Website Support and Maintenance: 10 Types & Benefits

Your website is like a storefront – it’s the face of your business in the online world. But just like a physical store, your website needs regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly and attracting customers. This article explores what website support and maintenance entails, why it’s crucial, and how to choose the right service for your needs.

What is Website Support and Maintenance? Its Importance

Website support and maintenance refers to a range of ongoing activities and services aimed at ensuring the seamless operation, security, and optimal performance of a website. They involve a range of tasks aimed at keeping the website up to date, resolving any issues or bugs, and providing assistance to website owners and users.

Regular website maintenance is crucial for various reasons:

• Website performance directly impacts user experience. According to Google, 53% of mobile users abandon sites that take longer than 3 seconds to load. Regular maintenance ensures optimized speed and performance, reducing bounce rates.
• Security is another significant factor. Cybersecurity Ventures reports that cybercrime damages will cost the world $10.5 trillion annually by 2025. Regular updates and maintenance help patch vulnerabilities, protecting against threats.
• Outdated websites can lead to functionality issues and broken links. A study by SEMrush found that 50% of websites have broken internal links, which can harm user experience and SEO.
• Regular maintenance supports better analytics and informed decision-making. Websites with updated and accurate data allow for more precise tracking of user behavior, leading to better business strategies.

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Compare DIY vs. professional Website Maintenance

Choosing between managing your website yourself (DIY) or hiring a professional boils down to your time, technical expertise, and budget. Here’s a breakdown of both approaches:

In short:

• DIY is ideal for Individuals or small businesses with limited budgets, some technical knowledge, and time to manage their websites.
• Professional is suitable for businesses that prioritize website performance and security and don’t have the time or expertise for maintenance.

10 Types of Website Support and Maintenance Services

Website support and maintenance services encompass a wide range of tasks that keep your website running smoothly and effectively. Let’s delve into the critical types of website support and maintenance services:

Security & backups

1. Security updates (software, plugins, CMS)

Websites are constantly under threat from cyberattacks. Hackers exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software, plugins, and CMS to inject malware, steal data, or disrupt operations. Up-to-date security measures minimize the risk of website breaches, data theft, and downtime. This protects your website’s reputation and safeguards sensitive user information.

Website support services will typically:

• Identifying and installing necessary security updates: For example, if a new security patch is released for WordPress, the maintenance team will apply this update to prevent known vulnerabilities from being exploited.
• Performing compatibility checks: Before updating, the team ensures that the new version of a plugin or CMS does not conflict with existing functionalities. This might involve testing the update in a staging environment.
• Maintaining a log of updates: Keeping detailed records of all updates helps in tracking changes and troubleshooting any issues that arise after an update.

Cost for security updates: It can vary depending on the number of plugins and the complexity of the updates. It can typically range from $20 per month for basic updates to $200+ per month for ongoing management of complex website builds with numerous plugins.

2. Regular website backups

Unforeseen incidents such as server crashes, hacking attempts, or human error can result in the loss of valuable data. However, by implementing regular backups, you can safeguard your website’s files and databases by creating copies. These backups let you restore your website to a previous state if the need arises. 

In the process of regular website backups, there are 3 things you need to keep in mind, including:

• Backup frequency: The frequency of backups depends on how often your website content changes. Daily backups are recommended for frequently updated sites, while weekly backups might suffice for static websites.
• Backup location: Store backups on a separate server or cloud storage to prevent them from being affected by the same event that damages your website.
• Backup testing: Regularly test your backups to guarantee they can be restored successfully when needed.

Cost of regular website backups: This service typically charges based on storage space used. For basic backup plans, expect to pay around $5 – $20 per month.

3. Malware scanning and removal

Malicious software (malware) can infiltrate your website, causing a variety of problems. Regular malware scanning helps safeguard your website from cyberattacks and protects your visitors’ data. This is especially crucial for e-commerce sites that contain sensitive information.

