Naughty vs. Nice: Website Habits Edition
The holidays are the perfect time to reflect on the past year: what went well, what could have gone better, and what we want to do differently moving forward. It’s also a good moment to take stock of something that often gets overlooked amid the end‑of‑year rush...website habits.
Just like holiday traditions, some website habits bring joy and peace of mind while others tend to cause last‑minute stress and unpleasant surprises. In the spirit of the season, here’s our Naughty vs. Nice list of website habits - a fun and helpful review as you head into the new year.
Naughty Website Habits
Let’s start with the habits that tend to cause the most issues over time.
Ignoring Updates
Updates can feel inconvenient, especially when everything seems to be working just fine, but skipping updates is one of the most common ways websites get into trouble.
Outdated themes, plugins, and core software can introduce security vulnerabilities, performance issues, and compatibility problems. Many updates don’t just add features, they also patch known security holes. Ignoring them is like leaving your front door unlocked during the holidays.
Weak or Reused Passwords
Using the same password everywhere, or using one that is easy to guess, might save time but it’s a risky habit.
Websites are frequent targets for automated attacks, and weak credentials make those attacks far more likely to succeed. One compromised login can lead to defaced pages, stolen data, or a completely inaccessible site.
Skipping Backups
Many site owners don’t think about backups until something goes wrong, and by then, it’s often too late.
Whether it’s a failed update, accidental deletion, or security incident, not having a reliable, recent backup can turn a small issue into a major headache.
Nice Website Habits
Now for the habits that keep your website healthy, happy, and stress‑free.
Keeping Software Up to Date
Regular updates help protect your site from known vulnerabilities and ensure everything works together smoothly.
A good habit is scheduling a regular update window - monthly or bi‑weekly - so updates don’t feel like a constant interruption.
There are also update settings in Installatron so that updates can be made automatically: Configuring Settings for Automatic Updates in Installatron.
Using Strong, Unique Credentials
Strong passwords (and password managers) make a huge difference. Adding multi‑factor authentication wherever possible provides another layer of protection.
This is especially important for admin and hosting accounts, where access controls everything else. Dramatically reduce the risk of unauthorized access by using good passwords!
Regular, Verified Backups
Nice websites don’t just have backups, they have tested backups.
Knowing when backups run, how long they’re stored, and how quickly they can be restored turns a potential crisis into a minor inconvenience.
Reclaim users have access to a couple of easily accessible backup tools in cPanel.
- Installatron has automatic backups available, and you can view the backup policy for that tool here.
- We also use Jetbackup 5 to create backups of your entire account that can be used to restore a single site or your entire account if needed.
The nicest habit of all..? Recognizing that your website evolves. Content changes, traffic grows, tools improve, and expectations shift. Checking in regularly, especially during slower seasons like the end of the year, helps to ensure your site continues to function smoothly and supports your overall goals.
Wrapping It Up
Moving from the naughty list to the nice list doesn’t require a complete overhaul. A few consistent habits - updates, backups, and strong security - go a long way.
As you wrap up 2025 and look ahead to 2026, consider this your friendly nudge to give your website a little extra care. Here’s to a safer, faster, and happier website in the new year.
