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Discover the importance of maintenance pages for your website: communication, user experience and digital strategy advanced in case of unavailability.
Have you ever considered the importance of a maintenance page for your website? If you manage or develop sites, the need for a maintenance page has likely crossed your mind. Many organizations underestimate the impact and importance of these pages, which, while seemingly insignificant, play a crucial role in managing your brand perception and user experience when your site is temporarily unavailable. Let's decipher the fundamentals of a maintenance page and how it differs from the "Coming Soon" page.
What is a Website Maintenance Page?
A website maintenance page is a temporary page that visitors see while the site is being updated or repaired. Unlike an error page, it is intentionally set up by the technical team to inform users that the site will soon be available again. Site administrators retain access, allowing them to test changes before the site goes live again. This page assures visitors that technical issues are being addressed and that the site will be available again shortly.
The “Coming Soon” Pages: Definition and Role
Coming Soon pages inform users that a new site is under construction and will be available soon. They have no header or footer, but are equipped with a message encouraging visitors to return later. Typically used for new projects, they also aim to create excitement and collect information, such as email addresses, for the future launch. Their main purpose is to prepare the groundwork for search engines and to encourage visits as soon as the site opens.
Fundamental Difference Between a Maintenance Page and a Coming Soon Page
It's crucial to understand the distinction between these two types of pages. A "Coming Soon" page hides a site under construction, allowing search engines to index it in advance. A maintenance page, on the other hand, is intended for changes and updates to the existing site, informing visitors of ongoing maintenance. In the event of maintenance, the HTTP 503 code can be used to signal to search engines that the site is temporarily unavailable, thus preventing unwanted indexing.
Why Use a Maintenance Page?
Using a maintenance page goes far beyond a simple informational notice. It should clearly state the expected duration of the downtime and can include links to social media platforms to keep users engaged. By collecting email addresses, you're paving the way for future marketing campaigns. Also, when migrating between different content management systems or servers, such a page ensures smooth and transparent communication with users.
Information to Include in a Maintenance Page
A maintenance page should provide clear and concise information about the temporary nature of the site's downtime. It might display a message like "Maintenance in Progress" along with an error code, such as HTTP 503 for a service unavailable. To build user confidence, the page should reassure users that the issue is being addressed and offer redirects to other available content.
User Side
For visitors, the page should provide an optimistic and professional outlook. This may include:
- The estimated time before the site is back online.
- Alternative ways to access information (e.g., links to social networks).
- A pleasant design so as not to neglect the aesthetic aspect.
Administrator or Developer Side
From a more technical and internal perspective, developers need to be able to quickly identify the source of the problem. Customizing the text based on the error code can be considered. A troubleshooting service should be ready to intervene to ensure a quick resolution.
Setting Up the Maintenance Page: Three Key Procedures
Creating a maintenance page should be carefully planned with the client. Here are three procedures for three distinct needs:
Procedure #1: Switch the Site to OFF Mode
For WordPress sites, the WP Maintenance plugin is a key tool. Here's how to enable maintenance:
- Log in to the site's back office.
- Navigate to the “WP Maintenance” button.
- Enable maintenance mode and save changes.
This will set up a waiting page for all visitors except users with administrative rights. To verify the page, you can test it by logging out or using a different browser.
Procedure #2: Management in the Event of CMS Failure
If the CMS system is down, FTP is necessary. The logical solution is to archive the site folder and temporarily replace it with the maintenance page folder.
Procedure #3: Server Malfunction
In the presence of server outages, such as errors related to Apache/NGINX, MySQL, or hardware conflicts, a default page managed by Apache/NGINX is displayed. Regardless of the problem, it is imperative to contact the server administrator for a proper reboot and resolution of the issue.
The Strategic Impact of a Maintenance Page
Having a well-designed maintenance page is essential for effective website management. It ensures transparent communication during outages and updates, contributes to user engagement, and preserves brand image. Proactive management of these pages can also have a positive impact on public relations and customer loyalty. Adopt and integrate clear and effective procedures to maintain the continuity of your online service. Consider it an integral part of your company's digital strategy.