A monthly website service is a good option when you want development and ongoing care from the same provider. With a one-off build, you pay for the website as a separate project, then arrange maintenance as agreed.
Both approaches can produce a good website. For a business, the most important difference is how much service you receive after launch.
A monthly service is not the same as paying in instalments
With instalments, a completed build is paid for in several payments. In an ongoing website service, the monthly fee covers the agreed website as well as ongoing services such as hosting, maintenance and support.
In GC’s model, the monthly price includes both creating the website and its ongoing technical care.
| Model | What are you paying for? | What should you check? |
|---|---|---|
| Ongoing website service | Development, hosting and agreed care | Service scope, contract term and changes |
| One-off build | Agreed planning and development | What happens after launch, and is maintenance included? |
| One-off build paid in instalments | An agreed build paid for in several payments | Total cost and any ongoing service |
When is a monthly service most useful?
When you want a website without adding a new technical responsibility to your workload.
In GC’s service, we:
- plan the website structure
- write the website copy using the information you provide
- build and launch the pages
- manage hosting
- handle technical maintenance and fault fixes
- help after launch
- make small content changes for 30 minutes per month
You have one provider who already knows your website.
This is practical especially for a small business where website maintenance is not anyone’s main job.
What should you compare when considering a one-off build?
If you compare a monthly service with a one-off build, check what you will need in addition to the initial price.
For example, ask:
- whether copywriting is included
- whether hosting is included
- who is responsible for technical support
- who makes small changes later
- whether maintenance has its own monthly fee
- what search engine optimisation is included in the build
This lets you compare the complete services, rather than just their payment methods.
How does GC’s website service work?
GC’s website service is provided by Golden Consulting Oy. It includes 1–5 pages in one language, planning, copywriting, technical development and search engine optimisation.
After launch, the service includes hosting, technical maintenance, support and fixes to technical faults on the website. Small content changes include 30 minutes per month, and technical fault fixes do not count towards that time.
Connecting your existing domain and help with email setup and migration are also included. Domain and email-provider fees are paid separately.
The initial contract term is 12 months. After that, the service continues month to month and can be cancelled with one month’s notice. See current pricing and what is included.
What happens after the first year?
GC’s service does not automatically end after the first 12 months. It continues month to month at the agreed monthly price and can be cancelled with one month’s notice.
This means the same hosting, maintenance, support and other agreed services can continue without starting a new website project.
To understand the roles of the domain, your own materials and the technical implementation in more detail, read the guide to website ownership.
Three questions before deciding
1. How complete a service do you want?
If you want planning, copywriting, development and ongoing help from one provider, a monthly service is a natural choice.
2. Who will look after the website after launch?
If you want a named contact and an established way to handle changes and technical questions, an ongoing service makes day-to-day work easier.
3. Do you want a predictable package?
When the service scope and monthly price are agreed in advance, you know what you receive and who to contact later.
Why does GC’s monthly model work well for a small business?
Because buying a website does not have to mean managing a designer, copywriter, hosting provider and technical maintenance separately.
GC brings these together in one website service. You get a finished website and a provider who stays involved after launch.
Tell us what your business needs and we can see whether an ongoing website service suits you.
At a glance
Monthly subscription or one-off payment? Choose according to how much ongoing service you want around your website.
What do you get with GC’s monthly model? Website planning, copywriting, development, hosting, search engine optimisation, technical support and ongoing care from one provider.