What every real maintenance plan should include
Non-negotiable monthly basics:
- Hosting fees, included in the monthly number, not a surprise line item.
- SSL certificate renewal and monitoring.
- Daily or weekly off-site backups.
- Uptime monitoring with a real alerting channel.
- Software and dependency updates.
- Security patches applied within a sensible window.
- Form testing at least once a month, end to end.
What good plans add
- A monthly allowance for content edits (new service, new hours, new photos).
- Photo optimization for new images you send.
- Minor copy updates without a per-change charge.
- Quarterly performance check.
- Analytics and Search Console review.
- A real person who responds in one business day.
What is not included
Most plans have a clear edge. It helps to know it up front, before you ask for something that costs more than you expected.
- Full redesigns or new page builds (separate project).
- Brand new service lines (separate project).
- E-commerce store builds.
- Custom development beyond the monthly allowance.
- Logo design or photography.
- SEO content writing (separate retainer where applicable).
- Paid advertising management.
Questions to ask before signing
Before you pay anyone anything monthly:
- What is the monthly allowance, in minutes or in number of edits?
- How quickly do you respond to requests?
- Where are backups stored, and how do I get them if you disappear?
- Who owns the domain (it should be you)?
- Who owns the code or design (it should be you, unless it's a builder)?
- Is there a contract minimum?
- What does cancellation look like?
Honest pricing ranges
- $30 to $60 per month: hosting and SSL only. Right for stable sites that rarely change.
- $80 to $150 per month: hosting plus a real monthly allowance for edits and minor updates. Right for most small local businesses.
- $200 to $400 per month: appointment-based businesses or revenue-critical sites that need fast turnaround on changes.
FAQ
Questions we get from owners
Do I really need maintenance?
If you built the site yourself on Wix or Squarespace and you keep up with it, probably not. If a studio built it and you do not want to be the person managing certificates, plugin updates, and weekly form testing, yes.
What happens if my site goes down?
A real maintenance plan includes uptime monitoring. We get an alert the moment your site is down, often before you do. Most downtime resolves in minutes; serious incidents are rare.
Can I move my site to someone else later?
Yes. You own your domain, your hosting account, your code, and your design. Migration is straightforward. Honest studios do not lock you in.