What actually happens to a neglected website
Nothing, for months. Then, all at once: it slows down, a form stops sending, a plugin update breaks the layout, or someone exploits an old vulnerability and injects spam into your pages. Google notices before you do and marks the site as unsafe.
The most common scenario we see: a site built three years ago, never updated, that goes down right before the busiest season.
What proper maintenance includes
Security updates. Platforms, themes and plugins get patches for a reason - known vulnerabilities are published publicly, which means attackers have the list too. Applied first on a test copy, never straight on the live site.
Tested backups. An unverified backup is just hope. A real maintenance service restores a backup periodically to prove it works.
Uptime monitoring. You should not find out from a client that your website is down.
Speed checks. Sites slow down over time as content accumulates. Regular checks catch it early.
Small content changes. Text edits, new photos, a new page - usually included.
What it should cost
For a brochure website, expect €25-50 a month. For an online store or a complex site, €50-150. Anything far below that either does not include real work or is an automated script.
Compare that with the cost of an emergency: a hacked website means a full clean-up, removal from Google blacklists and days of lost sales.
Do I really need it?
Honestly: not always. If you have a static HTML site with no database, there is almost nothing to break - occasional checks are enough. If you run an online store, take bookings online, or your business depends on the website, maintenance is not optional.
What to ask before you sign
- What exactly is included, in writing?
- Are backups tested, or just created?
- What is the response time for an emergency?
- Do I get a monthly report?
- Can I leave whenever I want, keeping all access?
Not sure what shape your website is in? Ask for a free audit - we will tell you honestly whether you need maintenance or not.