Automation Pitfalls in Website Maintenance
You know what’s fantastic about automation? It does exactly what you tell it to. And you know what’s awful about automation? It does exactly what you tell it to.
After our recent episode of Let’s Not Optimize This: Button Pushers Anonymous, we were reminded how automation can truly be a double-edged sword. Automation in website maintenance can be incredibly powerful, but without human oversight, it’s essentially setting your website on autopilot and crossing your fingers.
Here’s why automation alone won’t cut it:
The Infamous White Screen of Doom
Ever updated a WordPress plugin only to see your website vanish into a terrifying white void? Automation will happily update plugins and themes but can’t predict conflicts or troubleshoot compatibility issues. Human oversight, however, can identify potential pitfalls and intervene before your website becomes an empty canvas.
Cryptic Error Emails
Then comes the barrage of cryptic error messages and notifications. Phrases like “Fatal Error” or “Unexpected Token” might as well say, “Good luck figuring this out!” Humans fluent in “tech-speak” can quickly decode these mysteries and tackle the root issue.
Plugin Conflict Mediation
Automation doesn’t mediate plugin conflicts. It lacks critical thinking. Imagine dozens of plugins squabbling like disgruntled coworkers, each convinced they’re right. Automation stands helplessly aside, but an experienced developer can swiftly step in, resolve conflicts, and restore harmony.
Domain Renewal Nightmares
Domain renewal reminders sneakily end up in your spam folder, auto-renewal isn’t set, and your payment method expired months ago—yet you have no idea. Losing your website’s domain because automation didn’t alert you isn’t worth the risk. Human vigilance is critical in ensuring your website domain remains yours.
CSS Catastrophes
Ever tweak CSS directly in your parent theme, only to have automated updates wipe out your hard work? Automation can’t distinguish these critical details. Human developers know better—they use child themes to preserve those crucial customizations.
Automation: Your First Line of Defense
Let’s be clear: automation is incredibly valuable. It’s excellent for routine backups, basic security scans, and regular updates. It keeps your website humming along smoothly most of the time. But “most of the time” isn’t enough when your business depends on your digital presence.
Humans: Your Last (and Best) Line of Defense
Having real people behind your website means someone can immediately step in when automation stumbles. Humans provide proactive monitoring, intuitive troubleshooting, and effective crisis management—capabilities automation can’t replicate.
Finding the Perfect Balance: Human and AI
As noted by Aarav Infotech, AI and LLMs handle routine website maintenance tasks effectively, including content updates, performance checks, and security monitoring. However, as detailed in IEEE Spectrum by Bruce Schneier and Nathan E. Sanders, AI makes uniquely unpredictable mistakes, necessitating new security measures tailored specifically to detect these errors. Blending AI’s efficiency with human judgment creates a comprehensive solution ensuring your website stays secure, functional, and reliable.
Should you use automated updates for your WordPress site?
Use automation to manage routine tasks, but never underestimate the irreplaceable power of human oversight. Your website (and your sanity) depends on this balance.
For more real stories, actionable advice, and plenty of laughs, check out our latest episode of Let’s Not Optimize This: Button Pushers Anonymous.
-It might get helpful. It might get weird.
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References:
Schneier, B., & Sanders, N. E. (2025, January 13). AI Mistakes Are Very Different From Human Mistakes. Retrieved from https://spectrum.ieee.org/ai-mistakes-schneier
Aarav Infotech. The Future of Website Maintenance with AI and ChatGPT. Retrieved from https://www.aaravinfotech.com/blog/the-future-of-website-maintenance-with-ai-and-chatgpt/