Quick wins to enhance your WordPress support service
As a digital agency owner, you should be focusing on the bigger picture stuff, not wading through WordPress support forums for answers or spending hours ticking off tedious WordPress support and maintenance tasks.
What if you could redirect that time into your agency’s growth instead? Below, you’ll find ways to better manage WordPress support and maintenance tasks and sell your support services. The goal? Happier clients and a streamlined process for your team.
Time-saving WordPress support hacks you’ve got to try
WordPress can test your patience, but we’ve gathered some WordPress support and maintenance strategies to help you work smarter, not harder. Here’s how to keep your clients’ sites in top form with less effort.
Get ahead with AI
Use AI-enhanced tools like Query Monitor to spot potential problems early. This smart approach cuts down on back-and-forth with clients and gets ahead of issues before they escalate.
Update strategically
Handle updates smoothly with Easy Updates Manager. This keeps your site stable and up-to-date, reducing the chance of conflicts and ensuring your website runs without a hitch.
Speed up caching
Deploy caching solutions like W3 Total Cache to speed up your site, boost reliability, and cut down on performance-related queries from users.
Automate ticket handling
Streamline your support system with Adminimize. It helps route support tickets quickly to the right team member, preventing delays and avoiding a backlog of unresolved issues.
Offer self-service
Build a self-service knowledge base with HeroThemes. It learns from client questions to provide quicker solutions and continuously improves the support experience.
Test without the risk
Use Duplicator Pro to create staging sites where you can solve problems safely and confirm everything works perfectly before updating the live site.
Support ticket WordPress plugins for easier ticket management
Want to deliver quality WordPress support without the ticketing headaches? Then WordPress support ticket plugins are your best friend, turning your dashboard into a hub for streamlined WordPress support for clients. Here’s a look at the top support ticket WordPress plugins for the proactive agency owner.
JS Support Ticket
JS Support Ticket is your go-to for efficient client support within your WordPress dashboard. It simplifies your process with smart prioritization and auto-responses, ensuring you easily stay on top of client needs.
Pros
- Intuitive interface for easy ticket management
- Front-end and admin ticket submission for flexibility
- Customizable priorities to tackle urgent issues first
Cons
- The no-cost version is great, but might leave larger agencies wanting more
- The price tag grows as you add bells and whistles
- It takes a bit of poking around to get it just right
Pricing: Starts free, with pro versions starting at $49 for a single WordPress website.
Awesome Support
Awesome Support is your customizable, feature-rich ticket system that integrates seamlessly with WordPress. It delivers tailored client WordPress support and maintenance services without tech-heavy hassles.
Pros
- Highly adaptable to your agency’s needs
- Solid features in the free version to get you started
- A wide selection of add-ons for expanded capabilities
Cons
- Those extra features and add-ons will start racking up costs
- It’s rich with options, which can get a little overwhelming
- Could do with a guide that’s less ‘tech manual’ and more ‘friendly walkthrough’
Pricing: You can start for free, with extras and bundles from $19 to a premium of $289.
WP Support Plus
Think of WP Support Plus as your agency’s growth partner — it’s there for the long haul, intuitive, and ready to scale with you. It’s got an interface that’s super easy to navigate, for you and your clients.
Pros
- Comes with a responsive, complimentary ticket system
- Premium extensions throw in a power-up to your WordPress support game
- Setup is really straightforward — no advanced tech skills required.
Cons
- Customization in the free version is a little bit basic
- For the full month, you’ll need to pay up for premium options
- Third-party chats? You’ll need an extra key for that
Pricing: The starting price is $0; premium extensions will add digits, up to $100+.
SupportCandy
With SupportCandy, you’re the discreet concierge of client WordPress support — private, precise, and versatile. It’s ideal for agencies that sweat the small stuff and cherish client privacy above all.
Pros
- Keeps client matters under wraps with a private ticketing system
- Offers a generous mix of gratis and premium add-ons
- Unlimited ticketing available in the free version
Cons
- Some must-haves are tucked behind a paywall
- To fully deck out your support suite, you’ll need to gather a few add-ons, each with a price tag
- Its look could use a dash of modern chic
Pricing: Zero cost for the core; add-ons and bundles starting at $80.
