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25 Sep, 2024
Have You Considered Using a Website Maintenance Service?

Table of Content

Your website is your online storefront. It’s where potential customers go to learn about your business, your products, and your services. So it’s important to make sure your website is always up and running and in good working order.

What is Website Maintenance?

That’s where website maintenance comes in. Website maintenance is the process of keeping your website up-to-date and running smoothly. It includes tasks like:

  • Security updates: Keeping your website’s software up to date is essential for security. Software updates often include security patches that fix vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit.
  • Backups: Regular backups are essential in case your website is hacked or experiences a technical problem. With backups, you can quickly restore your website to its previous state.
  • Performance optimization: Website maintenance can also help improve your website’s performance. This means making sure your website loads quickly and efficiently for visitors.
  • Content updates: Keeping your website’s content fresh and up-to-date is important for keeping visitors engaged.
  • Bug fixes: As your website evolves, you may encounter bugs or errors. Website maintenance can help identify and fix these problems.
  • Testing: Website maintenance can also include testing your website to make sure it’s working properly. This includes testing for broken links, errors, and security vulnerabilities.

If you’re serious about keeping your website up and running smoothly, then you should consider using a website maintenance service. It’s a small investment that can save you a lot of time and headaches in the long run.

Here are some additional reasons why you should use a website maintenance service:

  • Peace of mind: Knowing that your website is in good hands can give you peace of mind. You won’t have to worry about security breaches, performance issues, or broken links.
  • Expertise: A website maintenance service will have the expertise and experience to keep your website running smoothly. They’ll know what to look for and how to fix problems quickly and efficiently.
  • Cost-effectiveness: A website maintenance service can save you money in the long run. By preventing problems before they happen, you can avoid costly repairs and downtime.

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Website Maintenance Improves Security

Regular maintenance, provided by managed website support services, will identify when your site has been hacked before the problem gets too large. If you think you will easily be able to know when your website has been hacked, consider that 63% of website owners do not know their site has been hacked. To make sure you’re not one of these people, website security maintenance is essential.

The vast majority of websites today use a content management system (CMS) to organize and publish content. Hackers use previously undiscovered vulnerabilities to gain access to your website. Often, these holes are patched quickly by the organization responsible for the CMS.  

Regular maintenance of your website will ensure that the latest security patches are installed and will help to minimize the risk of your website getting hacked. 

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What Types of Website Maintenance Service Exist?

When considering website maintenance services, businesses and individuals have several options to ensure that their website remains fully operational, secure, and optimized for performance. These services cater to various aspects, including performance, content updates, security, and overall upkeep. Here are the key types of website maintenance services:

1. Content Updates and Management

This type of maintenance focuses on keeping the content of your website fresh and relevant. It includes updating blog posts, product descriptions, landing pages, and media content such as images and videos. Regular content updates improve SEO (Search Engine Optimization), which helps the website rank higher on search engines. Most businesses with dynamic content, like e-commerce platforms or blogs, require frequent updates to stay relevant in their niche.

2. Security and Backup Maintenance

Backing up your files, whether they’re home photos, work documents, or website pages, is always a good idea. Having your digital files on multiple devices reduces the chances of losing your information should something catastrophic happen. Power outages, equipment failures, or hackers deleting all your files are all possibilities.  

By scheduling regular backups, you can minimize the damage that is done and quickly get your website back up and running. This is a task that can be monitored during regular maintenance. It’s a great way to provide yourself with an added layer of security.  

Your website backup schedule will vary depending on how often you upload content. If you upload content every day, or multiple times a day, you’ll want to do backups each day. But if you only upload once a week, then you would need to backup weekly instead of daily. 

3. Performance Optimization

Performance is key to user experience, and website maintenance services that focus on performance ensure that the website loads quickly, handles traffic surges, and runs efficiently. This includes optimizing code, compressing images, and configuring caching systems. Performance optimization is particularly important for WordPress websites that use multiple plugins, as these can sometimes slow down the site. A well-maintained website provides users with a seamless experience, thus reducing bounce rates and enhancing customer satisfaction.

4. Technical Support and Bug Fixes

Every website encounters technical glitches from time to time. Website maintenance services that offer technical support ensure that any issues like broken links, malfunctioning forms, or browser compatibility problems are resolved quickly. This type of service includes both proactive monitoring for potential problems and reactive fixes when issues arise. Websites built on platforms like WordPress require continuous technical maintenance to ensure that themes, plugins, and the core software are updated and functioning properly.

