes Every Business Owner Should Know
It walks you through common website mistakes and how to spot (and fix) them before they become big problems.

Your Website Deserves a Little Love

Your website is one of the most important assets in your business. Don’t let it fall apart just because life got busy. A little monthly attention can go a long way—and if you’d rather not DIY it, I’m here to help.

Book A Discovery Call!