Advanced troubleshooting techniques to try for WordPress issues
WordPress, while robust and user-friendly, can sometimes throw even the most seasoned developers a curveball. But fret not — you’ve got the expertise, and with a few advanced troubleshooting techniques up your sleeve, you’re about to level up even more. Here’s how to diagnose and resolve complex WordPress issues like a pro.
Direct error tracking with WP_DEBUG
For starters, ensure your wp-config.php has the WP_DEBUG feature turned on. This tool is invaluable for uncovering hidden issues, but there’s more to it than just catching the obvious errors.
- Debug Logging: Enable the WP_DEBUG_LOG to keep errors logged in a file, allowing you to trace issues even if they’re intermittent.
- Script Debugging: Setting SCRIPT_DEBUG to true loads the non-minified versions of core CSS and JavaScript files, providing insight into script behavior on a granular level.
- Debugging Plugins: Consider plugins like Query Monitor or Debug Bar that provide detailed insights into database queries, hooks, and more.
Optimizing database performance
Next, we turn to the database, where performance can bottleneck. SQL profiling tools can identify inefficient queries that may be slowing down your site.
- Slow Query Log: Utilize your MySQL server’s slow query log to spot queries that take a longer time to execute than they should. These are dragging your client’s site down.
- Query Optimization: Make use of database tools like phpMyAdmin to fine-tune those sluggish queries, and get your site running more efficiently.
- Transients API: Cache your query results effectively, reducing the need for repetitive and resource-heavy database calls.
Child theme diagnostics
A misbehaving theme can be the source of many WordPress issues. Here’s how you can troubleshoot theme issues without compromising your customizations.
- Child Theme Diagnostics: When troubleshooting, switch to a WordPress default theme momentarily, and see if the problem persists, determining whether or not your custom theme is the problem.
- Review Custom Functions: Look into your child theme’s functions.php file for any custom code snippets that could be triggering issues.
- Performance Profiling: Use tools like GTmetrix or WebPageTest to pinpoint any slowdowns linked to your theme, allowing for targeted optimizations.
Strategic plugin management
Plugins can both extend functionality and introduce complications. Managing them well is key to a stable WordPress environment that doesn’t disrupt user experience.
- Staging Environments: Test plugins in a staging environment using tools like WP Staging or a local setup like LocalWP.
- Dependency Management: Be vigilant with plugins that rely on each other, which can often lead to conflicts if not managed correctly.
- Version Control: With a robust version control system like Git, you have a safety net, giving you the power to revert to earlier, more stable versions if updates cause issues.
Caching strategy for troubleshooting
Caching is essential for performance but can mask WordPress issues. Advanced cache handling can save you hours of debugging.
- Selective Cache Invalidation: Use version numbers for your scripts and styles to invalidate cache for updated files only, avoiding site-wide cache clearance.
- Cache Layer Inspection: Examine each layer of caching to accurately diagnose and fix issues specifically related to cached content.
- Object Caching: Fine-tune object caching with Redis or Memcached for dynamic parts of your clients’ site that regular page caching doesn’t address.
API and AJAX debugging
APIs and AJAX calls can fail silently, causing feature malfunction and harming your clients’ website. Here’s how to debug these complex issues.
- REST API Logging: Keep a log of REST API activity to identify and resolve failed calls efficiently.
- AJAX Request Monitoring: Use browser developer tools to monitor AJAX requests and responses, checking for unexpected status codes or responses.
- Security Nonce Checks: Make sure that your AJAX calls include a security nonce to prevent issues with user sessions and permissions.
Streamlined site migrations
Migrating WordPress sites is a task that even WordPress veterans approach with caution. Here are some tips to ensure migrations don’t turn into mayhem!
- Automated Migration Plugins: Use tools like Duplicator Pro or Migrate Guru for automated migrations, and then perform manual checks to make sure nothing was missed.
- Database Delta Deployment: For large sites, consider delta migrations, syncing only the changes rather than the entire database.
