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WordPress maintenance: what you need and what it costs

WordPress maintenance mainly means regular updates of WordPress, extensions and template, backups, deleting unused extensions and a short check after every update. The official documentation names up-to-date versions as the most important step for security.

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Last updated: 23 October 2026 · By Maurice, freeehouse team · About 3 minutes to read

What does WordPress maintenance include?

  • Updates of WordPress itself, all extensions and the template.
  • Backups of the files and the database, regular and stored away from the server.
  • Tidying up. According to the WordPress documentation, unused extensions should be deleted.
  • Checking after updates. Contact form, shop, booking, display on mobile.
  • PHP version kept up to date at the host, otherwise extra costs and security holes loom.
  • Keeping access in order: strong passwords, no old user accounts from former service providers.

Why does it matter so much?

WordPress is widely used and therefore a popular target for automated attacks. Most problems arise through outdated extensions. The official guide to hardening WordPress therefore puts updates first. A hacked site can send out spam, redirect visitors to other sites or get a warning from Google.

How often does maintenance need to be done?

Security updates should be installed promptly. WordPress can install minor updates automatically. Bigger updates and extensions are best checked regularly, for example once a month, and after every update you test the most important functions. A fixed date in the calendar helps.

Do it yourself or a maintenance contract?

Doing it yourself works if you have some technical experience and can put in the time regularly. A maintenance contract is worth it if the website matters for your business and you have no time. With maintenance contracts, look at:

  • what exactly is included: only updates, or also checks and fixing errors
  • how often backups are made and where the backup is stored
  • what happens if an update breaks the site
  • Term and notice period
  • whether small content changes are included

We have not found reliable market prices for maintenance contracts in Germany using a sound method. Get the scope in writing and compare two or three offers.

How do I recognise a neglected WordPress site?

  • The admin area shows many notices about available updates.
  • Extensions are installed that you do not know or do not use.
  • Your host charges extra for an outdated PHP version.
  • Nobody has the login details of the former service provider.
  • The contact form sends spam or messages no longer arrive.

If several points apply, it is time for a decision: clean up thoroughly and have it maintained, or start over.

If you no longer want to deal with WordPress updates: freeehouse rebuilds your site, without extensions that need maintaining. Upkeep is included in the hosting, and the hosting is cheaper than today. Move from WordPress

What does a monthly maintenance session look like?

  1. 1

    Create a backup and check that it is complete.

  2. 2

    Install updates for WordPress, extensions and template.

  3. 3

    Test the home page, contact form, shop or booking.

  4. 4

    Remove unused extensions and old user accounts.

  5. 5

    Look for new errors in Search Console.

  6. 6

    Note down what was changed.

For a small site, when all goes smoothly, this often takes less than an hour. If an update breaks something, much longer. That is exactly what the backup is for.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I do not update WordPress?

Over time, security holes appear, above all in extensions. The risk of the site being hacked grows. Hosts may also charge extra for old PHP versions.

Can WordPress update itself?

WordPress installs minor updates automatically. You can also have extensions and bigger versions update automatically, but you should check afterwards that everything works.

How often should I make a backup?

As often as content changes, at the very least before every bigger update. The backup should not be stored only on the same server.

Do I need a maintenance contract?

Not necessarily. If you reliably do the updates yourself, no. If the site matters and you lack the time, a contract or a managed solution makes sense.

Sources

Providers' prices and terms change often. What counts is what's in your customer account and your contract. Not legal advice.

Read more

What does a WordPress website cost?Website maintenance: what you need and what it costsWordPress alternatives for businessesMove from WordPress (self-hosted): process and cancellation
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