WordPress Maintenance vs. Technical Support: What’s the Difference?

Table of Contents

• Quick Summary: WordPress Maintenance vs WordPress Technical Support 
• What is WordPress Maintenance?
• WordPress Maintenance Includes:
• What is WordPress Technical Support?
• Key Areas Covered Under WordPress Technical Support
• Key Differences between WordPress Maintenance and WordPress Technical Support
• Cost of WordPress Maintenance
• Cost of WordPress Technical Support
• Importance of Both WordPress Maintenance and WordPress Technical Support
• Conclusion

When managing a WordPress website, two things often come up: maintenance and technical support. But what exactly is the difference between WordPress maintenance vs. technical support? 

In this article, we’ll break down what WordPress maintenance involves, what technical support covers, and which one you’re likely to need when issues arise. 

Let’s dive in and clear up the confusion so you know exactly which service to turn to when your site needs attention.

Quick Summary: WordPress Maintenance vs WordPress Technical Support

Short on time? Here is a quick summary explaining the difference between WordPress Maintenance and WordPress Technical Support and when each one is suitable.

Let’s go in depth and learn in detail about both: WordPress maintenance and WordPress technical support and when they are needed.

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What is WordPress Maintenance?

WordPress maintenance includes routine tasks that keep your website running smoothly, usually on a monthly, quarterly, or biannual basis. This involves updating the WordPress core, themes, and plugins, checking security, scanning for malware, and handling backups. 

Some of these tasks are automated, so they don’t require human intervention, but others do need a manual touch.

For example, cleaning up the database, running security checks, updating WordPress themes and plugins, and fixing technical issues related to SEO—like removing 404 pages, addressing broken backlinks, or fixing redirection errors—all fall under manual maintenance.

Let’s dive deeper into these tasks to better understand what’s involved in WordPress maintenance and why it’s essential for your website’s performance.

WordPress Maintenance Includes:

1. WordPress Core, theme, and plugin updates

WordPress usually pushes out around two updates every month, and this year alone there’ve been about 22 core updates. Then you’ve got the theme updates, which typically happen quarterly or mid-year. 

As for plugins, it really depends on how many you’re running—most sites have around 10 plugins, and each one will get updated either quarterly or every six months. Keeping up with these updates is crucial as part of regular maintenance to make sure everything stays secure and works as it should.

2. Security monitoring and malware scans

Even though many WordPress sites have plugins that handle security, running malware scans every month is a smart move to ensure your site stays up-to-date, malware-free, and fully secure. 

WordPress sites are often targeted because a lot of people don’t set up their security properly. That’s why regular security scans and fixing issues as they come up are crucial. All of this is part of keeping up with essential WordPress maintenance.

3. Regular backups

WordPress maintenance also includes making sure you have clear backups of your site. It’s important to monitor whether the backups created by plugins are properly stored on a third-party service like Google Drive or a disaster recovery site. This ensures that in case of an emergency, you can easily restore your website and avoid data loss.

4. Performance optimisation (speed, caching)

Another key part of WordPress maintenance is performance optimisation. This involves making sure your site loads quickly and efficiently, staying within defined time ranges for optimal speed. 

It includes reducing downtime, boosting page loading speeds, and compressing HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Improving initial page load times and enhancing overall Core Web Vitals are crucial for maintaining strong performance and ranking well on Google.

5. Database cleanup

Another important aspect of WordPress maintenance is database cleanup and optimisation. This involves removing unnecessary database tables that take up space, such as old comments and unused tables. 

It also includes deleting old copies of pages no longer in use and removing broken images or pages that are only stored in the cache but don’t exist on the site. Regularly optimising the database is a key part of maintaining a WordPress website, ensuring it stays fast and efficient.

6. Fixing broken links

Finally, another crucial aspect of WordPress maintenance is fixing broken pages, links, and images. This involves cleaning up unnecessary pages to reduce the number of 404 errors that appear on the site. It also includes setting up proper redirections to ensure a smooth and seamless experience for visitors, maintaining a flawless customer journey.

What is WordPress Technical Support?

Technical support is the second level of WordPress maintenance and differs from routine maintenance because it involves seeking help from experienced professionals, such as agencies or freelancers. 

This support is essential for resolving technical errors, fixing bugs, and handling custom modifications within the WordPress core or plugins. Technical support typically covers fixing bugs and plugin issues, customising the website, addressing server problems causing downtime, and resolving data-related performance issues.

Unlike proactive maintenance tasks, technical support is reactive, stepping in to tackle complex problems that arise and ensuring your site continues to function smoothly.

Key Areas Covered Under WordPress Technical Support

1. Bug fixes and error resolution

Technical support is often used for bulk fixes and error resolution. This includes addressing functionality problems, broken features, plugin issues, and errors that occur during updates to the WordPress core or themes. 

It also covers issues arising from theme conflicts or any unexpected bugs that emerge during website conversions or modifications. Essentially, technical support handles a range of issues to ensure your site operates smoothly and efficiently.

2. Plugin conflict resolution

Technical support is also crucial for resolving plugin conflicts and issues. When two plugins clash or cause problems on your website, technical support is required to diagnose and fix these conflicts. 

Similarly, addressing issues that arise after a plugin update, may lead to errors or disruptions on your site. Handling these plugin-related problems for the functional integrity of the website falls under website technical support.

3. Custom code modifications

Technical support also covers custom code modifications, which involve changes to the WordPress core, themes, or plugins. This might include adding new widgets, implementing functionalities not available by default or through plugins, or customising the website to meet specific needs. 

Custom code modifications can be crucial for adding unique features or adjusting existing ones, and they are an important part of WordPress technical support to ensure your site meets all your functional requirements.