- URL Rewriting and Search Replace: Use search and replace scripts to correct serialized data, and ensure your .htaccess rules are migrated properly.
Backup management
A powerful backup system can be a lifesaver. Here’s how to make sure your backups are ready when you need them most.
- Differential Backups: Instead of full backups, consider differential backups to save space and time, backing up only what’s changed since the last complete backup.
- Staged Rollbacks: Use a plugin like WP Time Capsule to implement incremental rollbacks, restoring your site to the point just before the issue happened.
- Testing Backup Integrity: Regularly test your backups in a WordPress staging environment to ensure they’re comprehensive and reliable.
Selling WordPress support & maintenance services to wary clients
Clients might not always see the value in WordPress support — until something goes wrong. Let’s change the conversation. Here’s how to frame your WordPress support and maintenance services as a must-have for your clients.
Clear & simple content
When it comes to WordPress support services, ditch the jargon. Speak plainly, and make the complex stuff really easy to understand. Break down the big concepts into bite-sized pieces so clients can follow without scratching their heads.
Make security a key feature
Sell peace of mind with your WordPress support and maintenance services by highlighting top-quality security. It’s about more than fixing problems — it’s preventing them, and ensuring clients stay safe and compliant in the digital world.
Partnership, not just support
Reframe your pitch: You’re not just fixing WordPress problems; you’re boosting their business. Show clients how your support is a stepping stone to their growth, positioning yourself as a key ally in their journey.
Ensure your expertise sells itself
Highlight your team’s technical expertise, and how it can open doors for advanced customizations and improvements, setting you apart as leading WordPress problem solvers.
Use data to back your offering
Let numbers do the talking. Demonstrate how your WordPress support and maintenance service isn’t just a cost — it’s an investment. Use hard data to illustrate how you’ll tackle issues before they become problems and help their business thrive.
Show you’ll always improve
Your WordPress support service isn’t a static service; it’s a dynamic partnership aimed at keeping their website on the cutting edge. Use a blend of feedback and analytics to ensure their digital presence never stops improving.
Highlight the cost of waiting
Make it real for them: Delays while fixing WordPress issues can mean lost dollars and ruined reputations. Underline how solid WordPress support and maintenance is a shield for their revenue and reputation, keeping their business secure and their brand looking good.
Add pricing that makes sense
Set a price that reflects the high quality of your support while staying competitive. Ensure clients see the value they get for investing in your services.
When to call in the professionals to bolster WordPress support and maintenance
If you’re spinning your wheels trying to keep your clients’ websites afloat, it can suck up your time and distract you from what you do best — growing your business. This is where a trusted white label WordPress support partner (you’re looking at one!) can be a game-changer. You might want to reach out for help when:
- Client sites keep taking a nosedive, leading to a hit on income and trust
- You’re batting away security threats like hack attempts or nasty bugs
- Those website load times are still sluggish, even after you’ve tried every trick in the book
- Crafting custom WordPress themes or plugins is starting to feel like a neverending uphill climb
- The workload from multiplying client sites is growing heavier by the day
- You’re constantly tripping over tech glitches in WordPress that slow you down
Need a hand with WordPress support & maintenance? We’ve got you
We’re UnlimitedWP, and we’ve grown out of our successful web agency roots to focus solely on helping digital agencies like yours. Over 500 WordPress and WooCommerce sites smoothly run, more than 2000 projects under our belt, and a dedicated crew of over 100 WordPress whizzes ready to sort out your WordPress support and maintenance needs – that’s us.
Focus on what matters
Hand over the day-to-day WordPress chores to us. Your team’s got bigger fish to fry, and we’ve got the small stuff covered.
Tight security
We’re like the night watch for your clients’ websites with 24/7 WordPress support. Sleep easy knowing we’re keeping their websites safe.
No-surprises billing
Hate surprises on your bills? So do we. Our costs are fixed and predictable, just the way you like them.
Quality WordPress support
Rest assured, our dedicated QA team is on the job to ensure the quality and precision of every task, maintaining the highest standards.
Easily scale up and down
Whether it’s ramping up or dialing down, we’re here to handle the workload so you can grow at your own pace.
