If you’ve got a WordPress website and you’re wondering how to make the most of it, you’ve come to the right place. Managed website services are often discussed in the WordPress space but what does that term mean, exactly? And more importantly, how can it benefit you?
Today, we’re thoroughly exploring what managed website services are, specifically focusing on WordPress. We’ll explore what these services involve, the key benefits they offer, what’s typically included in a package, and who should consider using them.
And by the end, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of why managed website services might just be the thing you’ve been looking for to simplify web management.
What Are Managed Website Services?
Managed website services, particularly in the context of WordPress, are all about taking the technical load off your shoulders. Imagine not having to worry about server configurations, security updates, or even managing plugin updates That’s what managed website services offer. It’s a set of specialized services that focus on WordPress, providing an optimised environment that boosts your website’s performance and security.
How It Works
Managed website services work by taking care of all the behind-the-scenes technical tasks that are necessary to keep a WordPress site running smoothly. This includes server management, software updates, backups, and security monitoring. By outsourcing these tasks to a team of experts, you can focus on creating and managing your content without worrying about the technical details.
It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. The services offered can vary significantly from one provider to another. However, common features usually include automatic WordPress core and security updates, specialized WordPress support, and enhanced server resources optimised for WordPress.
How Are Managed Website Services Different from Managed Hosting?
Managed web hosting is a broad term that encompasses various types of hosting services. These can include shared, VPS, or dedicated website hosting. The key difference between managed website services and managed hosting is the level of specialisation.
Managed website services focus specifically on WordPress and its unique requirements. On the other hand, managed hosting may offer support for a wider range of platforms but may not provide the same level of optimisation for WordPress.
Key Benefits of Managed Website Services
There are a lot of benefits associated with these services. Let’s take a look at a few now:
Expert WordPress Support
When you’re running a WordPress website, you want to know that help is just a click away. That’s where these services shine. These services offer specialised support from people who are experts in WordPress. They understand the platform inside and out and can help you troubleshoot everything from plugin conflicts to server-level issues. This is a significant advantage over traditional hosting services, where the support team may not be as well-versed in WordPress-specific challenges.
Enhanced Security Measures
Security should be at the forefront of any website owner’s mind. But new security issues crop up daily, which is impossible to stay on top of for most people. Managed services offer robust security features designed specifically for WordPress. This includes nightly backups, strong password enforcement, firewall management, and two-factor authentication. If your site does get hacked, many managed services will help you clean it up.
Optimised Performance
Website speed is more important than ever. A slow website can frustrate users and negatively impact your search engine rankings. Managed website services offer an environment that is optimised for WordPress, meaning faster load times, reduced downtime, and better overall performance. This is essential for good user experience and for SEO, too.
Scalability
Your website isn’t static. It will grow and change as your business does. Managed website services offer scalable solutions that can adapt to your needs. Whether you’re experiencing a surge in traffic or expanding your online offerings, these services provide the tools and infrastructure to handle it seamlessly.
Peace of Mind
Last but certainly not least, managed website services offer peace of mind. Knowing that experts are taking care of the technical aspects of your website frees you up to focus on what you do best, whether that’s running your business, creating content, or engaging with your community.
So those are some of the key benefits of managed website services for WordPress users. But what services, specifically, are included in a standard package? Let’s look at that next.
What’s Included in Managed Website Services?
Managed website services vary in terms of features, packages, and pricing. However, they typically include:
Core Updates and Maintenance
One of the primary features of managed website services is automatic updates for WordPress core. This ensures that your website is always running the latest, most secure version of WordPress. It’s a must-have feature that keeps your site up-to-date without you having to lift a finger. And it’s better than auto-updates, too, as those can go wrong without the proper oversight.
Daily Backups
Another essential feature is daily automatic backups. These backups are usually stored for a specific period, like the last 30 days, allowing you to restore your website to a previous state if something goes wrong.
Security Measures
Managed website services often include robust security features like free SSL certificates, malware scanning, and removal. Some even offer more advanced security options like file integrity checks and blocklist monitoring to help protect your small business website from hackers.
Performance Optimization
These services often include server-level caching, HTML changes, and other performance optimisations to make your WordPress site run faster. This is particularly important for SEO and user experience.
One-Click Staging and Migration
Many managed services offer one-click staging environments for easy testing of new features, themes, or plugins. They also provide one-click migration tools to move your website easily from one hosting environment to another.
Specialized Support
Last but not least, managed website services usually offer specialised WordPress support. This means you get to talk to experts who understand WordPress inside and out, rather than general customer service representatives.
So, managed website services offer a comprehensive package of features designed to make your WordPress experience as smooth as possible. From core updates and daily backups to specialised support and security measures, these services cover all the bases to ensure your website is secure, fast, and running smoothly.
Who Should Consider Managed Website Services?
Managed website services are ideal for anyone who wants to focus on creating and managing their website content without worrying about the technical aspects of hosting. They are particularly useful for:
The WordPress Newbie
If you’re new to WordPress as a content management system, the learning curve isn’t insurmountable but it can be overwhelming. And if you’ve just launched a new website, managed website services can be a lifesaver, taking care of the technical aspects so you can focus on copywriting and growing your online presence. Managed WordPress solutions are particularly great for beginners because they handle WordPress core, security, and select software updates for you.
The Busy Business Owner
Time is money, especially when you’re running a business. It’s often more than a full-time job. These services can save you by automating routine tasks like updates and backups. This allows you to focus on what really matters: growing your business or e-commerce store via content creation, digital marketing strategy, or even social media outreach. Plus, with specialised support on hand, you can rest easy knowing that any technical issues will be taken care of quickly and efficiently.
The Non-Tech Savvy Person
Not everyone is a tech wizard, and that’s okay. Such services are perfect for those who’d rather not get bogged down in the technical details of website maintenance or even web design, for that matter. These services offer a more hands-off approach, allowing you to benefit from a well-maintained website without having to become a tech expert.
The Professional Website Designer
Even if you’re a pro at WordPress, managed services can still offer value. They provide a robust and optimised environment that can handle higher traffic and more complex website features. This is particularly useful for professional website designers who need a reliable platform that can scale with their web development needs.
Those Who Value Security
If security is a top priority for you, these services offer robust features to keep your site safe. From nightly backups to strong password enforcement and two-factor authentication, these services go the extra mile to protect your website.
So, whether you’re a WordPress newbie, a busy business owner, or a seasoned pro, managed website services offer a range of benefits tailored to your needs.
Wrapping Up
Managed website services offer a host of benefits that can significantly enhance your WordPress experience. From expert support and enhanced security to optimised performance and scalability, the advantages are clear. These services take care of the technical aspects of running a WordPress website, allowing you to focus on what you do best — whether that’s running your small business, creating content, or growing your online presence.
We offer full-service WordPress support and website maintenance services that can help you keep your website running smoothly, all while keeping your schedule clear to handle other tasks. Sign up today for a website management services care plan and see for yourself how we can support your WordPress needs! So, don’t hesitate to take advantage of managed website services for a hassle-free and optimised WordPress experience.