It's a popular belief that after a website is launched, the job is done, when in fact launching a website is only the start of an ongoing task such as monitoring, maintenaing and ensuring your content, security and visibility is up-to-date. Website maintenance should not be ignored for any businesses that have long-term goals.
There are 3 important reasons for maintenance:
- Security
- Content
- Search Engine Optimization
Of course, these are not the only reasons, but prove to be important ones.
If you're running a website that is driven by a Content Management System (such as WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, etc), than updates are even more important because you're striving to maintain the security of your system. Content Management Systems (CMS) will often release updates that address security concerns such as flaws, bugs and vulnerabilities.
Any website driven by PHP and scripts should regularly ensure they're using the current Web Standards.
As time progresses, new technology is released. With those improvements comes the risk of errors. If your website is dependent on PHP and have not updated it in an extended period of time, than you're at risk of things becoming depreciated, especially if your hosting provider is updating their services and your website is not adhering to those rules / updates.
In means of scripts, they become outdated and vulnerable at times. For example, let's take Timthumb. In 2011 there was was a major vulnerability discovered that allowed hackers to easily take advantage your website through means of Timthumb. Read all about it, "Zero Day Vulnerability in many WordPress Themes". Many of the premium templates you have purchased, or even free ones, will commonly make use of Timthumb and when this Zero Day Vulnerability was first discovered, it was of crucial importance that you addressed the issue immediately.
Not only for the sense of security though, your maintenance is important to Search Engines.
Updating your website regularly means your visible to search engines looking for sites that remain active. An active website stands a stronger chance of being seen. An active website ensures that you're presenting your visitors with content that would encourage their return, not just crawlers, but potential customers, clients and general visitors which of course is the idea behind having your online presence.
Maintenance can be an ongoing thing that will be required of you as long as you have a website.
Not only can we help maintain those existing websites, but also bring to life those that may have already fallen behind.
In conclusion, yes, maintenance is of the utmost importance and isn't our suggestion to be ignored.