The Top 5 Differences Between Managed Hosting and Maintenance Plans

Imagine that you are the owner of a small business. Woah, really? Is my Mom super proud? Anyways..back to the scenario.

You have been using a shared hosting plan for your website, but you've been getting more and more traffic, and your site is starting to slow down. You've also been hearing a lot about managed hosting vs maintenance plans, and you're not sure which one is right for you.

Well, you've come to the right place! In this article, we will explore the top differences between managed hosting and maintenance plans. By the end, you will know exactly which one is right for your business.

What Is Managed Hosting?

Managed hosting is a type of web hosting in which the provider manages all the server's administration tasks. This includes tasks such as security updates, patch management and performance monitoring on the server side.

For example, let's say that you are using a managed hosting plan from Your WP Guy, with a maintenance plan. If there is a security update for your WordPress site, the Your WP Guy team will automatically apply the update for you. This takes a lot of the burden off of your shoulders, as you don't have to worry about keeping your software up-to-date.

Wow, so that's what it feels like to have it good!

What Are the Benefits of Managed Hosting?

There are many benefits of managed hosting, but here are the top three:

1. Security: As we mentioned before, managed hosting providers will typically handle all server side security updates for you. This means that your server will always be up-to-date with the latest security patches, which can help to protect you from hacking attempts.
2. Performance: Managed hosting providers also typically offer performance-enhancing features, such as server side caching or content delivery networks (CDNs). These features can help to speed up your website, which can improve the user experience for your visitors which will garner you more visitors.
3. Support: When you use managed hosting, you have access to a team of experts who can help you with any technical issues that you may have. This can be a lifesaver if you are not a technical person yourself.

What Is a Maintenance Plan?

A maintenance plan is a type of service agreement in which you pay a monthly fee for someone to maintain your website. This can include tasks such as security updates, backups and website changes.

For example, let's say that you have a WordPress website and you purchase a monthly maintenance plan from Your WP Guy. In addition to handling all security updates for you, the Your WP Guy team will also take care of backing up your site and making any changes that you need.

What Are the Benefits of a Maintenance Plan?

There are many benefits of a maintenance plan, but here are the top three:

1. Hands-on Approach: A maintenance plan gives you the optimal control over your website. While a managed hosting plan lets someone else take care of all of your website's aspects, such as plug-in applications, a maintenance plan allows you to control all of those features.
2. Peace of mind: When you have a maintenance plan, you can rest assured knowing that someone is taking care of your website for you. This can give you peace of mind and allow you to focus on running your business.
3. Cost-effective: Maintenance plans can be a cost-effective way to maintain your website, as you only have to pay one monthly fee. This is often much cheaper than hiring someone to maintain your website on an hourly basis.

So, which one is right for you?

The answer to this question depends on your needs. If you are looking for someone to manage all the technical aspects of your website, then managed hosting is a great option. However, if you are simply looking for someone to handle website updates and changes, then a maintenance plan may be a better fit.

Managed Hosting vs. Maintenance Plans

To help you better decide which plan is right for you, let's take a look at the top differences between managed hosting vs. maintenance plans:

1. Maintenance plans include proactive monitoring and management of your server, while managed hosting plans do not.
2. Maintenance plans typically include regular updates and security patches, while managed hosting plans do not.
3. Maintenance plans and managed hosting often come with performance-enhancing features, such as caching and content delivery networks (CDNs).
4. Managed hosting providers typically offer 24/7 support, while maintenance providers may not.
5. Maintenance plans are typically pricier than managed hosting plans - however, this is because you get much more personalized care with a maintenance plan.

So, there you have it! These are the top five differences between managed hosting and maintenance plans. Now that you know more about each option, you can decide which one is right for you.

How To Choose Between Managed Hosting and Maintenance Plans

Now that you know the key differences between managed hosting and maintenance plans, it's time to decide which one is right for you. *Holds breath to prepare for big decision* Here are a few factors to consider:

1. The size of your website: If you have a small website, then a managed hosting plan may be all you need. However, if your website is large or complex, a maintenance plan may be a better option.
2. Your technical expertise: If you are not a technical person, then maintenance plan is probably a good choice for you. This way, you can leave all the technical work to the professionals.
3. Your budget: Managed hosting plans are typically cheaper than maintenance plans - so if cost is a concern, managed hosting may be the way to go. However, keep in mind that you get what you pay for - so a maintenance plan may be worth the extra cost if you need comprehensive support and care.
4. The level of support you need: If you need overnight support, then managed hosting is probably your best bet.
5. Your long-term goals: If you plan on growing your website, then a maintenance plan is a good choice. This way, you can avoid having to migrate your site to a new server in the future.

Why Are Managed Hosting and Maintenance Plans Important to Your Small Business?

Managed hosting can improve a website's security, speed, and reliability – all factors that are essential for creating a good user experience. By providing 24/7 monitoring and support for your website, managed hosting can help ensure your customers are always able to access your content quickly and securely. Additionally, managed hosting can help reduce the amount of time you spend on updating versions and maintaining backups, freeing up more time for you to focus on improving the quality of your content.

Website maintenance plans can eliminate the headaches associated with keeping your website functional by providing regular updates to plugins and extensions. These updates are crucial in helping keep your website secure from malicious attacks, as well as correcting bugs and glitches that arise over time. Furthermore, website maintenance plans also include monthly security audits which will help protect important customer data from falling into the wrong hands.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how to choose between managed hosting and maintenance plans, it's time to decide which option is right for you.

Consider your needs and budget, and then make a decision that's right for you and your website. Remember, that a maintenance plan is your best all-around solution for a hands-off approach to website hosting and support, while a managed hosting plan will ultimately put you in control of the day-to-day technical details of your website operation.

Good luck on your website building journey. Your WP Guy is here to help when you need us!

The Top 5 Differences Between Managed Hosting and Maintenance Plans Summary

• Managed hosting is a type of web hosting in which the provider manages all server side administration tasks, such as security updates, patch management and performance monitoring.

• Benefits of managed hosting include enhanced security, improved performance, and access to expert support.

• Maintenance plans provide proactive monitoring and management of the server, including website updates and changes.

• When deciding between managed hosting vs. maintenance plans, consider size and complexity of your website, technical expertise required for managing it, budget available for website hosting & support services, level of support needed and long-term goals for growth.