5. SEO Monitoring and Analytics Reporting

Website maintenance isn’t just about security and performance; it also involves ensuring that the website continues to attract visitors. Marketing teams often rely on SEO monitoring and analytics to make data-driven decisions. This type of maintenance involves tracking website rankings, monitoring keyword performance, and adjusting content strategies accordingly. Reports from tools like Google Analytics can help businesses understand user behavior and adjust their marketing strategies.

It is important to clarify that some companies consider this type of service to be website maintenance, and some – as a marketing service. In particular, our company Grid Concept considers such reporting as a marketing service and a separate team of specialists is engaged in such services. But in some cases we also involve our colleagues in website maintenance, for example, when, as part of analytics, it is necessary to set up tracking of some lead form and this cannot be done using standard tracking tools.

5. E-commerce Maintenance

For e-commerce websites, maintenance services take on an additional layer of complexity. These services ensure that product listings are updated, payment gateways are functioning properly, and that the checkout process is smooth. Additionally, regular security checks are essential to protect customer data and maintain PCI compliance.

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In What Cases is it Better to do Website Maintenance Yourself, and in What Cases Should You Contact a Website Maintenance Company?

Maintaining a website can either be handled in-house or outsourced to professional website maintenance companies, depending on the complexity of the website and the specific needs of the business.

When to Do Website Maintenance Yourself

If you have a small personal website, a blog, or a simple informational site that doesn’t require a lot of complex functionalities, it might be easier and more cost-effective to manage the website maintenance yourself. Here are specific cases where DIY maintenance is preferable:

  • Simple Updates: If your website is small and doesn’t need frequent updates, such as changing text, swapping out images, or updating a blog, handling these updates yourself can save on costs.
  • Basic Technical Knowledge: If you have some basic technical skills, you can handle updates to WordPress or another website platform, such as applying software updates or installing security plugins.
  • Tight Budget: If you’re just starting and have limited financial resources, taking care of website maintenance yourself allows you to allocate your budget elsewhere, such as into marketing or product development.

For example, a personal blog on WordPress might not require extensive maintenance beyond updating plugins and creating backups, which many individuals can manage on their own.

When to Contact a Website Maintenance Company

In contrast, there are many cases where reaching out to a professional website maintenance company is a better option:

  • Complex Websites: If you run an e-commerce website, corporate site, or a platform with extensive functionalities (e.g., customer databases, payment processing), the complexity of the maintenance required may exceed your skill set.
  • Security Risks: As cyberattacks become more sophisticated, security becomes a top priority. If you do not have the expertise to implement advanced security protocols, it’s advisable to hire a company that specializes in website security.
  • Time Constraints: Even if you possess the knowledge to manage your website, the time required to continuously monitor security, performance, and updates can be overwhelming, especially if you have other aspects of your business to manage. A website maintenance company can handle these tasks, freeing you to focus on core business activities such as marketing.
  • SEO and Marketing Integration: If you need ongoing SEO monitoring, marketing analytics, or regular content updates, professional companies have the tools and experience to ensure these tasks are done efficiently. These services are vital for ensuring that your website attracts and retains customers.

The specificity of the website maintenance market is that it is not particularly tied to any location, and then it is very competitive. In other words, you can find a website maintenance company for your request.

First answer the question of whether you need your site promoted or not.

If you are a B2B company that trades in a narrow niche, you most likely don’t need to have a good ranking in Google — which means that those website maintenance companies that are primarily focused on technical support will suit you. This will save you a day. On the contrary, if you are a local store that wants to get into the TOP-1 of Google for your location and cannot do it yourself, then perhaps you can save money by hiring a marketing company with a technical department. So you get two specialists for the price of one.

For example, Grid Concept is definitely focused on the second type of business and we are primarily approached by those who want both digital promotion and website maintenance at the same time.

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How Do I Know That I Am Not Overpaying for Website Maintenance Service?

