How to audit your CMS for unused features that slow down performance

Content management systems (CMS) often accumulate unnecessary plugins, extensions, and custom features over time. While these additions may have once served a purpose, they can slow down site performance, introduce security vulnerabilities, and complicate backend workflows. Regular audits help optimise efficiency, improve loading speeds, and reduce maintenance overhead.

A well-structured CMS audit helps:

• Improve site speed by eliminating bloat.
• Enhance security by removing outdated or unpatched features.
• Simplify backend workflows for a more user-friendly experience.
• Reduce hosting costs by minimising server load.

Step 1: Identify active and unused CMS features

Begin your audit by listing all installed plugins, extensions, and built-in features.

• Review installed plugins/modules: Navigate to your CMS’s plugin or extension manager and list everything that’s currently active.
• Identify built-in CMS features: Some platforms (e.g., WordPress, Drupal, Joomla) come with default tools that may not be in use.
• Check integrations with third-party services: Remove any outdated APIs or services that are no longer relevant.
• Survey your editorial team: Ask content creators and developers which tools they actually use.

At this stage, you should have a full inventory of all active and unused features.

Step 2: Measure feature impact on performance

Once you’ve identified all features, determine how they affect site performance:

• Run speed tests using tools like Google PageSpeed Insights, GTmetrix, or Lighthouse to spot slow-loading elements.
• Monitor resource usage via your CMS dashboard or hosting provider’s analytics to identify high-consumption plugins.
• Track database queries using debugging tools to see if any extensions are overloading your system.
• Assess frontend bloat by checking whether features unnecessarily load scripts, styles, or assets.

Step 3: Deactivate and test removals safely

Before outright deleting anything, conduct safe deactivation tests:

• Disable unnecessary plugins one at a time and monitor site performance.
• Check for CMS errors or conflicts after each deactivation.
• Ensure critical functionality remains intact by reviewing site usability.
• Use a staging environment to test changes before applying them to your live site.

If performance improves without breaking key functionality, you can proceed to remove unneeded features permanently.

Step 4: Replace heavy tools with lightweight alternatives

Some CMS plugins and extensions consume excessive resources. Where possible, replace bloated tools with:

• Lightweight plugins that perform similar tasks without unnecessary overhead.
• Custom-coded solutions for essential functionality, reducing reliance on third-party tools.
• Native CMS features that may now offer built-in solutions to previously outsourced tasks.

Step 5: Optimise database and backend processes

Even after removing unnecessary features, your CMS may still carry legacy data slowing things down:

• Clean up old database entries left behind by uninstalled plugins.
• Optimise images and media libraries to reduce server load.
• Remove unused post revisions and drafts to declutter content management.
• Audit user roles and permissions to prevent redundant accounts from adding backend complexity.

Step 6: Establish a routine CMS audit schedule

Auditing your CMS should be a regular task, not a one-time effort. To maintain an optimised system:

• Schedule audits every 6–12 months to identify new inefficiencies.
• Keep documentation of installed features to track changes over time.
• Monitor updates and security patches to ensure your CMS remains efficient.
• Educate your team on best practices to avoid installing unnecessary tools in the future.

Final thoughts

Regularly auditing your CMS for unused features ensures a fast, efficient, and secure digital experience. By systematically identifying redundant tools, measuring performance impact, and streamlining backend operations, you can maintain a high-performing site that serves both editorial teams and audiences effectively.