A website is not something you launch once and forget.
Plugins change. Hosting needs security updates. Pages need edits. New content needs to be added.
Without maintenance, even the best website eventually breaks.
That is why most organizations choose an ongoing maintenance plan. It keeps your site secure, fast, and functional so you can focus on your work instead of chasing technical issues.
Most Briefcase clients fall into the $250 per month range, which includes hosting, software updates, and content changes. Some smaller sites may be less, while more complex sites may be more.
This guide breaks down how pricing works and what you actually get.
Why Website Maintenance Matters
If a site isn’t maintained, three things eventually happen:
- Security risks increase.
Old plugins and unpatched software create openings for hackers and malware. - Performance slows down.
Outdated systems make your site load slowly, which lowers user engagement and can hurt search rankings. - Things start breaking.
Forms stop sending, images disappear, pages malfunction, and content becomes outdated.
Maintenance prevents all of this. It protects your investment and keeps your website working like it should.
What Website Maintenance Includes
Most clients are surprised at how much ongoing work a website actually requires. Your maintenance plan includes:
Secure Hosting
Your website lives on premium hosting that is fast, stable, and optimized for WordPress. Hosting alone is typically worth $30–$50 a month, but it is included in your plan.
Software and Security Updates
We keep WordPress, plugins, and tools up to date so your site stays protected and functional.
Speed and Performance Checks
We monitor loading times and address anything that slows your site down.
Content Updates
Need new photos, updated text, new events, a staff change, or a new page added?
We handle it.
No tickets. No complications. Just email us and we update it.
Backups and Redundancy
Your site is backed up daily so if anything ever goes wrong, we can restore it quickly.
Technical Support
If something is broken, confusing, or not working, you get direct support from someone who knows your site – not a random support rep.
Maintenance Pricing
**Standard Maintenance Plan
$250 per month (most common)**
Best for: Most small-mid sized businesses.
This includes:
- Premium hosting
- Daily backups
- Plugin and security updates
- Unlimited content updates (within reason)
- Technical support
- Speed and performance monitoring
- Uptime monitoring
This is the level where the majority of organizations find the most value. It covers everything you need to keep a website healthy long term.
**Lite Maintenance
$150–$200 per month**
Best for: Very small sites with minimal updates.
This includes hosting, basic updates, and essential security upkeep.
Content updates are limited and slower-paced.
**Advanced Maintenance
$350–$500+ per month**
Best for: Complex sites with multiple integrations.
This includes everything listed above, plus more frequent updates, more content editing, and support for systems like scheduling tools, donation platforms, and membership systems.
How To Know Which Plan You Need
Ask yourself:
How often does your content change?
Parishes, schools, and active organizations update content often — so they usually need the standard plan.
How critical is uptime?
If your site must always work because you run ads or manage forms, stay above the lite tier.
Do you need regular help adding content?
If yes, stay at or above the standard plan.
Do you have integrations or more complex tools?
That usually requires advanced maintenance.
If you’re unsure, we can evaluate your site for free and recommend the right tier.
What Happens If You Skip Maintenance?
Many organizations try to “save money” by skipping maintenance, but it almost always backfires.
Here is what we see:
- A plugin update breaks the homepage
- Contact forms silently stop sending submissions
- Malware injects spam links into pages
- Sites get blacklisted for security issues
- Pages load slowly and frustrate users
- The site eventually needs expensive emergency repairs
Maintenance is a small monthly investment compared to fixing a hacked or broken website.
So… How Much Will Yours Cost?
For most organizations, website maintenance lands at $250 per month.
Small sites may be closer to $150–$200.
Large or complex sites may be $350–$500+.
The best next step is simple:
Schedule a quick call and we will look at your website, ask a few questions, and give you an exact quote.
