Hello {{First name | there}},

If you think hackers only target big companies, I’ve got bad news: the easiest targets are small businesses that think exactly that.

Every week, I talk with someone whose website was hacked, deleted, or defaced because they didn’t believe it could happen to them. The results range from frustrating to catastrophic — and almost all of them were preventable.

Your website isn’t just a marketing tool; it’s a doorway into your business. And when you don’t lock that door, it’s not a matter of if someone gets in — it’s when.

Catch up on past series

If you’re new here, or want to revisit past topics, here’s what we’ve already covered:

Now we’re continuing Build a Website That Works - because security and maintenance are just as important as design and content.

Real-world story

I can’t even count how many times I’ve seen this happen, but here’s one classic example.

A client contacted me to help with their hacked website. When I asked for login credentials, they emailed me a new account — with the password “password.”

That was the first problem. Any organization with such relaxed password policies is practically inviting hackers in.

Once I logged in, the real damage became clear. Files were changed across the server, and the site had been modified to include pages in other languages linking to adult products. The only option was to restore from backups.

Except… they didn’t have any.

Someone had built the site years ago, put it on a cheap server, and never touched it again — no updates, no backups, no maintenance. The only fix was a full rebuild.

They caught the problem early, but others haven’t been so lucky.

I’ve seen hacks that destroyed entire businesses — customer data stolen, emails hijacked to send spam, even fake payment systems added to checkout pages. When that happens, trust evaporates overnight. It doesn’t matter how good your marketing is; once customers stop trusting you, the game’s over.

Another client learned the same lesson the easy way. When we took over managing their website, our security software required them to change their password to meet our stricter policy. They weren’t thrilled.

“Do we really need to make it this complicated?” they asked.
Then they said what I’ve heard from countless business owners:
“We’re just a small business — why would anyone want to hack us?”

I explained that hackers don’t care about your business — they care about your server. They use small, unsecured websites to send spam, host malware, or run scams. Every junk email you get probably came from a small business that didn’t think anyone would hack them.

Why it matters

  • Security isn’t optional: One weak password or missed update can destroy a business.

  • Hacks target opportunity, not fame: Attackers go after easy targets, not famous ones.

  • Trust is fragile: Once your brand’s reputation is compromised, it’s nearly impossible to recover.

Common mistakes I see

  • Using simple or reused passwords.

  • Ignoring WordPress, theme, and plugin updates.

  • Believing the hosting company is handling security automatically.

  • Not keeping offsite backups in separate locations.

This week’s action (Checklist)

  1. Log into your website and update everything — WordPress core, themes, and plugins.

  2. Use a strong, unique password for every login (add a password manager if you need help).

  3. Confirm your site runs daily security scans and uses malware protection.

  4. Ensure backups are stored in at least two different physical locations.

    • There’s a saying in backups: two is one, one is none.

How it fits into the bigger picture

  • In Analytics Made Simple, we showed how systems keep your business running smoothly. Regular updates and strong security are those systems.

  • In Local SEO That Works, we covered visibility. But visibility means nothing if your website isn’t reachable.

  • The OptSus Website Bundle includes all of this — automated backups in three physical locations and multi-factor security that requires a physical key to access our most sensitive systems. But this isn’t magic. Any small business can DIY the same level of protection with the right habits.

Key takeaway

You don’t need to be big to be a target — you just need to be online. Lock your digital doors, keep your systems updated, and always have a backup plan. Prevention costs less than rebuilding trust.

Want more support while you’re doing this?

Talk soon,
Frank

P.S.
What’s the weakest part of your website’s security right now? Hit reply and tell me — I’ll help you figure out the easiest way to fix it.

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