Website support services offer malware scanning to detect the presence of malicious code. Upon detection, a team of specialists will:

• Identifying and isolating the malware: If a website is hacked and malicious code is injected, the team will locate and quarantine the affected files.
• Removing malware: Specialists will clean the website’s files and databases to eliminate the threat.
• Monitoring for recurring threats: Continuous monitoring helps detect and prevent future attacks.

Cost of malware scanning and removal: This can be an hourly rate or a fixed fee per incident. Basic malware scanning might cost around $50 – $100 per month, while in-depth removal of complex threats can reach $500+ depending on the severity.

Related topic: Website Backups: Ensuring Data Security and Reliability

Performance & functionality

4. Website uptime monitoring

A website that is frequently unavailable creates a poor user experience and discourages visitors from returning. Uptime monitoring ensures you are promptly notified of any outages, allowing for swift troubleshooting and website restoration. This minimizes downtime and keeps your website accessible to visitors.

Website support and maintenance services utilize uptime monitoring tools to:

• Continuous tracking: Using tools like Pingdom or UptimeRobot, the service constantly checks your website’s accessibility.
• Instant alerts: If the website goes down, you will receive an alert via email or SMS immediately.
• Detailed reports: These reports include uptime and downtime history, helping identify patterns and potential issues.

Cost of website uptime monitoring: Basic uptime monitoring services start around $5 – $10 per month, with more advanced features and faster response times costing $25+ per month.

5. Performance optimization (speed, loading times)

Website loading speed is a vital component in user experience and search engine ranking. Slow loading times may result in high bounce rates (visitors leaving before the website loads completely) and negatively impact your SEO. Performance optimization significantly improves website loading speed. This leads to a more positive user experience and potentially higher search engine rankings.

For performance optimization aspect, the website maintenance team will typically:

• Analyzing website performance: Tools like Google PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix are used to identify performance bottlenecks.
• Optimizing website code: This includes minifying HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files to reduce load times.
• Compressing images: Using tools like TinyPNG, images are compressed without compromising quality.
• Implementing caching mechanisms: Setting up browser caching and server-side caching to store frequently accessed data for faster retrieval.

Imagine that your website is overloaded with large images that take a long time to load. This can lead to high bounce rates (visitors leaving before the website fully loads). Performance optimization techniques like image compression can significantly improve website loading speed, resulting in a better user experience.

Cost of performance optimization: This can be a one-time project or an ongoing service. A basic website speed optimization project might cost $200 – $500, while ongoing performance monitoring and optimization could range from $100 – $500+ per month.

6. Broken link checks and repair

Broken links can frustrate visitors and negatively impact search engine ranking. Fixing broken links ensures a seamless user experience and prevents visitors from encountering error messages. It also explains to search engines that your website is well-maintained, potentially giving you a slight SEO boost.

To implement this type of website maintenance, you should utilize automated tools or manual checks to:

• Identifying broken links: Using tools like Screaming Frog or Ahrefs, the maintenance team identifies both internal and external broken links.
• Repairing broken links: This involves updating the URLs or removing links to pages that no longer exist.

Let’s say a blog post on your website links to a product page that no longer exists. Clicking on this link will lead to a “404 Not Found” error page, frustrating visitors. Broken link checks identify such errors, and website maintenance can update the links or remove them if the target pages are permanently gone.

Cost of broken link checks and repairs: This can be included in some website maintenance packages or offered as an add-on service. Expect to pay around $25 – $100 per month for regular broken link checks and repairs.

7. Form testing and functionality checks

Non-functional forms can prevent users from contacting you, subscribing to newsletters, or completing online transactions. Website maintenance services will thoroughly test all forms on your website to ensure they function correctly. This includes:

• Verifying data submission: Ensuring all form data is correctly submitted and received.
• Checking CAPTCHAs: Making sure that any CAPTCHAs used in forms work as intended.
• Ensuring clear error messages: Error messages should be informative and guide the user to correct mistakes.
• Testing across devices: Forms should function properly on desktops, mobiles, and tablets.

Cost of form testing and functionality checks: It can vary depending on the scope of testing. For simple forms, cost may be $25 – $50 per form. Meanwhile, complex forms with long testing time may cost $100+ per hour

Content Management

8. Basic content updates (text, images)

Regular content updates ensure your website provides valuable and informative content to visitors. This keeps users engaged, improves SEO by demonstrating website activity to search engines, and allows you to showcase new offerings.

