"How much should I be paying for WordPress maintenance?" is one of the most common questions we get — and it's a fair one, because the answer varies wildly depending on who you ask.
Here's an honest breakdown of what's actually out there, so you can figure out what you're really paying for.
Option 1: Doing it yourself
Cost: $0 upfront, but not really free.
You can absolutely update your own plugins and themes. The catch is time — checking for updates, testing compatibility, watching for security alerts, and fixing whatever breaks when two plugins don't play nicely together. Most business owners underestimate how often this needs doing until something goes wrong at the worst possible time.
Option 2: A freelancer
Typical range: $50–$150 for one-off fixes, or an informal monthly arrangement.
Freelancers can be a reasonable option if you just need occasional updates. The risk is consistency — you're relying on one person's availability, and there's usually no formal security monitoring, backup system, or accountability if something goes wrong while they're unavailable.
Option 3: A full-service agency
Typical range: $300–$800+/month.
Agencies bundle maintenance with broader services (design, marketing, hosting), which can be convenient but often means you're paying for a lot you don't need just to get the maintenance component.
Option 4: A dedicated Care Plan (what we do)
IMD's range: $197–$397/month + GST.
We built our Care Plans specifically to sit between "too basic" and "way more than you need." Every tier includes hosting, security (three layers — edge protection, server hardening, active monitoring), core and plugin updates, and a monthly report showing exactly what was done. Higher tiers add content update time.
What you should actually be checking for, regardless of who you choose
- Is security included, or just updates? Updates alone don't stop an active attack.
- Do you get proof of what's being done? A report, a log, anything — not just "trust us."
- What happens if something breaks? Ask about their recovery process before you need it.
- Is hosting bundled or separate? Splitting the two badly can create finger-pointing when something goes wrong.
The bottom line
WordPress maintenance isn't a luxury — it's closer to insurance. The real question isn't "can I avoid paying for this," it's "what am I actually getting for what I pay."
Curious what a properly managed Care Plan actually includes? See our pricing — no hidden inclusions, no surprises.