10 Top WordPress Management Services

A WordPress management service is like hiring expert plumbers to fix your pipes, instead of DIYing it.

Managing your WordPress site can be a daunting task. You must perform regular updates to keep everything current. Your plugins and themes need constant managing to ensure they work without a hitch. Security is another big priority, requiring constant monitoring to fend off threats. Each task needs careful attention to ensure your site runs smoothly. All this can be a lot to manage behind the scenes!

If things fall through the cracks in WordPress management, it can lead to a host of issues that may harm your business. Without regular updates, your site becomes vulnerable to hackers who exploit outdated software. Poor security monitoring increases the risk of website breaches, potentially leaking sensitive customer information and damaging your reputation. Additionally, your site slows down and its search engine rankings drop, which drives potential customers away. 

This is where professional WordPress management services come in. They keep your site running smoothly by handling all the tricky backend tasks for you. This means you can focus on what you do best—growing your business.

TL;DR: Seahawk is a top choice for WordPress management, and is known for its expertise and reliability. However, it comes with a potentially high cost, which can strain budgets. `WP Remote offers a more budget-friendly alternative. It provides tools that let you manage and update your site yourself, striking a balance between professional support and cost efficiency.

When choosing a WordPress maintenance service, several key factors can make a big difference in site management and security. Here is a list of some features that we recommend you look out for:

• Active security measures
• Strong backup solutions
• Safe update process
• Website performance focus
• Quick and reliable support
• Easy onboarding
• Regular reporting
• Affordable pricing

A lot of maintenance tasks can be done on the WordPress administration panel. But, they are not easy out of the box. This is where a management service is helpful. With that in mind, let’s get started with our list of management services. 

1. Seahawk

Seahawk delivers a comprehensive range of services essential for maintaining WordPress sites. This includes site updates, backups, security monitoring, and performance optimization. These services can save you significant time and hassle.

For instance, safely updating your plugin might seem as simple as clicking a button. However, it involves potential risks like compatibility issues that could disrupt features or break your site entirely. Without proper testing in a staging environment, such updates might lead to unexpected downtime. Furthermore, without reliable backups, any flawed update could result in significant data loss. Seahawk steps in to handle these updates, ensuring they are tested and deployed correctly.

In addition to these services, Seahawk offers several free tools. Their performance checker, broken links checker, and malware scanner aim to provide added value. 

Seahawk also provides valuable resources such as tutorials and podcasts covering a wide range of topics. From the latest WordPress news to SEO and tech insights, these offerings can be highly beneficial if you’re looking to expand your knowledge in these areas.

Features:

• Scheduled backups
• Performance optimization
• 24/7 expert support
• Regular security checks
• Managed WordPress updates

Pros:

• Dedicated support for all plans
• Simple, transparent pricing
• Full suite of maintenance services

Cons:

• Performance optimization is only available for annual plans

Price: Plans start at $49 a month

2. ThriveWP

ThriveWP is a UK-based company focused on keeping WordPress sites running smoothly. They handle essential tasks like backups and uptime monitoring to ensure every part of your site is well-maintained. Their security services, which include malware scanning and removal, a firewall, and additional security measures, protect your site effectively.

A great feature of ThriveWP is their handling of SSL certificates. Typically, setting up an SSL involves reaching out to a web host or installing a plugin. But ThriveWP simplifies this by managing the process for you, keeping your data secure without extra effort.

ThriveWP also addresses security threats like brute force attacks. They actively monitor and fight them. By taking on these security tasks, they allow you to focus on your business, without the stress of website maintenance.

Features

• Scans for malware and malware removal
• Manages all updates: themes, plugins, core
• Takes regular backups
• Includes a reliable firewall
• Monitors for failed login attempts
• Monitors all user activity
• Provides great 24/7 support
• Provides regular reports to keep you in the loop

Pros

• Reliable security
• Responsive support team
• Affordable pricing

Cons

• The basic plan doesn’t offer performance optimization
• No update testing in the basic plan

Price: Plans range from £40 a month to £85 a month.

3. SiteCare

SiteCare is highly regarded in the WordPress community for its comprehensive range of services designed to help users manage and optimize their websites. They specialize in key areas such as website maintenance, security, performance optimization, and marketing. They also enhance online visibility for businesses of all sizes.

SiteCare’s security offerings include thorough scans for issues and efficient vulnerability patches. Should your site experience a hack, they handle everything from malware removal to content restoration with ease. Their plans also feature up to 15 minutes of rapid issue investigation per support ticket, ensuring any concerns are quickly addressed before becoming significant problems.

