Quick answer: a good WordPress website maintenance plan includes tested updates, off-site backups, security monitoring, uptime checks and a monthly report at the basic level, with content edits, speed and SEO checks and priority support in higher tiers. Most small business plans cost $40 to $200 per month. Choose based on how much your site matters to revenue, not on the lowest price.
Maintenance plans are hard to compare because providers describe the same work differently. Here is how to read between the lines, based on what I include in my own plans and what I see when clients switch to me from somewhere else.
What each tier usually includes
Basic
Core, theme and plugin updates, backups, uptime monitoring and security scanning. Suitable for simple sites that rarely change.
Standard
Everything in basic plus a set amount of content edits, speed optimisation, SEO health checks, database cleanup and bug fixes. Suits most small business sites.
Premium
Everything above plus faster response times, more hours, more frequent backups and extra care for stores and membership sites.
For reference, my own plans are $45.99, $79.99 and $159.99 per month, month to month. See the pricing page for exactly what each includes.
Questions to ask before you pay
- Are updates tested before they go live, or just clicked?
- Where are backups stored, how long are they kept, and are restores free?
- What happens if the site is hacked? Is cleanup included?
- How many minutes of edits are included, and do unused minutes roll over?
- What is the response time for urgent problems?
- Do I get a report every month?
- Is there a contract? Can I cancel any time?
- Do I keep full admin access to my site and hosting?
Red flags
- Very cheap plans that only run automatic updates with no checks
- Long contracts with cancellation fees
- No reports, so you never know what was done
- Providers who hold your logins or hosting hostage
Which plan does your site need?
- Brochure site, rarely changes: basic
- Business site with regular updates and leads: standard
- Online store, bookings or memberships: premium
Prefer to do it yourself?
Use the schedule in WordPress maintenance: the complete guide and the checklist in what website maintenance includes. Both are free and work for any WordPress site.
If you would rather hand it over, my WordPress maintenance plans cover sites I built and sites I did not, starting with a free check-up. Try the free website audit to see where your site stands today.
Frequently asked questions
How much does WordPress website maintenance cost?
Most small business WordPress maintenance plans cost $40 to $200 per month. Stores and busy sites with priority support can cost more.
Is a WordPress maintenance plan worth it?
If your site brings in leads or sales, usually yes. One emergency fix after a hack or broken update often costs more than a year of maintenance.
Can I cancel a maintenance plan?
It depends on the provider. Look for month-to-month plans and make sure you keep full access to your site, hosting and backups if you leave.
