5 Things to be aware of fully managed website providers

5 Things to Be Aware of Fully Managed Website Providers

A guide for website owners who want to outsource their website maintenance and security.

Introduction

Fully managed websites are a popular option for website owners who want to save time, money, and hassle on their website maintenance and security. Fully managed websites are websites that are hosted, updated, backed up, and secured by a third-party service provider. The website owner does not need to worry about the technical aspects of running a website and can focus on their content and business goals.

However, managed websites are not created equal. There are some things that website owners should be aware of before signing up for a managed website service. In this document, we will discuss 5 things to be aware of for managed websites providers, and how to choose the best service provider for your needs.

Number One

Understand The difference between managed and fully managed websites.

This is the most key area to consider and fully understand. Understanding of what exactly the service provider will offer will have the most impact on the website’s success, and the budget.

Managed Websites: Managed websites refer to web hosting solutions where the hosting provider oversees the day-to-day management of the server hardware, software, and network infrastructure. The provider ensures the website is hosted on a reliable, secure server and performs routine tasks such as technical maintenance, software updates, and security checks. Customers still have some responsibilities, such as content management, SEO, website design, structure, and website updates.

Fully Managed Websites: Fully managed websites offer a more comprehensive level of service compared to basic managed websites. In addition to all the services provided in a managed website setting, a fully managed website service includes complete handling of all website aspects by the provider. This includes website design, content updates, SEO (Search Engine Optimization), security, backups, and technical support. The client is hands-off, with the provider taking care of both the technical back-end and the day-to-day operation of the website. Read a Linkedin article

Many service providers that have a limited scope of expertise will falsely advertise fully managed websites to attract new clients. For example, managing backups, servers, updates, security, memory, and space resources is only part of the solution for those seeking fully managed websites. In short, if that is the extent of what is included, then they are not qualifying as fully managed websites providers. These types of providers lack the understanding and resources to provide personalized support for the entirety of customer experience.

The customer will get a partially managed service and without the right resources or expertise they will be left alone to figure out how to best navigate the success of their website, or the entire online presence. This will most certainly create frustration and could jeopardize the entire process and presence of the online business.

For companies that have resources available, this type of hosting may be suitable if consumers are fully aware of the limitations and know how to navigate the limitations.

Service providers may have misleading information on what their services cover. Make sure there is an understanding of the services provided and that financial responsibilities are in line with the expectations for delivery.

Number Two

Understand cost and pricing tactics.

When a service provider advertises fully managed websites but operates on a pricing model suited only for managed websites, it creates a potential mismatch between customer expectations and the actual service delivered. This discrepancy can lead to significant issues for consumers. For example, essential services such as security updates, technical support, or content management might not be included in the base package and are instead offered on a time-and-material, or à la carte basis.

This pricing structure can make it challenging for customers to maintain budget discipline, as the costs of these additional services are not predictable and can fluctuate based on the time and resources required to address specific needs. As a result, while the initial package might seem economical, the cumulative expense could escalate beyond the customer’s initial budget constraints, leading to financial strain and dissatisfaction with the service provider.

Make sure you will receive everything that is needed if you opt to go with a fully managed website service provider.

Number three

Performance and Speed

Another factor that website owners care about is the performance and speed of their website. A fast and responsive website can improve user experience, SEO ranking, and conversion rate. Fully managed websites are supposed to be faster and more responsive than self-hosted websites because the service provider optimizes the website for speed and performance, using caching, CDN, and compression.

However, this does not mean that fully managed websites are always faster and more responsive than self-hosted websites. There are many factors that can affect website speed and performance, such as the quality of the hosting server, size and complexity of the server website, number and type of plugins and themes, traffic and bandwidth, and development practices. Therefore, before choosing a fully managed website service, you should check how they optimize website speed and performance, and what benchmarks and metrics are used to measure it. You should also test your website speed and performance regularly and report any issues or problems to the service provider.

Make sure you understand that a fully managed website service provider provides performance related to speed, SEO, and that they follow best practices.

Number four

Cost and Value

The concept of fully managed websites has emerged as a pivotal solution in the IT industry, primarily driven by the imperative of maximizing cost-effectiveness and value in digital services. This model is particularly appealing because it promises comprehensive management and support for a website throughout its lifecycle, all for a single, all-inclusive fee. Such an approach not only simplifies budgeting but also ensures that every dollar spent contributes directly to the website’s success.

Fully managed websites are especially beneficial for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) that often lack the extensive in-house IT resources that larger corporations possess. For these smaller entities, the traditional model of piecemeal service acquisition not only is cumbersome but also potentially inefficient from a cost perspective. By offering a complete package, service providers allow these businesses to enjoy the same level of professional oversight and expertise that larger companies might internally source.

The all-inclusive pricing model of fully managed websites typically includes the services of a project manager, program manager, content expert, automation expert, designer, developer, and account manager. This team works in concert to ensure that every aspect of the website is optimized—from the initial design and development phases through ongoing maintenance and updates. The project and program managers keep the project on track, adhering to timelines and budgets, while specialized experts such as content strategists and automation specialists focus on delivering a user-friendly and dynamically functional website. Designers and developers transform strategic vision into reality, ensuring that the website not only looks appealing but also functions flawlessly across various platforms and devices.

Choose a provider that can offer a complete website service for a fair monthly cost that covers all the essentials for the success of your online presence.

Number Five

Support and Communication

The inclusion of an account manager with fully managed website package enhances communication, acting as a bridge between the technical team and the client. This role is crucial in keeping the client informed and involved in the process, adjusting as necessary to align with the client’s evolving needs and market trends. This structured team approach under the umbrella of a fixed cost ensures that businesses can predict their expenses without fearing hidden charges or creeping scope, leading to a more controlled and deliberate allocation of financial resources.

Timely and proper ongoing support is crucial to meet business changes and challenges. Having a team that is responsive to requests can have an enormous impact. Understanding the balanced resources and deliverable is a crucial step for a successful partnership. Adjusting the expectations for required deliverables and cost is especially important for the success of the project. The total labor efforts, hardware, licensing such as antivirus, malware, firewalls, etc. should be factored into the price.

Make sure you find a provider that has the expertise and systems in place to deliver everything that is mentioned in this article for a reasonable price. There are very few providers having the skill and resources for this type of service, and surprisingly it is not bound to the provider’s size. A great provider will guide you through the entire process and will follow up with deliverables that meet the agreed upon expectations.