Determining whether you are getting good value from your website maintenance services can be tricky, but several key indicators can help you assess whether you are overpaying:

  • Understand Your Website’s Needs. The first step in ensuring that you’re not overpaying is to clearly understand your website’s specific maintenance needs. For example, a small WordPress blog with minimal traffic and few plugins will require much less maintenance than an e-commerce site with thousands of daily visitors. If your website maintenance service includes advanced security monitoring, content management, and performance optimization, and your website doesn’t need these services, you could be overpaying.
  • Compare with Competitors. It’s important to research what other website maintenance companies charge for similar services. If you find that other companies offer similar packages at a significantly lower price, you may be paying more than necessary. That said, don’t base your decision solely on price; ensure that the company offers a comprehensive service, especially in terms of security, marketing, and performance.
  • Review the SLA (Service Level Agreement). Ensure that the services provided in your website maintenance package match what is outlined in the SLA. Often, businesses pay for premium services but aren’t receiving the agreed level of support. Make sure that the SLA covers all key aspects of website upkeep, including security, performance, and updates.
  • Monitor the Results. A good way to determine whether you are getting value for your money is by monitoring the results of the website maintenance service. Are your website’s performance, SEO rankings, and security improving? Is the website experiencing less downtime and faster load times? If you’re not seeing measurable improvements, it might be time to reassess your contract.
  • Customization vs. Generic Packages. Finally, consider whether the package you’re paying for is tailored to your specific needs or if it’s a one-size-fits-all package. If your website requires minimal maintenance and you’re paying for a premium package designed for larger businesses, you might be overspending. Many website maintenance companies offer customizable packages that can better match your specific website and marketing needs.

What Are the Methods of Evaluating Website Maintenance?

The structure of website maintenance fees typically depends on the company’s approach and the customer’s specific needs. There are three primary methods for evaluating and charging for website maintenance services: monthly packages, hourly fees, and fixed-fee arrangements. Each method has its advantages, and certain types of websites benefit more from one method over the others.

1. Monthly Packages for Website Maintenance

One common method of pricing website maintenance is through a monthly package. This model is typically based on a recurring fee that covers a comprehensive range of services needed to keep a website running smoothly. These packages often include regular updates, security monitoring, backups, performance optimization, and sometimes even content management.

Advantages of Monthly Packages

The primary advantage of monthly packages is predictability. Businesses know exactly what they are paying each month and what services are included in return. Monthly packages often include proactive monitoring of security, performance, and technical issues, ensuring that the website remains optimized without the need for constant oversight from the business owner. This can be especially beneficial for businesses that do not have in-house technical staff and want to outsource all aspects of website maintenance.

Another advantage is that monthly packages often include regular updates, not only for WordPress core files and plugins (if applicable) but also for any security patches and content changes. Monthly plans may also offer technical support for issues that arise, providing a more comprehensive approach to website maintenance.

Which Websites Benefit from Monthly Packages?

  • E-commerce Websites: Websites that sell products online, such as Shopify or WooCommerce sites, require constant monitoring, updates, and optimizations. Payment gateways must remain secure, product listings need to be updated, and customer data must be protected. A monthly package ensures these sites stay fully functional and secure. Downtime or security breaches can lead to lost sales, making regular, proactive website maintenance essential for profitability.
  • High-Traffic Blogs or News Websites: Websites that rely on frequent content updates, such as blogs or media sites, benefit from a monthly maintenance package. Regular content management, along with SEO improvements and security monitoring, ensures that the website performs well in search engines and remains accessible to readers at all times.

Example of Monthly Pricing

A small e-commerce site may pay $200 to $500 per month for comprehensive website maintenance, covering security, performance, content management, and technical support. On the other hand, larger businesses with more complex sites or multiple domains may pay $1,000 or more monthly, depending on the number of services included in the package.

2. Hourly Fee for Website Maintenance

Another popular method for evaluating website maintenance services is the hourly fee model. This pricing structure charges clients based on the time a website maintenance company spends working on the site, which can range from fixing bugs to updating content or implementing security patches.

Advantages of Hourly Fees

Hourly fees offer flexibility. If a business only requires sporadic website maintenance, such as occasional updates or troubleshooting, the hourly fee model can be more cost-effective than paying for a comprehensive monthly package. This model works well for businesses that have the technical capability to handle some aspects of website maintenance themselves and only need professional help on an as-needed basis.

Hourly fees also offer transparency, as businesses pay only for the time spent resolving issues. This can be particularly advantageous when dealing with one-time or infrequent tasks, such as recovering from a security breach or addressing sudden performance issues.

