Why Should You Use a WordPress Management Tool?
Agencies often juggle multiple tasks: plugin updates, website security, backups, and client communication all at once. Doing this manually or across separate tools can waste time and increase the margin for error. A WordPress management tool helps you streamline your workflow by centralising tasks like support tickets, time tracking, and reporting. This enhances team productivity and ensures you deliver top-notch service to clients.
WordPress Multisite vs WordPress Management Tools
WordPress Multisite can be effective when all the websites belong to the same organisation, but it’s less flexible for agencies serving different clients. Multisite also doesn’t easily accommodate varying themes, plugins, and support requests for diverse projects. A dedicated WordPress management solution is typically better if you work with multiple clients, as it enables tailored maintenance, reporting, and collaboration for each one.
WordPress Management Tool Essentials
Your chosen management platform should handle routine tasks like updates, security, and backups, while also supporting key agency needs such as client reporting and team collaboration. For more details on what to look for, check out this guide on the 3 essential elements of a WordPress management tool.
The Best WordPress Management Tools
Below is a concise overview of some leading WordPress management tools. Each platform has its own strengths, so consider your specific requirements when choosing.
Glow
- Pros: Integrates support, maintenance, and reporting in one place; flexible pricing structure; helpful human support; strong reporting functionality.
- Cons: Relatively newer compared to some long-standing tools.
ManageWP
- Pros: Widely recognised; covers plugin and theme updates, backups, and performance checks; easy-to-use interface.
- Cons: Certain features require paid add-ons, which can increase overall costs.
WP Umbrella
- Pros: Offers uptime monitoring, error tracking, and performance insights; straightforward dashboard.
- Cons: Less robust for client communication and support.
MainWP
- Pros: Self-hosted approach; active community; handles updates, security checks, and reports; core tool is free.
- Cons: May require extensions for certain features, which can lead to extra costs.
WPMUDEV
- Pros: Broad plugin suite covering security, performance, and reporting; prompt support.
- Cons: Subscription costs can add up if you only need a small subset of features.
wpremote
- Pros: Straightforward interface for backups and updates; good option for smaller agencies or freelancers.
- Cons: Limited team collaboration and reporting capabilities.
InfiniteWP
- Pros: Self-hosted, giving you control over data; handles bulk updates, security scans, and backups.
- Cons: Configuration can be technical; premium add-ons might be necessary for full functionality.
WHMCS
- Pros: Comprehensive client management with invoicing and automation; popular among hosting providers.
- Cons: More focused on billing and hosting than WordPress-specific maintenance; can be complex to set up.
SolidWP
- Pros: Provides security, performance monitoring, and updates.
- Cons: Less specialised for support tickets and advanced reporting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I manage multiple WordPress sites without a tool?
Yes, but it often becomes time-consuming. Centralising tasks such as updates, backups, and reporting in one system reduces the risk of errors and makes your workflow more efficient.
Which is the best WordPress management software for agencies?
It varies by agency. Some value centralised support and maintenance (e.g., Glow), while others emphasise automated backups and performance checks (e.g., ManageWP). Identify your primary needs and evaluate accordingly.
What tasks should a WordPress management platform cover?
Essential features include plugin and theme updates, backups, security monitoring, and reporting. Many agencies also benefit from built-in support ticketing, team collaboration, and time tracking.
Is WordPress Multisite necessary if I use a management tool?
No. Multisite fits organisations that oversee a group of related websites. If you manage multiple independent client projects, a WordPress management tool usually offers more flexibility.
The Future of WordPress Management
Agencies are looking for more integrated and efficient solutions. Managing updates and security is only part of the job; agencies also want seamless client communication, reliable reporting, and real-time collaboration across their entire team. WordPress management platforms that address all these needs in one dashboard are increasingly in demand. They save time, reduce complexity, and help agencies maintain strong client relationships.
About Glow
Almost all agencies need the same core set of tools to efficiently manage multiple WordPress sites: a support system, a maintenance system, client reporting, team collaboration and time tracking. And with traditional WordPress management software, you can get some of those tools, but not all.
“We used to have time tracking, tickets & reporting across different tools. Glow centralises all this into one easy to use dashboard.”– Rick Makin, Head of Web Design, 21 Degrees Digital
Glow is the only product on the market that combines WordPress support, maintenance and reporting into one powerful dashboard.
Here are five things that make us different from legacy WordPress management providers:
- Fast, always-human support: Whenever you need us, it’s us you’ll chat to. Not AI. Not a chatbot. Actual humans
- Maintenance and support ticketing in a single platform: Streamline your workflow by managing everything in one place.
- Flexible pricing: All features are included in every plan, with the option to extend your existing plan by adding more websites on a pay-as-you-go basis, making it cost-effective for agencies of all sizes.
- Leading industry reporting: Provide your clients with detailed and professional reports effortlessly, helping you to consistently prove the value of your service.
- Free white glove migration service: Transition to Glow smoothly with expert onboarding assistance at no extra cost.
Download our free website report template https://getglow.io/temps/website-maintenance-report-template/ and see what Glow can do for you.
