Block 81 Insights August 2025

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A common question I hear from website owners after their shiny new site launches is, "So we're all set now, right?" Or some variation thereof. I get it—you've spent a lot of time getting the design, features, and copy as perfect as possible and now you just want to focus on the next thing in your business. Unfortunately, websites aren't "set it and forget it"—they need regular updates and maintenance to keep delivering value consistently.

This issue dives into what effective website maintenance actually looks like, plus I'm sharing my 8 Pillars of High-Performing Websites checklist to help you evaluate where your site stands. You'll also be hearing from me every other month now instead of quarterly—because regular attention makes all the difference.

🔎 SPOTLIGHT

Accessibility Misconceptions

Here's a common misconception: "Making our website accessible would be too expensive and complicated." In reality, most accessibility improvements are simple design and coding choices that cost nothing extra when built in from the start. Things like proper heading structure, descriptive link text, and sufficient color contrast don't just help people with disabilities—they improve the experience for everyone and boost your SEO. The expensive part isn't making your site accessible; it's retrofitting a site that was built without accessibility in mind.

💡 DEEP DIVE

Why Your Website Needs Regular Maintenance (And What Happens When You Skip It)

Here's what I see happen when websites get the "set it and forget it" treatment: security vulnerabilities pile up as software goes unpatched, performance slowly degrades as unoptimized images and other media accumulate, and broken links start appearing as external sites change or disappear. Meanwhile, search engines notice the neglect: outdated content, slow load times, and technical issues all signal that a site isn’t worth ranking highly. What started as a high-performing website gradually becomes a liability.

Ironically, most website maintenance isn't dramatic or expensive. We’re talking about keeping your CMS updated regularly, checking for broken links, adding new content, and refreshing stale content. When done consistently, these actions prevent big problems that require emergency fixes that are dramatic and expensive.

Smart business owners treat their website like any other critical business system—with scheduled maintenance, regular checkups, and proactive improvements. They understand that a website generating leads today can quietly stop working tomorrow if it's not properly maintained. The businesses that embrace this reality consistently outperform those that don't, because they're building on a foundation that actually supports growth rather than undermines it.

The good news? Most maintenance tasks can be systematized and many can be automated. The key is knowing what to focus on and when. If you're wondering where your website stands against the fundamentals that drive real performance, I've put together a comprehensive checklist that covers all the critical areas—from user experience to security to conversion optimization.

📝 FROM THE BLOCK 81 BLOG

​Mastering Website Performance Speed Optimization: From Diagnosis to Results ​
From image compression to code minification, discover the strategies that will transform your slow-loading website into a lightning-fast user experience.

​The Business Owner's Guide to Website Hosting (Without the Technical Jargon)​
Website hosting doesn't have to feel like rocket science, despite all the marketing hype and tech jargon. This guide helps you figure out what you actually need, avoid expensive mistakes, and choose hosting that grows with your business.

​Why Smart Businesses Partner with Web Studios for Ongoing Success​
Your website is working 24/7 as your digital storefront, and just like any hard-working team member, it needs proper support. A website support retainer isn't just another monthly expense; it's about having experts in your corner, ready to handle issues before they impact your business.

​Why Your Website’s CMS Should Be Updated​
From security to saving money to having a faster website, keeping your website’s CMS up to date is an important part of your overall website health.

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