Why is maintaining your website important?
Your website is your most valuable business asset and requires constant attention if it’s to continually and consistently work hard for you. Search engines, like Google, show preference to websites that are current and updated software and plugins help keep hackers away. Also, potential customers need to see that your website is functioning correctly with up-to-date content, images and products. Leaving old and stale info on your website reflects poorly on you and your business.
WordPress frequently releases software updates and it is critical that your website be on the most current version. Many of these updates include security patches that fix potential entry points for hackers. Hackers take advantage of missing security updates, insecure themes and outdated plugins, just to name a few. We have recently seen an increase in these malicious attacks, causing major damage to many sites, some of which struggle to recover from forced downtime and damaged reputations—and that means a loss of business. If you get hacked and your website is listed as having malware, it is a frustrating process to get your site up and running and back in Google’s good graces. Sometimes the website will have to be rebuilt from scratch—making that full back-up so important.
As well as keeping up with WordPress updates, the plugins have to be updated. Plugins offer custom functionality and features enabling users to tailor their sites to their specific needs. Most websites utilize least a few plugins, for SEO, e-commerce or scheduling. Because these are built by programmers all around the world, they require special attention and should be updated individually. Not all plugins are created equal; many are not always abreast with the upgrades and as a result they may not function properly or may not function at all, leaving your site vulnerable.
Lauren Graphics offers 3 ways to support you in your efforts to keep your website current and safe.
BASIC
WE offer up to 2 hours support time every quarter.
WE update: WordPress, Theme, Plugins, PHP
WE create a new backup: quarterly
WE check notices almost daily from Wordfence. If something is critical it will be handled as soon as possible, if not immediately.
YOU are responsible for: all text and graphic updates. Lauren Graphics will help if needed at the hourly rate.
BASIC+
WE offer up to 3 hours support time every quarter.
WE update: WordPress, Theme, Plugins, PHP
WE create a new backup: quarterly
WE check notices almost daily from Wordfence. If something is critical it will be handled as soon as possible, if not immediately.
YOU are responsible for: all text and graphic updates. Lauren Graphics will help if needed at the hourly rate.
FULL SUPPORT
WE offer up to 5 hours support time every quarter.
WE update: WordPress, Theme, Plugins, PHP
WE create a new backup: quarterly
WE check notices almost daily from Wordfence. If something is critical it will be handled as soon as possible, if not immediately.
WE will update and/or edit content, make basic design changes, and add blog posts upon request.
Want to learn more about how we can support you in your specific situation?
Contact us
WANT MORE INFORMATION? KEEP READING…
Included in BASIC+ and FULL SUPPORT:
• Updating your WordPress website’s software & plugins whenever new versions are released or immediately if critical. Test and make sure nothing breaks.
• Updating current content you provide on existing pages, including basic SEO. Includes adding new pages/blog posts using website’s current functionality.
• Adding e-mail accounts.
• Monitoring forums and comments, checking for spam.
• Emergency repairs due to hacker attacks if you are on a recommended hosting company or one approved by LG.
• Keeping current backups of site files and databases.
• Check links and test any forms
• Sending a quarterly report of what we did.
• Maintaining e-commerce programs (adding new products/removing old products, adjusting product information, etc…). For FULL SUPPORT only.
Not included in ANY PLAN:
• Redesign of the site, including changing any major design elements.
• Logo/graphic creation.
• Advanced SEO Services.
• Creation of subdomains or new installations.
• Installing any new, third-party extensions (core extensions being enabled are acceptable).
• Changing template.
• Anything else not listed as included in this service.
• Purchasing any new plugin or software, like Wordfence (which is required).