In addition to security, SiteCare provides daily backups and ensures timely updates to WordPress core, themes, and plugins, maintaining smooth site operations. They also help with performance tuning, which is crucial for user experience and improved SEO rankings. Beyond maintenance, they offer marketing and analytics support, providing insights and strategies to boost traffic and help businesses thrive in the digital arena.

SiteCare’s flexible pay-as-you-go pricing model helps you control costs effectively by paying only for the services you need. SiteCare uses Amazon Web Services (AWS), one of the world’s leading cloud platforms. to power and manage websites effectively. This ensures high levels of reliability and performance.

Features

• Scans for malware in real-time
• Patches vulnerabilities quickly
• Optimises site for performance
• Safely updates your sites
• Offers regular backups and restores
• Offers SEO optimization experts

Pros

• Responsive support
• Great basic plan
• Comprehensive security
• Reliable backups

Cons

• Support only works during US work hours

Price: Plans range from $99 a month to $499 a month, where you pay as you go.

4. WP Buffs

WP Buffs stands out as a popular choice among WordPress maintenance and management services. They offer a wide range of services to ensure websites function seamlessly.

Their comprehensive service package is designed to enhance site performance through various tools and practices. One of their security tools is Solid Security, formerly known as iThemes, which serves as their primary security solution. However, in our rigorous testing, Solid Security did not meet basic expectations for a robust security tool. The scanner failed to detect all the malware on a hacked site, and the lack of a firewall raises concerns about its effectiveness.

WP Buffs provides an extensive array of services, including the innovative addition of Git Management. However, you must carefully consider their choice to use Solid Security as the primary security measure. Customers seeking strong security might need to look for better options based on their specific site protection needs.

Features

• Manages updates
• Optimizes site speed
• Performs daily backups
• Provides emergency support
• Monitors website uptime
• Offers theme and plugin management
• Conducts security scans
• Implements malware cleanups
• Delivers monthly performance reports
• Facilitates website edits and changes
• Supports WooCommerce optimization
• Enables real-time activity tracking

Pros

• Continuous support
• Focus on performance

Cons

• Ineffective security

Price: Plans range from $79 a month to $447 a month for advanced custom support and Git Management. 

5. FixRunner

FixRunner is a WordPress support service that is good at handling both urgent fixes and ongoing maintenance requirements. They offer 24/7 malware scanning, and for a $95 fee, malware removal services to secure your site.

Their pricing plans are flexible and can be customized to fit your needs. They offer options for monthly, quarterly, or annual billing cycles to align with your budget and preferences. Additionally, for those who prefer not to commit long-term, FixRunner offers a convenient one-time fix option. This adaptability makes FixRunner an attractive choice for managing various WordPress support needs.

Features

• Offers personal support
• Updates website securely
• Optimizes for speed
• Takes backups
• Monitors uptime
• Regularly scans for vulnerabilities
• Provides malware removal
• Offers on-page optimization
• Gives dedicated account management

Pros

• Responsive support

Cons

• Limited security features
• Premium plan doesn’t include security scans
• Limited support with the lowest plan

Plans: Plans range from $59 a month to $149 a month. They also provide a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

6. Newt Labs

Newt Labs is a UK-based WordPress maintenance company known for its exceptional work in keeping websites secure and operational. They prioritize site security and reliability, taking daily backups and storing them securely off-site to ensure data protection. Their vigilant 24/7 security monitoring scans your site every 5 hours to detect vulnerabilities and malware early before they become serious issues. Newt Labs also offers expert malware removal services if it detects any.

Beyond maintenance, Newt Labs provides valuable resources for users, including tutorials on WordPress basics like creating and editing content. This feature is particularly useful for those new to WordPress, helping them quickly understand the platform’s essentials. With Newt Labs, users receive a comprehensive support package that focuses on site security and enhances user knowledge and experience.

Features

• Offers tutorials on WordPress basics
• Takes daily off-site backups
• Monitors security 24/7 
• Helps with vulnerability detection
• Provides malware cleanup
• Offers safe testing of updates

Pros

• Offers educational resources
• Proactive threat management

Cons 

• Support is available only during business hours
• Basics like firewall is a VIP feature, making it less comprehensive

Price: Plans start at £79 a month and go up to £239 a month.

7. WP Tech Support

High traffic and the need for reliable, scalable solutions make website management a very demanding task. This is especially true for complex websites like e-commerce platforms, Learning Management Systems (LMS), or membership sites. This is where WP Tech Support shines. Their advanced plan is crafted to handle the challenges of such high-traffic operations.

In terms of security, WP Tech Support runs daily scans and includes a website application firewall. Their onboarding process includes a basic security check to ensure everything is secure and up-to-date, with recommendations like deleting unused plugins. They also go beyond the basics by offering technical SEO support and performance optimization. This ensures your site is not only secure and maintained but also ranks well and offers a seamless experience to visitors.