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Which Websites Benefit from Hourly Fees?

  • Small Static Websites: Businesses with static websites that don’t require frequent updates — such as a small consultancy or portfolio site—may find hourly fees more profitable. These sites don’t need constant security monitoring or content updates, so paying for maintenance services only when necessary can be more economical.
  • Websites with In-House Technical Teams: Companies with internal IT or web development teams that handle most maintenance tasks may only need external help for specific issues or advanced technical problems. In such cases, an hourly fee is a good option, as the in-house team can manage daily maintenance tasks, and the company only pays for expert assistance when absolutely needed.

Example of Hourly Pricing

Hourly rates for website maintenance vary widely based on the level of expertise required. Basic tasks such as updating content or fixing minor bugs may cost between $50 to $100 per hour, while more complex jobs, such as security hardening or backend troubleshooting, could run upwards of $150 to $300 per hour. For instance, a company may need a WordPress developer to spend three hours fixing a plugin conflict, costing approximately $450 in total.

By the way, the GridConcepts belongs to the hourly types. Our services are focused on small and medium businesses, so this type of payment is the best fit. Some case studies of our website maintenance can be viewed here.

3. Fixed Fee for Specific Services

The fixed-fee model is a one-time charge for specific website maintenance tasks. This is often used for predefined tasks such as a major security upgrade, a complete website audit, or a performance overhaul. The fee is determined upfront, and businesses know exactly what they are paying for without any hourly tracking or long-term commitments.

Advantages of Fixed-Fee Services

The biggest advantage of a fixed fee is predictability. Clients know exactly what they are getting for their money, and there are no surprises when the bill arrives. Fixed-fee services are especially useful for well-defined tasks that have clear start and end points, such as a website redesign, security upgrade, or SEO audit.

Fixed fees are also beneficial for businesses that do not want to commit to an ongoing relationship with a website maintenance company but need a specific issue or project handled. For example, a WordPress site owner may want to hire a company to perform a one-time security audit after experiencing a hacking attempt.

Which Websites Benefit from Fixed-Fee Services?

  • New Websites or Recently Relaunched Websites: For businesses that are launching a new website or relaunching an existing one, a fixed-fee arrangement can be beneficial. After the initial setup, the website may only need a few tweaks, such as optimizing the performance or ensuring that all security protocols are in place. A fixed-fee arrangement can help cover these initial maintenance tasks without requiring long-term commitments.
  • Special Projects: Websites undergoing a specific task, such as migrating from one hosting platform to another or performing a security overhaul, may find fixed fees advantageous. In this case, a business knows upfront how much it will cost to complete the project, avoiding any unexpected increases in costs or time spent.

Example of Fixed-Fee Pricing

A business might pay $1,000 to $2,500 for a website security audit, depending on the size and complexity of the site. Similarly, a one-time SEO audit or performance optimization project could cost a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the scope of work.

For instance, a small business might hire a website maintenance company to perform a one-time security check and backup setup for $500, ensuring that the site is secure and prepared for future updates without committing to a monthly or hourly rate.

What to Look for in Your Website Maintenance Provider

If you’re looking for a website maintenance service, be sure to do your research. There are many different services available, so it’s important to find one that’s right for your needs. 

Here are a few things to look for when choosing a website maintenance service: 

  • Experience: The service should have experience working with websites of all sizes and types. 
  • Reputation: The service should have a good reputation with other customers. 
  • Pricing: The service should offer competitive pricing. 
  • Response time: The service should offer a quick turn-around on any requests. It may not be possible to resolve a particular task or issue right away, however, a response and a timeframe for resolutions should be provided within the next 24 hours. 
  • Flexibility: A great support partner will not just be able to assist from a technical standpoint. It should also include content updates, simple design tasks, and other day-to-day low-level assistance. 

By following these tips, you can choose a website maintenance service that will keep your website running smoothly and securely. 

A website is not a static object. It is an ever-changing, constantly evolving thing that needs regular attention. There are many things to keep an eye on, and ignoring these things can have a negative impact on your website and business. However regular website maintenance can prevent all these issues while ensuring your web visitors have a pleasant experience.  

To find out more about website support and maintenance services, get in touch with  Grid Concepts today.