WordPress service agreement: why it pays off
WordPress requires maintenance. Plugins need updating, security holes need patching, and backups need to be taken. If you don't do it, it's only a matter of time before something goes wrong.
A service agreement is the cheapest insurance your website can get. Here's what it should include, what it costs, and when you actually need one.
What happens without maintenance?
WordPress releases security updates several times a month. Plugins update even more often. Every delay is an open door for hackers.
The reality:
- 30,000+ WordPress sites are hacked daily according to Sucuri
- 60% of hacks are caused by outdated plugins or themes
- A hacked site typically costs 5,000-25,000 DKK to clean — far more than a year of maintenance
What should a service agreement include?
Basic (minimum)
- WordPress core updates
- Plugin and theme updates
- Weekly backup (offsite)
- Security monitoring
- Uptime monitoring
Professional
Everything from basic, plus:
- Daily backup
- Monthly performance check
- Fast support (response within 24 hours)
- Small content changes included
- Security scanning and malware removal
Premium
Everything from professional, plus:
- Priority support (response within 4 hours)
- Monthly report with status and recommendations
- SEO monitoring
- Larger changes and optimization included
- Quarterly security audit
What does it cost?
| Level | Typical price | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | 300-600 DKK/mo | Simple sites without webshop |
| Professional | 600-1,500 DKK/mo | Business sites with forms |
| Premium | 1,500-3,000 DKK/mo | Webshops and complex sites |
Compared to the price of a hacked site (emergency repair, lost revenue, Google penalty), a service agreement is an affordable investment.
When do you need one?
You need a service agreement if:
- Your website generates leads or sales
- You don't update WordPress regularly yourself
- You have a webshop with customer data
- You don't have time to monitor security and uptime
You can manage without if:
- It's a personal blog with no business value
- You're technically skilled and update consistently
- You have a static site without WordPress
5 things to check in the contract
- Who owns the backups? You should have access to your own backups.
- What is the response time? "Fast support" isn't enough — get hours/minutes in writing.
- What's included in "small changes"? Get a defined number of hours or task types.
- What does it NOT cover? New development, redesign and third-party integrations are typically extra.
- What is the cancellation period? Avoid long lock-in periods.
Ready to protect your investment?
See my service agreements or contact me for a non-binding conversation about what your site needs.
