I Already Paid for My Website
Why is There a Monthly Service Fee?
By Kristie Parker
[Updated April 2025]
Say no more. We get it.
Most people think a web company’s job is done once the website’s online, but that’s like buying a new home and assuming it won’t require upkeep, repairs, and remodeling.
Even if it’s the Michaelangelo’s David of websites, you’re gonna need someone to handle hiccups, issues and edits.
What is a website management plan?
It’s a monthly service where professionals handle all the technical upkeep of your website including security updates, performance checks, basic content refreshes, and emergency fixes, so you can focus on your business, go to brunch, catch up on your shows, whatever makes you happy.
Think of it as having a mechanic on retainer. Someone else handles the technical parts and you drive the car.
What if I just..don’t sign up for website maintenance?
Oh you can stuff it into a junk drawer with the unpaid bills and AA’s, but closing your eyes won’t make the monster disappear.
Your Website Needs Security
You’d be amazed at how often even the most basic website is bombarded with hacking attempts by cyber thieves trying to steal sensitive information. According to Forbes, 30,000 new websites are hacked every day.
43% of cyber attacks are against small businesses.
37% of companies hit by ransomware had fewer than 100 employees.
46% of all cyber breaches impact businesses with fewer than 1,000 employees
Think about it. Your website doesn't just exist on the family desktop. It lives in the wild, unpredictable online world where:
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Security threats happen daily. Even to small sites, actually ESPECIALLY to small sites because hackers know they generally have less security.
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Browser updates can break your site's functionality overnight
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Google changes its algorithm, oh, I’d say, roughly 600 times/year
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Plugins and themes require updates to stay secure and functional
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Content becomes stale faster than doughnuts left on the counter
Without ongoing management, your website isn’t standing still. It’s actively falling behind, becoming more vulnerable, slower, glitchy and potentially driving away the very customers you built it to attract.
Can I manage my website myself?
Yup. But you have to dedicate time to learning and executing. It’s not rocket surgery, but you’ll probably be logging some serious hours on YouTube tutorials and trial and error.
If you’re a small business owner, chances are you don’t have that kind of time. 98% of our clients choose to leave the management to us but for the other 2% we’re happy to walk you through the hands-on process via video call.
What does a website care plan include?
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Updates on autopilot. Old software is like leaving your back door unlocked. We keep everything current so hackers move along to easier targets.
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Keep things looking great. Without regular updates, old plugins can make text, images, and navigation menus look cramped, distorted, or huge.
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Just-in-case backups. The internet equivalent of a time machine. Your entire site gets backed up daily, so if something goes sideways, we can restore everything without breaking a sweat
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24/7 Performance monitoring. Your site's uptime, speed, and functionality get checked around the clock. If something's off, we're on it, probably before you even notice.
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Proactive downtime detection. We know when your site goes offline before your customers start texting you screenshots of error messages at 11pm.
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Essential security. Malware scanning that identifies threats before they become full-blown infections.
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SSL management. We keep tabs on your security certificate, updating it before your site triggers those scary browser warnings 🔴.
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Speed optimization. Slow sites lose customers faster than a restaurant with a roach problem. We keep your pages loading quickly as you add new content.
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Technical SEO foundations. Proper set up of the technical SEO essentials, like meta descriptions and image alt text, make your site search engine-friendly and primed for local visibility.
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Direct tech support. Actual humans (hi, it’s us!) who know your business and can help when you need it. No ticket numbers, no overseas call centers.
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Unlimited edits. Update text or add new images whenever you need without waiting or paying extra.
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Contact form checker. Forget the heart attack of “woah, I haven’t been getting contact form submissions in how long?!”
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Advanced site security. Real-time firewall and one-click malware removal for businesses that can't afford even minor security hiccups.
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Accessibility plug-in. Make your site friendly for visitors with different needs, like visual impairment. A small touch that makes a big difference.
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Premium design capabilities. Professional design tools without the agency price tag.
How much does a website management plan cost?
Depending on what’s in the toolkit, prices vary wildly, with most professional WordPress management plans landing in the $50-$150 range. Check out pricing and details for our Complete Care Plan and her more budget-friendly sister, the Core Care Plan. When you’re ready for heavy traffic (the good kind!) ask about our Growth Plan that includes SEO. *Note that we manage WordPress websites only.
Protect this house
Without regular website care, you’ll eventually face that dreaded moment: customers calling to tell you your site is down, your contact form is broken, or worse, that your website’s been hijacked by, um, adult entertainment. And the part that really blows is, these things never happen during business hours when you’re ready to deal with them.
A website care plan isn’t just another expense, it’s protection for the online salesperson who works for you 24/7. It’s having someone to call when things go sideways. It’s peace of mind knowing experts are handling the technical stuff while you handle your actual business.
Your Website Maintenance is Overdue.
But that’s not really why you’re here.
You’re tired of worrying about technical stuff. You want a website that looks good and works hard, even if you’ve got zero design skills whatsoever. That’s where we come in. We’ll give your website the professional care it needs to show customers you’re the real deal.
Contact us today to talk about your website redesign and ongoing maintenance plan.
Kristie Parker
Kristie is the co-owner of Bungalow Web Design. She pretends to be a real adult by writing copy for small business websites from her actual bungalow in Tampa, Florida. When she's not web designing, you can find her in the gym, air frying something, or tucking into a Joyce Carol Oates novel with a dirty martini and orange cat nearby.
Kristie Parker
Kristie is the co-owner of Bungalow Web Design. She pretends to be a real adult by writing copy for small business websites from her actual bungalow in Tampa, Florida. When she's not web designing, you can find her in the gym, air frying something, or tucking into a Joyce Carol Oates novel with a dirty martini and orange cat nearby.