Website support and maintenance services can assist with various content management tasks, such as:

• Updating website content: For example, adding new product descriptions or updating service details.
• Adding fresh blog posts: Regularly publishing new blog posts to keep users engaged and improve SEO.
• Replacing outdated images: Updating images with high-quality, relevant content.

Cost of basic content updates:  It depends on the amount of content and the complexity of the changes. Simple text edits might cost around $10 – $20 per page, while more involved content creation and image editing could range from $50 – $100+ per hour.

9. SEO updates (keywords, meta descriptions)

SEO helps your website rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs), making it more discoverable by potential customers. Website maintenance services can provide basic SEO updates by:

• Researching relevant keywords: Identifying keywords your target audience is likely to search for.
• Optimizing website content: Integrating these keywords naturally into your content and meta descriptions. For example, you run a bakery website. Including relevant keywords like “fresh bread” and “pastries” in your website content and meta descriptions can improve your website’s ranking in search results when people search for those terms. 
• Submitting your website to search engines: Ensuring your website is listed in relevant search engines and directories.

Cost of SEO updates: It can vary significantly. Basic on-page SEO optimization for a few pages might cost $100 – $200, while ongoing SEO management with keyword research and competitor analysis can reach $1,000+ per month.

10. Analytics reporting and review

Website analytics tools provide valuable insights into user behavior on your website. Regular analytics reporting provides valuable insights that inform future website improvements. This data can help you tailor your content strategy, optimize user experience, and potentially increase conversions.

Website support services can help you:

• Setting up analytics tools: Configuring tools like Google Analytics to track website performance.
• Generating reports: Providing detailed reports on traffic, user demographics, page views, conversion rates, and other key metrics.
• Reviewing analytics data: Identifying trends and areas for improvement based on the data.  For instance, your website analytics show that a particular product page has a high bounce rate (visitors leaving quickly). Analyzing this data can help you identify issues with the page content, design, or user experience.

Cost of analytics reporting and review: Basic analytics reports are often included with website hosting plans. In-depth analytics review and strategy development from a marketing professional can cost $200 – $500+ per month.

How Much Does It Cost to Maintain a Website?

The cost of website support and maintenance, generally, can range from as low as $5 per month for a simple personal website to thousands of dollars per month for a large e-commerce site. Here are some figures to give you an idea:

• Simple personal website: $5 – $25 per month
• Professional blog: $25 – $100 per month
• Small business website: $100 – $500 per month
• E-commerce website: $500+ per month

These are just estimates – the actual cost can be influenced by several factors:

• Website size and complexity: Larger websites with more features and functionalities demand more maintenance time and expertise, thus costing more.
• Content management system (CMS): Some platforms require a monthly subscription fee, while free, open-source options exist.
• Update frequency: Websites that require frequent content updates, plugin management, or security patches will incur higher maintenance costs.
• DIY vs. professional help: If you’re comfortable handling maintenance yourself, you can save money. Hiring a developer or agency will add to the cost.
•  Types of website maintenance services: There are numerous variations of website maintenance, each with its own associated costs. The upcoming sections will explore these different types in greater detail.

How to Find the Right Website Maintenance Services

The wrong choice of website maintenance services can cost you time, and money, and even damage your online reputation. Here’s a roadmap to guide you through the selection process:

1. Assess your website’s needs

Before exploring potential providers, take a moment to understand your website’s specific needs. This self-assessment will help you select a service that meets your unique requirements.

• Website type: E-commerce platforms have maintenance needs different from those of simple informational websites.
• Content Management System (CMS): Understanding the CMS used (e.g., WordPress, Drupal) helps identify providers with relevant expertise.
• Update frequency: High-traffic websites with frequent updates require a more proactive maintenance approach compared to a static brochure website. You need to look for providers who offer advanced security features like firewalls, malware scanning, and intrusion detection systems.
• Security requirements: Does your website handle sensitive information such as credit card details or login credentials? If so, robust security measures become crucial. 
• Budget: As we mentioned above, website maintenance costs can modify depending on the complexity of your website and the services required. Determine how much you’re comfortable spending on website maintenance per month. This will help you narrow down your search to providers who offer services within your budget.

