Your site is not simply a presence on the Internet, but a foundation of your brand, your sales driver, and in many ways, the first impression customers make of your company. However, it is not sufficient to simply set up a web site. You must maintain it frequently to ensure that it is safe, fast and operational to the fullest.
When it comes to selecting the appropriate website maintenance services Perth, they are plenty, and many of them exist, so what do you think would be the most effective way to pick the one?
Here’s a comprehensive guide.
Know Your Website Requirements –
You need to find out the particular needs of your website before going on to find the provider. Consider:
Platform –
Does your site use WordPress, Shopify, Magento or a bespoke CMS? There are providers who are specialized on particular platforms.
Maintenance Type –
Does it require security updates, performance optimization, content updates or all of the above?
Frequency –
How frequent do you anticipate changes/updates?
Daily, weekly, or monthly?
Knowing what you require will make it easier to reduce the providers who are able to fulfill your needs.
Seek Experience and Expertise
Not every provider of website maintenance is born equal. When comparing possible providers, consider:
Technical Knowledge:
Determine whether they are familiar with the platform of your site.
Portfolio:
Check their past or customer recommendations.
Problem-Solving Skills:
Are they prompt to trouble-shoot when your site is down?
- Experience is important since a provider, who has worked with other similar websites, knows the issues that may arise and when they may be out of control.
- Place Security and Updates on the priority list.
- Security is non-negotiable. The hacked site might ruin the image and cause funds loss. Make sure your provider:
- Keeps software, themes and plugins updated on a regular basis.
- Conducts security scan and vulnerability audit.
- Offers disaster recovery and back-ups.
A positive provider will resist, not be merely responsive towards them.
Measuring Response Time and Support
Unavailability or technical problems can be an expensive affair. Choose a provider who:
- Provides a good support with well-specified response time.
- Offers different methods of communication (email, chat, phone).
- Ability to deal with emergencies during off hours.
- Response time is quick and effective, which makes your website available and functional with the least amount of downtime.
Take into account Pricing and Contracts
Price, be it alike or different, can be extremely competitive and the lowest price is not necessarily the best. Keep in mind:
Open Pricing:
Be sure to avoid any hidden charges.
Flexible Plans:
There are those providers who will provide packages on a monthly basis and those who charge per update.
Value not Cost:
See what services you get and not only the cost.
An effective contract detailing the tasks, reaction timetable, and outputs assures the two.
Evaluate Reporting and Communication.
You are informed by a great provider. Ask if they offer:
- Periodic health and performance of the websites reports.
- Effective communication on updates, problems and suggestions.
- An account manager who attends to the customer.
- Good communication makes you not to be left at guesses on what is happening with your site.
- Reference and Check Reviews.
Lastly, investigate the reputation of your provider:
- Find reviews and testimonials on the Internet.
- Request references, and call previous or existing clients.
- Examples or case studies of how they dealt with challenges.
A provider who has a well-established history will give you the peace of mind and trust in his or her capabilities.
Final Thoughts
It is not only a question of price when choosing the appropriate provider of website maintenance, but trust, expertise and reliability are at stake. The investment you have made in your web page is well worth the money, and the appropriate provider will make sure it is safe, fast, and optimally, so that you can get down to the business of expanding your company. You will be rewarded in the long term with successful performance in your website, so take the time to carefully express your options.
