A website is not finished when it launches. WordPress, plugins and themes release updates every month, security threats change constantly, and things quietly break. A maintenance plan, which we call Website Care, is how those jobs get done before they turn into an emergency. Here is what a good plan should include.
Updates, done safely
WordPress core, plugins and themes need regular updates, mostly to fix security holes. A good plan updates them on a schedule, checks the site afterwards, and can roll back if an update breaks something. Clicking update all and hoping for the best is not maintenance.
Backups stored somewhere else
Backups should run automatically, daily for busy sites, and be stored away from your web server. A backup kept only on the same server is lost along with the site if the server fails or the account is compromised. Just as important: someone should occasionally check that the backups can actually be restored.
Uptime monitoring
Monitoring checks your site every few minutes and alerts us when it goes down, so the problem is being fixed before your customers notice.
Security scanning and a firewall
Regular malware scans, a web application firewall, login protection and checks for suspicious admin users all reduce the risk of a hack. The best plans also include malware cleanup if something does get through, so you are not hit with an emergency bill.
Speed checks
Sites slow down over time as content, plugins and images pile up. Monthly checks keep caching, images and the database in good shape.
Small content edits
Many plans include a set amount of time for changes such as updating prices, adding a team member or swapping a banner. It saves you learning the editor for a five-minute job.
A monthly report
You should be able to see what was done: updates applied, backups taken, uptime, security scans and anything that needed attention.
Questions to ask before you sign up
- Where are backups stored, and how long are they kept?
- Is malware cleanup included, or charged extra?
- How quickly do you respond if the site goes down?
- Do you test the site after updates?
- Can I cancel, and do I keep full access to my site?
Our Website Care plans cover all of this for WordPress, WooCommerce and Shopify sites, whether we built them or not. Get in touch to find the right plan for your site.
