When to Let Go:

A Guide to Outsourcing Your Website Maintenance

Discover when to outsource your website maintenance to enhance performance, security, and user experience while saving costs.  We get this question A LOT!!  Usually from potential clients who have been using a non-trained employee or contractor to take care of their website with usually disastrous results!  Believe me — we have heard it all so we thought that this would be a great topic for this week’s blog.

Website Update Icon Set & Web Header Banner

Understanding the Importance of Website Maintenance

Website maintenance is essential for the optimal performance, security, and overall user experience of any online presence. As of 2023, there were nearly 2 billion websites, highlighting the necessity for maintaining a professional online presence. Regularly scheduled updates and maintenance can prevent significant financial losses; for instance, website downtime can cost businesses as much as $300,000 per hour.

Additionally, 94% of users are likely to distrust outdated websites, which can lead to lower conversion rates and a poor user experience. A well-maintained website can increase conversion rates by up to 200% through improved user interfaces and seamless navigation.

A comprehensive website maintenance plan typically includes software updates, regular backups, security checks, and content management. By ensuring that all components of a website are up-to-date and functioning correctly, businesses can enhance their visibility in search engine rankings, maintain user trust, and ultimately drive more conversions.

Here at Web Dezyn Plus, we take care of all of the required maintenance PLUS PLUS PLUS — because things are changing all the time on the web and part of our maintenance plans are to keep on top of and knowledgeable about ALL of the ongoing changes so that our clients don’t have to!

Signs You Need to Outsource Website Maintenance

Several indicators suggest that it may be time to consider outsourcing website maintenance. If internal resources are stretched thin and your team is struggling to keep up with maintenance demands, that could be a clear sign. For example, if your website is a primary revenue source, it is crucial to ensure that it remains functional and relevant; outsourcing maintenance can guarantee that it receives the attention it requires. Additionally, outdated web design or a lack of specialized skills within your team can hinder performance and user experience.

Proactive maintenance is often more efficient than reactive fixes, meaning regular updates and checks can prevent issues from arising in the first place. If your team lacks the technical expertise needed to manage and maintain the site effectively, it may be worth considering a professional service to enhance your competitive edge and ensure a smoother user experience.

Being 100% pro-active is our #1 priority for our clients’ websites here at Web Dezyn Plus.  The team is always learning and growing to ensure that everything to help our clients’ business success is first and foremost with us.  Just ask Gail who is always taking new courses and learning new skills to translate into more efficient end results or our clients.

Benefits of Outsourcing Website Maintenance

Outsourcing website maintenance provides numerous advantages, including access to specialized skills and the latest technologies that can enhance website functionality.  Both of these are Web Dezyn Plus’ top priorities. Professional maintenance teams like ours conduct regular audits and technical optimizations, which can significantly improve website performance and search engine optimization (SEO), leading to a better user experience. Furthermore, our team is trained to enhance security measures and ensure compliance with regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and The Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA)

Another benefit is the access to advanced tools and analytics that the Web Dezyn Plus outsourced team can provide, which allows for more efficient performance tracking and improvement opportunities. For instance, regular backups conducted by Web Dezyn Plus ensure quick recovery from crashes, thereby minimizing potential data loss and disruption to your business operations. This level of professional oversight can not only improve your website’s reliability but also identify growth opportunities that can drive future success.

Cost Considerations for Outsourcing

Outsourcing website maintenance can lead to significant cost savings in the long run. By avoiding the onboarding and training expenses associated with hiring in-house staff, businesses can reallocate resources to core activities. Depending on the services offered, website care plans can range from as little as $125 plus HST to over $450 plus HST monthly, making it essential to select a plan that aligns with your business needs.

Investing in outsourced maintenance can also prevent costly repercussions from neglecting essential updates and security measures. For example, failing to maintain security can lead to recovery costs that exceed $1,000 or more after a hack, while downtime itself can result in losses of up to $300,000 per hour. In this way, outsourcing to Web Dezyn Plus not only enhances productivity but also provides a financial buffer against unforeseen incidents that could impact your website’s functionality.

Assessing Your Current Maintenance Workflow

To determine if outsourcing website maintenance is necessary, it is important to assess your current maintenance workflow and identify any gaps. Look for common issues such as broken links, outdated content, and slow loading times, which are signs that professional help may be needed. Regular maintenance contributes to improving overall website quality and can prevent issues that could result in lost customers.

Additionally, evaluate your team’s ability to keep up with technical updates and ensure that the website meets current trends and best practices. Frequent updates are crucial for maintaining user engagement; infrequent updates can render a website stagnant and uninviting. Identifying any compliance issues your website may face is key, as regulations can change frequently and require expert oversight to remain compliant.

Let Web Dezyn Plus take over these “headaches” for your business!

Website maintenance checklist with man and laptop

Selecting the Right Maintenance Provider

Selecting the right website maintenance provider involves considering several key factors, such as responsive communication, relevant technical experience, and competitive pricing. The process of outsourcing should begin with defining your goals and creating a Request for Proposal (RFP) to outline your specific needs. Research potential providers thoroughly, looking for client testimonials and case studies that demonstrate their effectiveness in previous projects.

It is also important to ensure that the provider’s services align with your requirements, whether it be eCommerce capabilities or specific security compliance. Establishing clear expectations and communication channels with your chosen provider can facilitate a successful partnership and ongoing support, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your business while experts handle your website’s technical needs.

Web Dezyn Plus has been providing Website Maintenance Plans to 95% of our clients since 2021.  With many 5-star reviews across multiple platforms, we would be pleased to provide contact information for references.  You want to be sure that we are the right fit for your business and we’re sure that you will find us to be the “right” provider!

Gail Kenney, Founder and Webmistress of Web Dezyn Plus,

Summary of Key Considerations for Outsourcing Website Maintenance

Outsourcing website maintenance provides your businesses with the opportunity to focus on core activities while experts like Web Dezyn Plus, manage technical concerns effectively. Careful selection of a maintenance provider is crucial to mitigate potential issues related to service quality and communication. Web Dezyn Plus, recognized as a leading Canadian website maintenance company, offers tailored solutions to meet diverse business needs.

Regular maintenance is not just beneficial; it can significantly enhance business growth by ensuring optimal website performance and user experience. Ultimately, the decision to outsource should consider the website’s role in generating income and the owner’s ability to manage maintenance tasks effectively.

Discover when to outsource your website maintenance to enhance performance, security, and user experience while saving costs.

Website maintenance isn’t a “cookie-cutter” option as there are so many variables.  Give us a call or fill out the form below and book a website audit.  This will provide you with a report so that you can make an informed decision on what type of website maintenance plan will work best for your business with a proper scope and budget.

Looking forward to hearing from you soobn1

Cheers!

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