WP Tech Support pairs these extensive features with exceptional support, creating a comprehensive care plan. Their combination of robust services and surprisingly affordable pricing makes them a compelling choice for those seeking to enhance their website’s performance and security without breaking the bank.

Features

• Offers 24/7 support
• Offers technical SEO support
• Optimises site for performance
• Fixes any bugs
• Audits site health
• Scans for malware daily
• Monitors uptime
• Implements firewall

Pros

• Comprehensive maintenance
• Constant support

Cons

• In the basic plan, support has an additional per-hour fee
• Limited number of bug fixes in the basic plan

Price:  Plans range from $55 a month to $175 a month. 

8. WP Maintainer

Starting with WP Maintainer is a breeze. Once you sign up, their team of skilled engineers takes over, handling everything from security to updates, compatibility, and backups. You don’t have to worry about the technical details; WP Maintainer provides on-demand access to engineers and offers an hour of free developer support each month to tackle any update-related issues.

Security is a paramount focus for WP Maintainer. They perform thorough security audits, enforce strong login security, and reduce password sharing. Additional measures include a website firewall, 2FA, and user access restrictions to ensure your site remains secure. They also use Sucuri security services, which are well-regarded for their effective firewall, although the scanner has some limitations.

With WP Maintainer, you get a seamless maintenance experience backed by robust security measures, ensuring your WordPress site runs smoothly and securely.

Features

• Includes security, updates, compatibility, and backups
• On-demand access to engineers
• Conducts security audits
• Implements good login security measures

Pros

• Quick support
• Easy setup

Cons

• Only one hour of free developer support might not be enough for complex problems
• The scanner is not good enough
• Firewall is an add-on

Price: The base price for core maintenance services is $99 a month. You can add on more subscriptions, like a firewall for an additional $49 a month and performance features like image optimization for $19 a month.

9. WP SitePlan

WP SitePlan offers essential WordPress management services such as regular backups, updates, and uptime monitoring, ensuring your site runs smoothly. Security is available as an add-on feature. They also provide robust hardening measures like disabling file editing and installing firewalls. Additionally, they offer a free downloadable security checklist, serving as a useful guide for WordPress site owners. However, if you’re seeking a service that handles all security tasks for you, the checklist might not suffice.

Their customer support is frequently praised for being responsive and effective, making WP SitePlan a reliable partner for website management. Despite this, it’s worth noting that their basic plan does not include access to this highly-rated support team, which can be a drawback for those looking for comprehensive assistance.

Features

• Updates WordPress core, plugins, and themes
• Disables file editing
• Limits logins
• Configures strong passwords
• Installs powerful firewall
• Scans for malware

Pros

• Great hardening features
• Helpful support team
• Free resources

Cons

• Basic plan doesn’t include support

Price: Plans range from $59 a month to $229 a month.

10. WP Valet

WP Valet distinguishes itself in the realm of WordPress website security and management by offering a comprehensive suite of services that covers every aspect of website care. From managing and optimizing your site to crafting engaging content, enhancing SEO, and handling the design and development, Valet truly does it all. They even oversee the details of website hosting and migrations, embodying the essence of a full-service company committed to covering all bases for their clients.

A standout feature of Valet is their thorough review of all plugins installed on your site, ensuring they are high-quality, safe, and not vulnerable to security issues. For example, they’ll make sure you haven’t installed any nulled plugins. Their proactive approach extends to staying on top of updates, backups, performance tuning, and safeguarding your site from hacks and malware, offering comprehensive peace of mind.

However, it’s important to note that detailed information on their site protection methods is not readily available, nor is their pricing structure transparent. Clients need to reach out directly to obtain a quote for Valet’s services, which might be a consideration for those seeking upfront clarity.

Features

• Diagnoses potential vulnerabilities
• Assists with content creation
• Provides SEO optimization
• Offers web design and development
• Manages website hosting
• Helps with consultation and migrations
• Manages unused or unnecessary plugins
• Manages updates and backups
• Optimizes for performance
• Provides hack and malware protection

Pros

• Comprehensive suite of services
• Expert content creation and SEO
• Thorough plugin management

Cons

• Very little transparency
• Not designed for small sites

Price: It isn’t publicly available. You have to set up a consultation and discuss your requirements first. 

Alternatives to WordPress Management services

If you are seeking alternatives to traditional WordPress management services, WP Remote offers a DIY approach that balances professional oversight and personal control. Designed for site owners who prefer hands-on involvement, WP Remote provides a comprehensive set of tools to manage WordPress sites independently.

