Website as a Service: Reshaping the WordPress Landscape

The monthly subscription model for website development – Website as a Service (WaaS) – is rapidly gaining popularity within the world of web development. It’s used across many popular CMS platforms, including Shopify, Wix, Squarespace, Drupal, and Joomla. However, the industry’s largest platform, WordPress, has been slow on the uptake. In part, this can be attributed to WordPress’s open-source nature, which leans towards a more customized approach to website development. Yet for many development agencies, a subscription model in WordPress makes sense. And 2024 appears to be the year that we’ll see the WordPress community make its first substantial move towards adopting Waas.

Understanding Website as a Service (WaaS)

WaaS is a revolutionary approach to website development that operates on a subscription-based model. Key features of WaaS include:

• Subscription-Based Model: No upfront payment for website development and design, making it a financially attractive option for businesses.
• Fully Managed Solutions: WaaS providers handle all aspects of website management, from hosting to technical updates, allowing businesses to focus on their core competencies.

• Regular Updates and Security: Websites are kept up-to-date with the latest features and security measures, ensuring optimal performance and protection against potential threats.
• Expert Support: Professional assistance is readily available for any issues or enhancements, providing a safety net for businesses navigating the digital landscape.

This model aligns seamlessly with the broader transition to subscription-based services in the digital landscape, as seen in Software as a Service (SaaS), Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), and Managed Services.

Part of a Wider Transition

The shift towards subscription-based models is not new to the digital landscape. Digital agencies have been accustomed to various subscription services, including:

• Software as a Service (SaaS): Adobe design tools, Hubspot CRM platform, Slack for communication, and Google Workspace.
• Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): Hosting services such as WP Engine.
• Managed Services: Maintenance services such as Manage WP.

Website as a service has already become the dominant supply model for many popular CMS platforms. Let’s explore how some of them have embraced WaaS:

• Wix: Founded in 2006, Wix operates as a WaaS platform, offering cloud-based website creation and hosting from its inception. As of October 2023, Wix boasts over 220 million registered users. This user base encompasses individuals, small businesses, entrepreneurs, and even established organizations building websites on the platform.
• Squarespace: Squarespace wasn’t built upon adopting WaaS; its very foundation, from its 2003 launch, revolved around the core principle of WaaS.Squarespace, with 3.7 million paying subscribers as of 2023, maintains a significant and dedicated user community.
• Drupal: While it offers some features and functionalities that align with the WaaS model, it’s primarily a self-hosted, open-source content management system (CMS) that requires more technical expertise to set up and manage. Over 1.2 million websites are powered by Drupal, showcasing its extensive reach and diverse use cases.
• Joomla: Offers functionalities that align with the WaaS model through hosted solutions and extensions. However, users prioritize flexibility, customization, and a strong community over the plug-and-play simplicity of traditional WaaS platforms. The official launch date was August 21st, 2005. As of today, December 21st, 2023, it boasts over 2 million websites powered by its platform.
• Shopify: It originated from the Web-as-a-Service (WaaS) model, rather than merely adopting it. Founded in 2006, Shopify revolutionized the e-commerce landscape by offering a cloud-based platform that made setting up and managing an online store accessible to anyone, regardless of technical expertise. Over 2 million merchants use Shopify to power their online stores.

Adoption of WaaS in WordPress

Website as a Service in WordPress has emerged as a compelling option for agencies managing multiple client websites. By leveraging the power and flexibility of WordPress multisite, WaaS platforms streamline website creation, maintenance, and security, while offering scalability and cost-effectiveness. But how widely has this approach been adopted within the WordPress landscape?

Here are some of the major companies offering WaaS solutions for WordPress:

• Kinsta: One of the most popular WaaS providers, Kinsta is known for its focus on performance and speed, powered by the Google Cloud Platform.
• Flywheel: A popular choice for agencies and freelancers, Flywheel provides isolated containerized environments for each WordPress site, ensuring optimal performance and security.
• Pressidium: Specializing in high-traffic websites, Pressidium offers enterprise-grade WaaS solutions with custom configurations and dedicated support.
• SiteGround: A well-established hosting provider, SiteGround recently launched its WordPress-specific WaaS platform with automatic updates, staging environments, and built-in caching.

At White Label Agency, we added WaaS to our product offering in September 2023, following many months of strong interest from our partner agencies. Judging by the strong early uptake of this service, we expect this product to form a significant share of our business going forward.

How Does Waas Benefit Digital Agencies?

The rise of WaaS is not just a technological shift; it’s a strategic move with substantial benefits for agencies:

• Streamlined Finances: WaaS replaces upfront development and design costs with predictable monthly subscription fees. This helps agencies manage budgets and reduce initial capital outlays. Agencies gain access to detailed analytics dashboards, enabling them to track expenses, optimize resource allocation, and demonstrate value to clients. This transparency fosters trust and strengthens client relationships.
• Scalability: Agencies can effortlessly scale their digital offerings in response to client needs. They can expand or reduce their web services without the constraints of traditional development models. Agencies can confidently diversify their services into niche markets or specialized solutions, backed by a scalable infrastructure that supports their ambitions.
• Reduced Infrastructure Responsibility: Agencies no longer need to invest time and resources in server management and infrastructure maintenance. This allows them to focus on strategic growth. Traditional web development often requires substantial upfront investments in hardware, software, and IT personnel, creating a heavy operational burden that can hinder growth and profitability.
• Continuous Security and Updates: WaaS providers ensure websites are always running on the latest software versions with up-to-date security. This keeps client sites secure and functional. WaaS platforms prioritize security at their core, with built-in mechanisms for automatic updates and patching. This ensures websites are constantly up-to-date with the latest security fixes.
• Expert Support: Agencies gain access to specialized support for website setup, troubleshooting, and enhancements. This ensures quicker resolution of issues and optimal site performance. WaaS enables agencies to provide outstanding client experiences, navigate the evolving digital landscape with flexibility, and establish themselves as industry leaders.
• Enhanced Focus on Core Services: Shifting technical aspects of website management to WaaS providers allows agencies to concentrate on core competencies like creative design, content strategy, and CRM. WaaS empowers agencies to deliver exceptional value, differentiate themselves in the market, and achieve sustainable growth.

These benefits underscore how WaaS is reshaping the WordPress landscape, offering digital agencies a more efficient, secure, and scalable way to manage their web development services.

Shape the Future of WordPress Development

Elevate your client service and operational efficiency with White Label Agency’s comprehensive Website as a Service (WaaS) solution. As the WordPress community shifts towards embracing WaaS, those leading the way have the opportunity to shape a new era in web development. With over a decade of experience, we’ve crafted and managed high-performing WordPress sites for 600+ agencies. White Label Agency’s WaaS provides dedicated support every step of the way. Our expert team is readily available to address any technical concerns or website enhancements. Furthermore, our highly scalable solution adapts seamlessly to client needs, allowing agencies to effortlessly expand or reduce website services as required. If your agency is interested in trialing WaaS for an upcoming development project, contact our sales team today.