How to Decide if You Should have a WordPress Developer on Retainer

Deciding whether to hire a WordPress developer on retainer can be a difficult decision for website owners or administrators. There are many factors to consider, such as the size and complexity of your website, your level of technical expertise, and your budget. In this article, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of having a WordPress developer on retainer, and provide guidance on how to decide if it’s the right choice for your website.

Advantages of a WordPress Developer on Retainer

Accessibility and Reliability

One of the biggest advantages of having a WordPress developer on retainer is accessibility and reliability. Having a developer on retainer, like White Fox Creative, will give you someone that will be familiar with your website and can quickly respond to any issues that arise. This can give you peace of mind and ensure that your website is always accessible and reliable for your visitors.

Ongoing Maintenance and Support

WordPress websites require ongoing maintenance and support to keep them running smoothly and securely. A developer on retainer can handle tasks such as updating WordPress and plugins, fixing bugs and errors, and troubleshooting issues. This can save you time and stress, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your business.

Customization and Development

If you need custom features or functionality on your website, a developer on retainer can handle the development work. They can also help you with website redesigns or rebranding efforts. This can help your website stand out from the competition and better meet the needs of your target audience.

For example, one client of White Fox Creative recently wanted to further customize WooCommerce’s emails and messages. Utilizing the retainer hours, we were able to complete that quickly, upgrading their communication with their customers.

Specialist Consultation

A developer on retainer can also provide consulting and advice services. They can help you make decisions about your website and provide guidance on things like website design and layout, website speed and performance, search engine optimization (SEO), and website security and backup strategies. This can help you make informed decisions about your website that will help it succeed online.

Cost-Effective Solution

Having a WordPress developer on retainer can be a cost-effective solution for website maintenance and development work. Rather than paying hourly rates or hiring a full-time developer, you can pay for a set number of hours each month at a discounted rate. This can save you money over time while still providing you with the necessary website support.

Wondering what the costs are? We have multiple packages for small businesses available on our Monthly Retainer Packages page. If you’re looking for something in addition to what’s listed, give us a call at (661)306-4443.

Disadvantages of a WordPress Developer on Retainer

Cost

One of the main disadvantages of having a WordPress developer on retainer is the cost. Depending on the developer’s experience level and hourly rate, having a developer on retainer can be quite expensive. If you don’t have a lot of ongoing maintenance or development needs, it might not be cost-effective to have a developer on retainer. If you’re not ready for a retainer, you can also keep your website up to date and secure by getting a Website Health Check every 3-6 months.

Unused Hours

Another common concern with having a WordPress developer on retainer is what happens to unused hours. Most developers on retainer will have a set number of hours they are available to work each month. If you don’t use all those hours, you typically lose them altogether. It’s important to clarify this with your developer before signing an agreement.

Conclusion

Deciding whether to hire a WordPress developer on retainer is a big decision. It can provide many benefits, such as ongoing maintenance and support, customization and development, and accessibility and reliability. However, it can also be expensive, and it’s important to ensure you’re working with a qualified and trustworthy developer. Carefully consider your needs and budget, and do your due diligence when selecting a developer on retainer. For many growing small businesses, having a WordPress developer on retainer can be a smart investment in the success of your website.

If you’re wondering if having a developer on retainer would be helpful for your company, give us a call (661) 306-4443 or send us an email at Kim@WhiteFoxCreative.com. We’d be happy to help you evalulate the pros and cons for your specific company!