WP Remote users can handle essential maintenance tasks without needing a third-party management service. With features such as remote site monitoring, detailed updates for WordPress core, themes, and plugins, and robust security scanning, WP Remote ensures you always have a secure and up-to-date website. It also offers backup solutions and performance optimization options, ensuring your site remains fast and reliable.

This platform lets you customize and manage multiple sites from a single dashboard. This makes it an efficient choice if you have a portfolio of websites. Additionally, WP Remote’s user-friendly interface caters to both seasoned developers and WordPress novices, providing a smooth learning curve for self-managed site maintenance.

By choosing WP Remote, users can enjoy the benefits of streamlined site management and control their updates and security. 

WP Remote is designed to help agencies maintain multiple sites on one dashboard. It is meant to save on time and human resources. But, the same features work for your site too.

What goes into WordPress management?

Effective WordPress management includes a range of tasks that ensure your website functions smoothly, remains secure, and provides an optimal experience for visitors. Here’s a breakdown of the key components involved in managing a WordPress site:

• Regular updates: Keeping WordPress core, themes, and plugins up-to-date is crucial for security and performance. Regular updates help fix vulnerabilities, enhance features, and ensure compatibility within your site.
• Security management: Protecting your site from threats involves installing and maintaining security plugins, monitoring for suspicious activity, enabling firewalls, and using strong passwords. Regular security audits and malware scans are also essential to prevent unauthorized access or attacks.
• Reliable backups: Reliable backups are the backbone of WordPress management. Regularly scheduled backups ensure that you have a copy of your site’s data and content, which can be restored in case of data loss or site issues. Storing backups offsite adds an extra layer of protection.
• Performance optimization: Ensuring your website loads quickly is vital for user experience and SEO. This includes optimizing images, leveraging caching, minifying code, and monitoring site speed. Regular performance checks help maintain a fast and responsive site.
• SEO management: Optimizing your site for search engines involves both technical and content-related strategies. This includes using SEO plugins, optimizing meta tags, improving site structure, and ensuring mobile-friendliness to improve visibility and rankings.
• User management: Managing user roles and permissions is crucial for sites with multiple contributors. This involves setting up appropriate access levels, monitoring user activity, and ensuring that permissions align with their responsibilities.
• Monitoring and reporting: Keeping an eye on site performance and metrics helps identify issues before they escalate. Regular reports on traffic, uptime, and security events provide insights into your site’s health and can guide necessary adjustments.
• Support and troubleshooting: Quick resolution of issues and responsive support is essential for minimizing downtime and maintaining site credibility. Whether it’s handling a broken page or resolving a plugin conflict, having a support system in place is crucial.

Final thoughts

When it comes to securing and managing your WordPress site, Seahawk emerges as a top service provider. Their robust protection plans are tailored to provide a safety net against online threats. 

On the other hand, if you prefer a more hands-on role in your site’s management, WP Remote offers a powerful alternative. It provides user-friendly tools that empower you to safeguard your site efficiently, even without extensive coding expertise.

Whatever route you choose, rest assured that each of these services is equipped to handle the complexities of WordPress security. This allows you to focus more on expanding your digital presence and less on technical concerns, knowing that your website is in capable hands.

FAQs

What is a WordPress management system?

A WordPress management system refers to tools or services designed to handle the various tasks involved in maintaining a WordPress site. This includes updates, security monitoring, backups, performance optimization, and content management. By streamlining these processes, a management system ensures that your site runs smoothly, securely, and efficiently, often providing features to manage multiple sites from a single dashboard.

How much does it cost to manage a WordPress website?

The cost of managing a WordPress website can vary widely based on the services you choose. Basic management tasks, if handled personally with free plugins, might incur minimal or no cost. Professional WordPress management services, however, typically range from $30 to $200 per month, depending on the level of service and support provided. There might even be additional costs for premium plugins, themes, or specialized services such as SEO or advanced security measures.

What is WordPress user management?

WordPress user management means the administration of user accounts and roles on your website. It allows site owners to control access by assigning roles with specific permissions, such as editor, author, or subscriber, according to the tasks they are responsible for. Effective user management ensures that each user can perform their assigned duties without risking sensitive site operations or content.

Is WordPress CMS free?

Yes, WordPress itself is a free and open-source Content Management System (CMS). It can be downloaded and installed on your server at no cost. However, additional expenses may arise from purchasing hosting, premium themes, plugins, and support services, depending on your site’s specific needs and customizations.

What is the best tool to manage WP?

WP Remote is considered an excellent tool for managing WordPress sites. It offers a user-friendly interface and a comprehensive range of features to control updates, backups, and security across multiple sites. WP Remote is ideal for those looking to maintain control over their website management while benefiting from a streamlined, efficient system that requires minimal technical knowledge.