Care guide
Website maintenance for small businesses.
A website is not a one-time purchase. Here is what maintenance actually covers, what it does not, and how to decide whether you need it.
What maintenance really means
Maintenance is the ongoing work that keeps a website healthy after launch: updates, backups, small edits, and a way to fix problems quickly. It is less about “improving” the site and more about keeping it from quietly decaying.
What it usually covers
- Backups — so a mistake or outage does not wipe your site.
- Updates — especially important on WordPress and other CMS sites.
- Security and uptime checks — catching problems before customers do.
- Small edits — hours, prices, photos, and new staff.
- Content updates — keeping offers and information current.
What it does not cover
A maintenance plan is not unlimited redesign. A new page, a new feature, a rebrand, or a large content project is separate work and should be quoted separately. Be wary of “unlimited changes” promises that come with vague limits.
Do you need it?
Ask three questions. Can you make small edits yourself? If not, you need either a plan or a simple way to request changes. Is your site built on a CMS?If so, updates matter more. What happens if it breaks? If the answer is “I would not know where to start,” a plan is cheap insurance.
A static site like the ones Vellworks builds needs very little to stay healthy, but backups and small edits still save time and prevent surprises.
What it should cost
Good maintenance is priced by the level of support, not by vague “hours.” Vellworks care is simple: Essential $39/month keeps the site healthy, Business $99/month adds more edits and improvements, and Growth $199/month adds active content and local SEO work.
Questions to ask any provider
- What exactly is included each month?
- What counts as a “small” change?
- How fast do you respond?
- Are backups included, and where are they kept?
- Can I leave without losing my site or domain?
If the answers are vague, keep looking. A clear plan is worth more than a cheap one.
Questions owners ask
Do I really need a maintenance plan?
Not always. A simple static site needs very little, but it still benefits from backups, occasional updates, and small edits. If you can handle those yourself, you may not need a plan. If you would rather not think about it, care is worth it.
What is the difference between a static site and WordPress?
A static site is pre-built and very hard to break, with little to patch. A WordPress site needs regular plugin and core updates, which is more maintenance but gives you more built-in editing.
What does maintenance cost for a small business?
Vellworks care starts at $39/month for Essential, $99/month for Business, and $199/month for Growth. Each plan covers a different level of updates, support, and improvements.
What is not included in maintenance?
A full redesign, a new feature, or a large content project is separate work. Maintenance keeps the site healthy and current; it is not a subscription to unlimited new pages.