Version control for advertising agencies managing multiple client WordPress sites – an easy plugin solves the problem

Advertising agencies often manage up to hundreds of client WordPress websites. The technical requirements of each site (PHP version control, WordPress version control, and MySQL version control) demand constant monitoring as new updates become available. The work quickly becomes complex and time-consuming when dealing with multiple client sites hosted in different environments, such as a client’s virtual server or shared web hosting. At Funlus, we faced this challenge when the number of managed client sites exceeded the threshold of 100 WordPress sites. The maintenance work began to overload the team, and we urgently needed automated solutions for maintaining version information.

There are basically three ways to manage version control. Firstly, you can rely on automatic updates and leave the version control of the sites to chance. Rumor has it that many digital and advertising agencies operate this way, only fixing issues when they arise. In the worst-case scenario, a site’s PHP version may be more than five years old, leaving the site vulnerable to security threats. The second way is to manage version control manually, for example, by using Excel to keep track of version information and updating it regularly. This method takes time since updates, such as for WordPress, come at least weekly. It might work for PHP version control, as long as the list is kept up to date with the changes made. The third way is to use a centralized version control application that allows for monitoring the technical status of all client sites from one place and automatically provides reminders for the sites that need your attention. All of this happens automatically. We chose this method.

When searching for a solution, our goal was to simplify the tracking and management of technical versions while ensuring the smooth operation of client sites. We wanted to monitor the situation and changes from a single location, saving us significant time and enabling us to serve more clients with higher quality. We implemented WPLifeCycle, which allowed us to centralize the management of our entire website portfolio in one place. We registered at app.wplifecycle.com, added the site information as a CSV file into the application, installed the WordPress plugin, and added the API code to the sites to be monitored. After that, we could see the technical versions of the sites at a glance within the application. The information also updated automatically, and the tool kept a change log.

We can also provide clients and employees with access to the version control data of the sites, allowing clients to ensure that their site’s updates are done on time. This increases transparency between stakeholders. The tool also simplifies the work of our support team. For example, we can see the changes caused by updates and use search functions to quickly identify the root causes of disruptions. We can also add key site information such as plugin details, server information, tags, and contract periods to the application.

A centralized solution has brought us significant benefits. We save time by having the status of all sites visible from one interface. The situation is clear, and we can sleep peacefully at night knowing that client sites are technically up to date. Nothing is left to chance, as the information is available in real-time for all our Service Desk employees. Most importantly, this solution has improved security by ensuring that all sites are up to date and protected. For clients, this means their sites are working for them around the clock with fewer disruptions.

Before WPLifeCycle, updating the PHP version on each site meant, at worst, thousands of clicks and jumping between multiple control panels. Now, we see version information in real-time and automatically with just one login.

With WPLifeCycle, we have transformed the way we manage WordPress sites. This solution has brought much-needed clarity and efficiency to our daily operations. Now we can focus on improving customer satisfaction and business growth rather than doing everything manually or leaving things to chance.

Are you the owner of an advertising or digital agency? We highly recommend WPLifeCycle, which offers the efficiency and transparency you need for WordPress version control. For us, it has been a trusted companion from day one, and we can confidently grow our business with its help.