Having a website built is only the beginning.
Over time, prices change, services evolve, staff members come and go and new information needs adding. Behind the scenes, WordPress, themes and plugins also require attention.
For many small business owners, the problem isn’t recognizing that the website needs updating — it’s finding the time and knowing who can manage the website for them.
Do I have to manage my WordPress website myself?
No.
WordPress gives website owners the ability to make their own changes, but that doesn’t mean you have to.
You can manage your own content and maintenance, ask for occasional professional help, or have somebody take care of the website on an ongoing basis.
The best option depends on how frequently your website changes and how comfortable you are dealing with WordPress.
What does WordPress website management include?
Professional website management can cover much more than installing software updates.
Depending on your requirements, it might include:
WordPress maintenance
Keeping WordPress, themes and plugins updated and checking that everything continues working correctly.
Content updates
Changing text, images, prices, services, opening information, staff details and other content.
Troubleshooting
Investigating errors, broken forms, plugin conflicts and functionality that suddenly stops working.
Website improvements
Adding new sections, improving existing pages and making changes as your business evolves.
Ongoing SEO
Reviewing existing content, creating new content and looking for opportunities to improve search visibility.
Technical support
Having somebody familiar with your website available when you need advice or assistance.
What’s the difference between website maintenance and website management?
They’re closely related, but they’re not necessarily the same thing.
Website maintenance generally concentrates on keeping the existing website functioning properly — updates, compatibility checks, troubleshooting and general technical housekeeping.
Website management is broader.
It can include maintenance but also content changes, SEO, improvements, new pages and the ongoing development of the website.
If you simply need occasional technical assistance, maintenance may be enough.
If you want somebody actively looking after the website month after month, website management may be more appropriate.
Can someone maintain a website they didn’t build?
Often, yes.
A WordPress specialist can usually take over an existing WordPress website, although it’s sensible to review it first.
An initial website audit can identify outdated software, licensing issues, hosting limitations, security concerns and other problems that should be understood before ongoing work begins.
Should I pay as I go or use a monthly plan?
If you only need a change occasionally, paying for support when required can make sense.
If you’re regularly requesting content changes, maintenance, SEO and technical assistance, reserving a set amount of professional time each month can offer better value and make budgeting easier.
That’s the principle behind our Care Plans.
Instead of waiting until something goes wrong, time is available every month to maintain, update and improve the website.
Who should I trust to manage my website?
Look for somebody who can deal with more than one part of the website.
If one company handles your hosting, somebody else handles WordPress, another person does SEO and someone different updates the content, diagnosing a problem can quickly become frustrating.
Having one point of contact who understands your website can make ongoing management considerably simpler.
Website help when you actually need it
Prince Edward County Web Design provides website maintenance services and WordPress management services for businesses throughout Prince Edward County, Belleville, Kingston and surrounding areas.
You can request occasional assistance when needed or choose a Care Plan if you’d prefer us to take care of your website on an ongoing basis.
You concentrate on your business. We’ll take care of the website.