Stay in-the-know
Stay informed with daily updates, keeping you in the loop on the progress and maintenance of your clients’ WordPress sites.
Ready to get started?
What’s in our white label WordPress support & maintenance package?
Running a digital agency is no walk in the park, but our support plans bring some calm to the chaos. Check out what you’ll get with us:
- Hassle-free cloud backups keep client data safe and sound
- Quick-fix restorations? Done, so you’re back in business in no time
- Constant updates ensure WordPress sites always run smooth and stay secure
- SEO tune-ups and web vital checks to lift your clients higher on search pages
- Our firewall and malware patrols stand guard against internet nasties
- Present a professional front with your own branded client portal
- iThemes Security: because your sites deserve top-shelf safeguarding
- Got a little glitch? We’ve got 30 minutes every month dedicated to fixes
- Monthly reports, all branded up, keeping you and your clients informed
Testimonials
Why digital agencies love UnlimitedWP
See what they think about outsourcing WordPress care to our expert team.
These guys are solid and deliver consistent results in the WordPress world. If you need a reliable team to help you manage your sites and build new ones using WordPress, you’ll find they are capable and communicate very well!
– Jason Rutel
The team at UnlimitedWP has been a huge help to my business. They’ve helped with us with projects large and small and the work has been rock solid. Highly recommend.
– Mike Richwalsky
UnlimitedWP have done a fantastic job on the many projects we have collaborated with them on. They have an excellent team of developers and a top-class project manager who is a pleasure to work with. Highly recommend!
– M Reddy
Overwhelmed with WordPress upkeep for clients?
We’ve got it handled.
FAQ’s
Need expert WordPress support and maintenance? We’ve got you!
See our commonly asked questions below. Don’t see your question? Get in touch with our friendly team, and we’ll be happy to help.
How do I contact WordPress support?
If you’re on WordPress.com and have a plan, just hit up the ‘Help’ section after logging in to find the support you need. If you’re more of a WordPress.org user, then you’ve got a whole community waiting to lend a hand over in the support forums.
Check out our WordPress help page for more advice on contacting WordPress support directly.
How do I email WordPress support?
Got a paid plan on WordPress.com? You can shoot an email to their support squad directly from your dashboard’s contact form. WordPress.org users, you won’t find an email lifeline, but those WordPress forums are jam-packed with people ready to help out.
Check out our WordPress help page for more advice on contacting WordPress support directly.
How can I chat with WordPress support?
If your WordPress.com plan comes with bells and whistles, you might have live chat support as one of your perks. Check under the ‘Help’ tab once you’re logged in. For WordPress.org, check out that vibrant forum to get the answers you need in a jiffy.
Check out our WordPress help page for more advice on contacting WordPress support directly.
Is your WordPress support 24/7?
Our WordPress support services are available from 12:30 AM to 10:30 AM Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. For support outside these hours, you can still send us a message, and our team will address it as soon as we’re back online.
Are there any additional fees for larger websites?
Our support is ready for websites with up to 40 pages. If you’ve got more, it’s just a small add-on fee to get you covered. E-commerce or membership sites? There might be a little extra charge, but we’ll talk it through — no surprises, we promise.
What tasks can you assist with in the additional 30 minutes per month?
The half-hour of development time we include each month in our WordPress support plans can be used for a variety of tasks, like restoring your site from a backup, content revisions, site cleanup, troubleshooting, and resolving any bugs.
How frequently are backups of my website performed?
Your website will benefit from daily automatic backups, preserving the last 90 days of data to ensure a reliable restoration point is always available.
Do you perform regular malware scans on my site?
Yes, through WPRemote’s premium WordPress support services, we conduct daily auto-scans of your entire site, including both files and databases. Additional scans are also available upon request.
Do your plans offer protection against hacking and vulnerabilities?
While our use of premium services like Malcare and the iThemes Security plugin significantly reduces risks, no system can offer 100% protection against all vulnerabilities. We strongly advise keeping your WordPress installation up to date to enhance security.
What is covered in your backups?
Everything that makes your site yours — from the database to themes and media. We skip over the clutter like old cache files to make sure your site bounces back without a hitch if needed.