WordPress Hosting + Managed Maintenance = Added Value

In a previous blog, we discussed benefits of entrusting your website to a specialized provider like D Media for WordPress hosting over one-size-fits-all big box store website hosting vendors. To briefly summarize, the advantages with D Media website hosting include:

1. More attention and security to keep your website running smoothly with protection from hackers,
2. No nickel and diming with the inclusion of commonly used modules and other licenses in your hosting package,
3. Peace of mind that comes with ongoing backups as part of every hosting package we offer, and
4. Depending on a dedicated rep who knows your website personally instead of having to explain your situation to a new and/or inexperienced CSR every time. 

The value of website hosting with D Media increases even more when you add managed maintenance to your hosting package. D Media’s managed WordPress hosting with maintenance gives you the server space and bandwidth, access to cPanel, technical support, security, and great customer service that comes with our standard website hosting plans plus the added benefit of maintenance for your website.

What Do We Mean by Managed WordPress Hosting with Maintenance?

A stagnant WordPress website that is never touched, updated, or monitored can be a security risk. All website operating software is vulnerable and must be continually updated. That is one reason why CMS operating systems like WordPress are constantly being upgraded to bring the newest technology to users. This means websites built in these platforms need to be updated too, to incorporate changes and run smoothly. Modules or plugins utilized in your WordPress website will also release newer versions that need to be upgraded.

The Saying “An Ounce of Prevention…” Is True for Websites Too

Do not let your website maintenance slide. Waiting to address problems reactively will negatively impact your website. It is far better to be proactive, perform regular maintenance, and prevent site issues before they occur. When you login to your WordPress dashboard, you may notice modules have newer versions. A few more months, and maybe the operating system or framework released an upgrade. However, before you click that update button, think to yourself, what if the upgrade fails or an update conflicts with another aspect on your site? What if an update causes website downtime?

Unfortunately, many small businesses do not have the technical experience to address these issues. Nor do they know how to test key parts of their WordPress website to ensure a smooth transition and optimal performance. In addition, failing to stay on top of maintenance to keep their website running smoothly can cost extra money or additional time fixing an issue after it has occurred.

That is why adding D Media’s managed maintenance to your website hosting package is the best solution to keep your business website running smoothly and efficiently. D Media will take care of hosting your website—giving it the necessary bandwidth to run smoothly—while also maintaining it. We will keep modules, frameworks, and operating system up to date. We identify and address security issues. When upgrades occur, we test key web pages, forms, navigation, and any areas which may encounter issues. In short, at D Media we make sure your WordPress website is kept up to date and monitored for any security risks.

D Media’s Managed WordPress Hosting with Maintenance Includes:

• Support – Hosting services and phone/email support for base website
• Access – WordPress dashboard, hosting cPanel, server FTP account
• Upgrades – Monitor server space and bandwidth. Upgrade to next server level as needed, at no extra cost
• Management – Up to 3 hours per quarter of personalized maintenance on your website
• Rollover – Accrued rollover maintenance up to 6 hours
• Updates – Update and if needed trouble shoot: CMS Operating System (WordPress Core), Frameworks, Themes, Modules, and Plugins
• Security – Address known security issues and block hacker attacks. Minimize and address spam
• Backups – Perform 2-3 types of website backups regularly, including offsite storage
• Performance – Clean out old files and data, clear cache, and remove extraneous backups taking up space
• Backend Testing – Test and optimize performance, clear cache and more.
• Frontend Testing – Test usability key web pages, forms, navigation, etc.
• And more as any issues unique to your website arise . . .

Plus, each maintenance plan covers the cost of server space. You only pay a developer’s time to manage your WordPress website at reduced retainer maintenance rates. Basically, D Media’s managed hosting with maintenance package gives you FREE hosting with the purchase of 1 maintenance hour per month. We also offer add-ons, such as SSL certificates, email hosting and additional modules.

More Details on Managed WordPress Hosting Maintenance Tasks

For those with more technical curiosity, here are more specific details for a few of the ongoing actions needed to properly maintain a WordPress website:

Website Backups

This involves saving copies of your website in various locations so that you can restore it in the event of a security breach or accidental deletion of files. Core, theme, database, and plugins/modules are all important files to keep backed up.

WordPress Core Upgrades

WordPress is constantly being upgraded to address bugs and ongoing security vulnerabilities that develop as fast as hackers can invent them. Keep updated to the newest version to ensure that your website is as safe as possible.

Modules, Plugins and Themes Updates

If you own a smart phone, you know that your apps and phone’s OS is constantly having updates. WordPress plugins and themes are the same. Bug fixes, security upkeep, and performance updates are needed to stay compatible with the latest version of WordPress. It is important to keep up with the latest versions.

Performance Support

Cache includes saved files to help your website load faster. Over time, cached files can build up and cause website bloating. In addition, WordPress websites use a database to serve posts and pages. This core element of your website contains post data, user roles, and other website information. The database can collect unnecessary data as time goes on, such as trashed posts. Clearing the cache periodically and optimizing your database clears excess data. To help your site load faster and keep your site’s size down, we need to reset your website routinely.

Managed WordPress Hosting + Maintenance with D Media = No Worries

Your company has spent valuable creativity, time, and money creating the best business website. It is one of the most visible parts of your brand and your strongest marketing tool. Doesn’t it deserve to be running at optimal performance?  D Media’s managed maintenance will keep your website updated and working smoothly. Managed WordPress hosting with maintenance with D Media will give you the added assurance that your website is regularly maintained by knowledgeable and experienced professionals who care about your business and your online marketing success.

Want to learn more about D Media’s website hosting plans? We offer packages to monitor and maintain your website. Contact us to learn more about our digital marketing services designed to help you grow your business.