2. Research potential providers

Once you have a clear understanding of your website’s needs, it’s time to explore the pool of potential maintenance providers. Here are some key aspects to consider during your research phase:

• Online reviews and testimonials: Read reviews and testimonials from past clients to get a sense of the provider’s reputation and service quality.
• Portfolio: Review the provider’s portfolio to see if they have experience working with websites similar to yours.
• Service offerings: Ensure the provider offers the specific services you require.
• Communication style and availability: Choose a provider with a communication style that suits you (e.g., email, phone support) . Also, you should consider your time zone as well and ensure the provider offers availability that aligns with your needs.

3. Ask the Right Questions

Don’t hesitate to ask potential providers detailed questions to gain a deeper understanding of their approach and capabilities. Here are some key questions to consider:

• How much experience do they have maintaining websites similar to yours?
• What is their process for website maintenance? How often will they perform updates and checks?
• What security measures do they have in place? Do they offer regular malware scanning and backups?
• How will they communicate with you about website issues and updates?
• Can their services scale to accommodate the future growth of your website?
• Get a clear quote outlining the services included and any additional charges.

Bonus tip: Look for providers who offer transparent pricing and service level agreements (SLAs). An SLA outlines the specific services provided, response times for issues, and uptime guarantees. This ensures clear expectations and accountability on both sides.

4. Make an informed decision

 Don’t rush into a decision. Here are some final steps to ensure you make an informed choice:

• Compare quotes, service offerings, and communication styles: After gathering information from potential providers, take time to compare their offerings. Consider the scope of services included in each quote, the providers’ communication styles, and how well they align with your needs and preferences.
• The right fit is a reliable partner: The ideal website maintenance service should be more than just a vendor; they should be a reliable partner. It is important to look for a provider who demonstrates a genuine understanding of your website’s unique needs and goals. They should be able to communicate effectively, answer your questions clearly, and provide strategic advice to help you achieve your online objectives.

Make Your Site Healthy with Website Support and Maintenance from Mageplaza

At Mageplaza, we’ve been keeping e-commerce websites thriving for over 10 years. We’ve served over 200,000 customers globally, providing them with the expertise and care needed to ensure their online stores run smoothly and securely.

Our Website Support and Maintenance service goes beyond basic upkeep. Our dedicated developer team, with extensive experience in e-commerce technology, proactively identifies and resolves issues before they impact your customers. We handle critical tasks like:

• Security updates and patching: We keep your website protected from the latest online threats with regular security updates and vulnerability patching.
• Performance optimization: We ensure your website loads quickly and delivers a seamless user experience, boosting conversions and customer satisfaction.
• Plugin and core updates: We handle updates for your Magento store and plugins, maintaining compatibility and functionality.
• 24/7 monitoring and uptime checks: We constantly monitor your website’s health, ensuring it’s always online and accessible to your customers.

To demonstrate the effectiveness of Mageplaza services, let’s look at Bean Bags R Us’ success story. This Australian pioneer in crafting unparalleled beanbag comfort teamed up with Mageplaza to elevate its online presence, promising a digital experience as cozy and stylish as its iconic beanbags.

Mageplaza’s expertise transformed Bean Bags R Us’s online presence. Their website speed now reaches an impressive 90-100 score on Google PageSpeed Insights for both desktops and mobiles. With lightning-fast load times, Bean Bags R Us enjoys superior customer engagement and higher conversion rates, showcasing the power of Mageplaza’s innovative solutions.

Stop worrying about your website – let Mageplaza take care of it.

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Conclusion

Regular website maintenance is an investment that pays off in the long run. By ensuring your website is secure, up-to-date, and performing at its best, you can improve user experience, boost conversions, and protect your online reputation. Don’t wait for website issues to arise – take a proactive approach and implement a website support and maintenance plan today!