WordPress started as a blogging platform and seamlessly transitioned to an excellent CMS. According to W3Techs, it powers 43% of all online websites globally. Nowadays, most business owners with an online presence on WordPress look for a care service for their website. But an online search will reveal one of the following services: Maintenance, Development, Support, Consultancy, and Management. However, most managers don’t know which WordPress service to choose. They often don’t know the difference between them. Most importantly, they don’t know which one works best for them.
In the following article, I want to debunk some myths and shed some light on these services. I will outline the differences so you can easily choose the best one for your WordPress business.
WordPress Maintenance
Let’s start with WordPress web maintenance. In a nutshell, this service means an agency will ensure your website remains in good shape and works as expected. They do this by monitoring the health of your website, doing security checks and fixes, taking backups, etc. When needed, they will step in and fix issues.
If you want to run your online business hassle-free, then you need a WordPress monthly retainer. It’s not just a case of simply launching your site, and that’s it. WordPress, as a core system, has its updates, aside from plugins, themes, and content. It’s crucial to implement a post-launch strategy to ensure that your site stays up to date, secure, and fully functional.
On the other hand, a WordPress maintenance agency may not do onsite changes, develop new functionalities, or do advanced debugging for your code. Also, they are not doing onsite SEO for your business. You may want to look into WordPress maintenance pricing if you need them.
Further readings:
- WordPress Maintenance Cost: How much You Should Pay
- How to Choose the Best WordPress Maintenance Agency for Your Business
- Top 10 Reasons to Use a WordPress Maintenance Service
- WordPress Maintenance Package – What should it include?
WordPress Support
When considering which WordPress services to choose, it’s important to understand the nuances. The next service we will discuss is WordPress Support. The main difference between WordPress maintenance and support services is that WP support includes more features and benefits. It is also suitable for advanced online businesses.
Many bad things can happen to your WordPress website: plugin errors, operating mistakes, server issues, and functionalities that stop working out of the blue, to name a few.
While the WordPress maintenance package service ensures your website stays in good shape, a WP support service offers more. It allows you to get advanced debugging, add small functionalities, improve speed, and obtain consulting. On top of that, you can always ask your support team questions regarding your website. Or you may need advanced maintenance or server tweaking, which a reputable WP support agency should offer you.
However, a WP Support service may not include advanced WordPress custom development or digital marketing services. Still, it will offer peace of mind for business owners knowing that their website works as expected and benefits from advanced care and development.
Further readings:
WordPress Consultancy
Now that we’ve discussed WordPress maintenance and support services, let’s continue with the consultancy service.
A WordPress consultant provides a holistic approach to your business. It will advise on the overall strategy of how your website fits in. Usually, their experience is more extensive than WordPress. It includes development, system architecture, website security, performance, SEO, and business growth.
So you get the help of a WordPress consultant when you want advice from someone with vast knowledge and experience in WordPress. Sometimes, you may need to bring multiple consultants specializing in different areas together. For instance, a WordPress developer and an SEO specialist might collaborate to implement a technical SEO strategy.
Further readings:
WordPress Development
A WordPress development agency should help you launch your website, add new functionality, and code new plugins for your WordPress sites. Overall, the main difference between WordPress maintenance and support services is significant. Maintenance and support keep an active website in good shape. However, you need the WordPress development service to create a new website or add new plugins and functionalities.
With WPRiders’ WordPress website development packages and our affordable website maintenance packages pricing, you don’t have to ask which WordPress service to choose. You get a multidisciplinary team of resources, an outsourced CTO, custom feature development, and ongoing website support. Not just a single person. For instance, WPRiders manage them all for you and then communicate to you in simple language. This way, you understand what is needed and what is not needed.
Further readings:
- How to Choose a WordPress Ongoing Development Agency
- 14 Key Questions To Ask Ongoing WordPress Development Services
- 10 Key Principles For Five-Star Customer Service In Website Development Agencies
- Agile WordPress Development: How To Maximize The ROI Of Your MVP Website
WordPress Management
WordPress Management Agencies take care of consultancy, maintenance, backups, cybersecurity, changes, and updates of your website. These services will help your business grow.
Most WordPress management agencies have extensive knowledge in multiple areas connected to WordPress. For instance, WPRiders has an in-house staff of developers, digital marketers, security specialists, and designers, to name a few.
Besides other services like maintenance, support, consultancy, or development, the WordPress management service pulls together all of these. It is the most advanced service you can get from an agency.
Further readings:
What to Choose for Your Website
Now that you know what these services are and how they can help you let’s do a recap. This will help you find out which one is best for you.
- WordPress Maintenance – You will have your website in good shape, and the agency may make minor edits to it if needed. Usually, it’s a retainer agreement with the agency based on web maintenance costs.
- WP Support – It’s a more advanced service than the WP maintenance plans and includes LiveChat, email, and phone support. Also, it’s a retainer.
- WordPress Consultancy – Get your doubts answered by WP experts who will tell you what will work for your business and create strategies. It can be on retainer or agreed hours when needed.
- WordPress Development – Get a website built from scratch or add major functionalities and integrations to an existing one. Most of the time, on a per-project basis or a retainer.
- WP Management -It’s a more business-oriented service of WordPress support and consultancy services designed for high-end websites. It’s a retainer most of the time.
Conclusion
Now you know what WordPress care services you will find online and their differences. By knowing these differences, you will know exactly what you need and what you can ask and expect from a provider. You will also avoid overpaying for something you don’t need yet. This understanding is key when deciding which WordPress service to choose.
If you are unsure, get in touch with us, and we will analyze your project to find the best WordPress care service for you.
