The Impact of Outsourcing Website Maintenance on Productivity and Profitability

Let’s face it, websites are the workhorses of the digital world. They’re our online storefronts, digital brochures, and sometimes even creative canvases. But just like a car needs regular tune-ups, websites require ongoing maintenance to keep it running smoothly and securely. Neglected websites become outdated, sluggish, and vulnerable to security breaches. This can damage your brand reputation, frustrate visitors, and ultimately cost your business.

This is where website maintenance services come in. But with so many options out there, a big question arises: should you handle website maintenance in-house or outsource it? To help you decide, let’s dive into a cost-benefit analysis of outsourcing this important task.

Outsourcing Website Maintenance: A Quick Overview

Outsourcing website maintenance means handing over the responsibility of keeping your website up-to-date and functioning flawlessly to a dedicated website maintenance company. These companies employ skilled professionals who handle everything from security updates and plugin compatibility to content edits and performance optimization. Think of them as your website’s pit crew, ensuring it always stays race-ready.

The Benefits of Outsourcing Website Maintenance

There are several compelling reasons why businesses choose to outsource website maintenance. Let’s explore some of the key benefits:

• Access to Expertise: Website maintenance requires a diverse skill set, encompassing security protocols, content management systems (CMS) like WordPress, search engine optimization (SEO) best practices, and coding knowledge. Outsourcing companies often have teams with a broader range of expertise than you might be able to find in-house. This ensures your website benefits from the latest trends and best practices in web development and security, keeping it competitive and secure in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
• Time-Saving Efficiency: Maintaining a website can be time-consuming, especially for busy businesses. Imagine the hours your marketing team could spend crafting compelling content or your sales team could dedicate to closing deals if they weren’t bogged down with website updates and troubleshooting. Outsourcing frees up your internal resources to focus on your core business activities, making you more productive and effective.
• Sharpen Your Core Focus: Let’s be honest; website maintenance isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. For companies that lack a dedicated IT department or in-house developers, outsourcing allows you to focus on your core strengths and areas of expertise, whether crafting delicious pastries (if you’re a bakery) or designing cutting-edge fashion lines (if you’re a clothing brand). By outsourcing the technical aspects of your website, you can refine your brand strategy, develop killer content, or improve your marketing efforts, ultimately driving growth and success.

The Bottom Line: How Much Does it Cost?

The cost of website maintenance services varies depending on the size and complexity of your website, the specific services you require, and the provider you choose. However, it’s generally much more cost effective than hiring a dedicated in-house developer or IT professional. Here’s a breakdown to consider:

• In-house Costs: Hiring a full-time developer or IT professional comes with a hefty price tag, including salary, benefits, and ongoing training to keep their skills current. You’ll also need to factor in the cost of software licenses and tools needed for website maintenance.
• Outsourcing Costs: Outsourcing companies offer flexible pricing models, allowing you to choose a package that fits your needs and budget. Many providers offer tiered plans based on the level of service required, starting with basic maintenance tasks like plugin updates and security scans to more comprehensive packages that include content updates, SEO optimization, and performance monitoring.

In-House vs. Outsourcing: Weighing the Pros and Cons

Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide which approach might be right for you:

Finding the Perfect Match: How to Choose the Right Provider

Here are some key things to look for when searching for the right website maintenance provider:

• Experience and Expertise: Look for a company with experience working with websites like yours and a proven track record of success. Ask for references and case studies to see how they’ve helped other businesses. Read online reviews and testimonials from past clients to get a sense of the provider’s reputation and customer service.

• Services Offered: Make sure the provider offers the specific website maintenance services you need. These services can include routine maintenance tasks like plugin updates and security scans, content management and content creation, performance optimization for faster loading times, or even ongoing SEO monitoring and adjustments to keep your website ranking high in search results.
• Communication and Transparency: Clear communication is essential. Choose a company that informs you about the work, provides regular reports on website health and performance, and readily addresses your questions and concerns. Look for providers who offer multiple communication channels, like email, phone support, and online ticketing systems. Also, consider where the partner is located. Working with an overseas partner can present communication challenges with drastically different hours of operation and potential language barriers.
• Pricing and Flexibility: Compare pricing models and choose a package that fits your needs and budget. Opt for providers that offer flexible plans, allowing you to scale your services up or down as needed. Some providers may provide customized quotes based on your specific website requirements. Make sure you completely understand everything that is included in the website maintenance plan you choose. Too good to be true prices often come with strict limits and costly add-ons.

Real-World Examples: Businesses that Thrive with Outsourcing Website Maintenance

Here are some examples of companies that have benefited from outsourcing website maintenance:

Revitalized Marketing Strategy Increased Leads by 278%

In 2015, Athena Career Academy aimed to increase website visitors and convert them into students. However, the marketing tools they were using lacked the strength to deliver the desired outcomes. They partnered with Neon Goldfish, and within a year, Athena Career Academy boosted its leads by 278%, helping the school meet its student recruitment targets. [See the Full Athena Career Academy Case Study]

“I would recommend Neon Goldfish 100% for a lot of reasons. I think there is a great value in the products that they deliver. It’s not just a service or a product, it’s a partnership. I also think they think outside of the box. There have been ideas that Neon Goldfish has brought up that we haven’t thought about, and have been very successful. It’s nice to feel like they’re on top of what’s going on and they’re always coming up with new and fresh ideas to make sure Athena is ahead of the game to ensure that we’re a leader in the marketplace.”

Nicole Hopkins – Marketing Manager

Website Enhancements and Content Strategy Yields 160% Increase in Traffic

Twin Oaks Landscape was searching for a marketing partner who could deliver a strategy yielding a better ROI than the radio and television campaign their current agency was suggesting. Neon Goldfish established a long-term plan with short-term action items that allowed the owners to see results quickly and understand how they would contribute to the overall plan. They now dominate their keywords in organic search and see a steady flow of relevant leads from the customers they want to do business with.

[See the Full Twin Oaks Landscape Case Study]

“We chose Neon Goldfish… because they truly listened to our needs. Specifically, we wanted to work with a single company that was able to create authentic SEO, unique and innovative ads, as well as ROI reporting. We found all of this and more with Neon Goldfish. Not only do they produce great products, but their team constantly goes above and beyond in communications and personal relations.”

Sara Speen – Owner, Twin Oaks Landscape

The Final Verdict: A Cost-Benefit Balancing Act

The decision to outsource website maintenance ultimately depends on your specific needs and resources. If you have a large, complex website with a dedicated IT team, in-house management might be a viable option. However, for many businesses, the cost savings, access to expertise, and time-saving benefits of outsourcing make it a strategic move.

Don’t Let Your Website Become an Afterthought

Whether you outsource or tackle website maintenance in-house, remember that a well-maintained website is an asset. It reflects your brand professionalism, fosters trust with your audience, and ultimately contributes to your bottom line. A neglected website, on the other hand, can send the wrong message and hinder your online success.

Ready to Take Control of Your Website Maintenance Needs?

If you’re considering outsourcing your website maintenance but aren’t sure where to start, Neon Goldfish can help! We offer comprehensive website maintenance services designed to keep your website running smoothly and securely. Our team of experienced professionals can handle everything from routine maintenance tasks to complex technical challenges.

Contact Neon Goldfish today for a free consultation, and let us help you take the worry out of website maintenance.

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The Importance of Regular Website Maintenance

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By Ken Franzen

President / Co-Founder of Neon Goldfish