4. Server or downtime troubleshooting

Technical support is also essential for managing server-related issues and downtime. Problems like 50X errors or server outages often originate from the server itself rather than the website. In such cases, technical support can help by coordinating with your hosting provider or agency to resolve these issues. 

If you’re on shared hosting, your hosting team will typically handle server problems. However, if you’re using your own VPS or dedicated server, you might need to directly address these issues or consult with a technical support team to ensure your server runs smoothly and minimises downtime.

5. User errors and login issues

User errors and login issues, though less common, are also handled by technical support. Sometimes, plugins designed to limit login attempts to protect against brute force attacks or unauthorised access can inadvertently create problems for legitimate users. 

When these issues arise, technical support teams address them by troubleshooting from the backend to resolve login problems and ensure users can access their accounts without unnecessary hassle. This support helps maintain both security and user accessibility.

Key Differences between WordPress Maintenance and WordPress Technical Support

Proactive vs. Reactive:

WordPress maintenance is a proactive approach to keeping your website running smoothly. It involves taking precautionary measures to ensure your site remains in good shape and avoids potential problems. This includes regular updates, security checks, performance optimisation, and routine backups—all designed to prevent issues before they arise.

On the other hand, technical support is a reactive measure. It comes into play when problems have already occurred and need to be resolved. This includes tasks like restoring backups if the site is down, fixing errors that have cropped up, or addressing server issues that affect site availability. While maintenance aims to prevent issues, technical support steps in to fix problems when they occur

Regular vs. On-Demand:

WordPress maintenance is a routine activity. It involves regular, scheduled tasks that keep your website in good working order. Whether you handle these tasks yourself or hire a freelancer or agency, the cost is generally lower because these tasks are routine and often automated. Regular maintenance checks include updates, backups, and performance optimisations.

In contrast, technical support is on-demand and comes into play when specific issues arise. These issues might include bug fixes, customisations, or resolving complex problems that are not part of routine maintenance. Since support is required as needed and involves more specialised skills, it tends to have a higher cost. Unlike maintenance, which is performed regularly, technical support is provided based on immediate needs and issues.

Cost of WordPress Maintenance

Understanding the costs associated with WordPress maintenance can help you budget effectively and choose the right approach for your needs. Here’s a breakdown of typical costs:

1. DIY Maintenance:
   • Cost: Minimal to none.
   • Details: Handling maintenance tasks yourself involves no direct cost but requires time and effort. Tools and plugins used are often free or low-cost.
2. Maintenance only plans:
   • Cost: $200 to $1,000 (for post-handover maintenance).
   • Details: For websites handed over to you, freelancers or agencies may offer maintenance packages for a few months post-handover. These packages typically cover routine updates and basic support.
3. Comprehensive care plan:
   • Cost: $1000 to $4,000.
   • Details: Website care plans offer ongoing maintenance and support, with a monthly retainer fee. Costs vary based on the level of service provided, including updates, security checks, performance optimisation and other support.
4. One-Time Fee:
   • Cost: $1,000 to $3,000.
   • Details: For major updates, complex issues, or significant overhauls, one-time fees may apply. These fees are typically for substantial work beyond routine maintenance.

Cost of WordPress Technical Support

WordPress technical support comes in various forms, each with its own cost structure. Here’s a clear breakdown:

1. Hourly Rates:
   • Cost: $100 to $250 per hour.
   • Details: This is the most common pricing model. Rates can vary based on the complexity of the issue and the expertise of the developer. Agencies usually charge on the higher end ($250), while freelancers might offer more competitive rates ($100).
2. Project-Based Fees:
   • Cost: $1,000 to $5,000 
   • Details: For larger, defined projects, such as major customisations or extensive troubleshooting, a lump sum fee is typically charged. The cost depends on the project’s scale and requirements.
3. Monthly Retainers:
   • Cost: $2,000 to $5,000 per month.
   • Details: This model covers both technical support and maintenance on an ongoing basis. It’s ideal if you need regular support and updates from an agency or freelancer.

*All costs here are in AUD.

Read More: Wix vs WordPress for Australian Marketers: Choosing the Best Web Development Platform

Importance of Both WordPress Maintenance and WordPress Technical Support

Both WordPress maintenance and technical support are crucial for ensuring your website operates flawlessly and supports smooth business operations.

Regular Maintenance for Optimal Performance

Regular maintenance tasks, such as updates, backups, and performance optimisation, help keep the site running efficiently and aligned with business goals. These routine checks prevent many common issues and ensure that the site performs as expected.

Need for Technical Support

However, technical issues can still arise unexpectedly due to various factors, such as bugs in code, plugin conflicts, or server malfunctions. These issues might not be related to user actions or maintenance practices but rather inherent to the technology and scripts involved.

Conclusion

While most common problems can be addressed through routine maintenance, complex or unforeseen issues often require technical support. The need for technical support varies based on the website’s complexity, traffic volume, and overall activity, with interventions typically needed on an annual or biannual basis.

We hope this guide has clarified the differences between WordPress maintenance and technical support for you. With a clear understanding of each service’s purpose, cost, and scope, you’re now better equipped to manage your website effectively. 

Whether it’s routine maintenance to keep your site running smoothly or technical support to address more complex issues, you can make informed decisions on when to seek assistance from agencies or freelancers. 

If you need any assistance or require technical support for your WordPress site, feel free to reach out to us. 

We are the finest WordPress development and technical support agency in Australia. We can help you get your website in top shape, ensuring optimal performance and maximising your revenue. Explore our WordPress Maintenance Services or get in touch for WordPress Technical Support today!