Managing a WordPress site requires ongoing attention to ensure it runs smoothly, remains secure, and performs optimally. As your business grows, you might consider hiring a full-time employee to handle these responsibilities. However, this decision comes with significant costs. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what hiring a full-time WordPress manager entails, including their responsibilities and the associated expenses.
Responsibilities of a Full-Time WordPress Manager
A full-time WordPress manager would be responsible for a range of tasks, including but not limited to:
- Website Maintenance: Regular updates for WordPress core, themes, and plugins to ensure the site is secure and functions properly.
- Security Management: Implementing security measures to protect the site from malware, hacking attempts, and other threats.
- Performance Optimization: Ensuring the website loads quickly and efficiently, which can involve tasks like caching, image optimization, and database management.
- Content Management: Uploading new content, managing existing content, and ensuring all content is SEO-friendly.
- Technical Support: Troubleshooting and fixing any issues that arise, ensuring minimal downtime.
- Backup Management: Regularly backing up the website to prevent data loss.
Cost Breakdown of Hiring a Full-Time Employee
The cost of hiring a full-time WordPress manager varies based on experience and location. Here’s a breakdown of potential costs:
Salary
- Entry-Level Positions: $40,000 – $60,000 per year
- Mid-Level Positions: $60,000 – $85,000 per year
- Senior Positions: $85,000 – $120,000 or more per year
Additional Costs
- Benefits:
- Health Insurance: $5,000 – $15,000 per year
- Retirement Contributions: 3% to 6% of the employee’s salary
- Paid Time Off: Vacation days, sick leave, and holidays
- Payroll Taxes: Approximately 7.65% of the employee’s salary
- Office Space and Equipment: $2,000 – $5,000 per year
- Training and Development: Ongoing education to keep skills updated
Estimated Total Annual Cost
Combining these costs gives a comprehensive view of the annual expenses:
- Entry-Level Employee:
- Salary: $40,000 – $60,000
- Benefits: $5,000 – $15,000
- Payroll Taxes: $3,060 – $4,590
- Office and Equipment: $2,000 – $5,000
- Total: $50,060 – $84,590 per year
- Mid-Level Employee:
- Salary: $60,000 – $85,000
- Benefits: $5,000 – $15,000
- Payroll Taxes: $4,590 – $6,503
- Office and Equipment: $2,000 – $5,000
- Total: $71,590 – $111,503 per year
- Senior-Level Employee:
- Salary: $85,000 – $120,000
- Benefits: $5,000 – $15,000
- Payroll Taxes: $6,503 – $9,180
- Office and Equipment: $2,000 – $5,000
- Total: $98,503 – $149,180 per year
Cost Savings with Managed WordPress Services
Hiring a full-time employee can be a significant investment, but there are alternatives that can offer substantial cost savings. Managed WordPress services, like those provided by Stage Zero Agency, offer a comprehensive solution without the high costs associated with full-time employment.
Managed WordPress Service Plans
- Basic Plan: $299/month
- Custom design and development
- Basic plugin management
- Routine maintenance and support
- Annual Cost: $3,588
- Professional Plan: $499/month
- Advanced customization
- Premium plugin integration
- Enhanced support and SEO optimization
- Annual Cost: $5,988
- Enterprise Plan: $999/month
- Extensive customization
- Advanced security measures
- Comprehensive monthly updates and priority support
- Annual Cost: $11,988
Why Choose Managed Services Over Full-Time Employment?
- Cost-Effective: Managed services provide a comprehensive solution at a fraction of the cost of hiring a full-time employee. For example, the Enterprise Plan at $11,988 per year is significantly less than the cost of a mid-level employee.
- Expertise on Demand: With managed services, you gain access to a team of experts, ensuring that all aspects of your WordPress site are handled by professionals with specialized skills.
- Time Savings: Managed services free up your time, allowing you to focus on growing your business without worrying about the technical aspects of your website.
In conclusion, while hiring a full-time employee to manage your WordPress site comes with substantial costs, opting for managed WordPress services can provide significant savings and offer the expertise needed to keep your website running smoothly. Consider the benefits and cost savings of managed services when making your decision.