Server setup and maintenance retainer

Keep your server calm, patched, watched, and ready.

One-time server setup plus monthly maintenance, backups, security posture, DNS/email checks, and reports for founders, stores, publishers, and teams who want dependable web infrastructure without hiring a full-time server person.

1 to 3 business days
Backups and security
Reports every month

Everything the server needs after launch

A clean retainer for the quiet, essential work: setup, maintenance, backups, security, account provisioning, DNS/email systems, health checks, reports, and request handling.

01

One-time server setup

Initial configuration for domains, SSL renewal checks, email routing, basic server posture, DNS records, handoff notes, and the monitoring/reporting baseline. Usual US$400 setup price is included in the monthly retainer.

02

Monthly maintenance

Routine server care, patch review, small configuration updates, log checks, and server-side support for keeping production stable.

03

Automated backups

Configure automated backups, preferably daily or weekly depending on the site, with off-server storage where possible and retention up to 1 year.

04

Basic security work

Server firewall rules, SSH hardening, malware scans, fail2ban, cPanel hardening, ModSecurity, Imunify360 checks, login audit, least-privilege access review, and practical incident response support.

05

Uptime monitor and reports

Monitor HTTP uptime, SSL expiry, disk usage, and key resource issues where access allows, then receive a monthly report with next actions.

06

DNS and mail setup

Configure and check SPF, DKIM, DMARC, MX, A records, mail hostname, SSL mail settings, SMTP/IMAP ports, cPanel mail routing, and professional email deliverability basics.

07

Email accounts

Unlimited email account setup for new team members, aliases, projects, departments, practical operating needs, and professional email deliverability basics.

08

Mailing lists and newsletters

Create lists, sender identities, audience groups, and newsletter infrastructure so the publishing side of your business keeps moving.

09

24/7 Trello requests

Drop normal server-related requests into Trello anytime. Typical implementation is handled in 1 to 3 business days depending on scope.

Backups, retention, and restore confidence

Backups are only comforting when they run, live somewhere safer than the server itself, and can actually be restored when needed.

Automated schedule We configure automated backups, preferably daily or weekly depending on site size, update frequency, traffic, and storage cost sensitivity.
Off-server backups Backups are stored off-server where possible so a server failure does not take the recovery copy down with it.
Database backups Database backups are included for supported applications, with attention to the data that changes most often.
Restore testing We verify that backups are running and can perform a test restore on request so recovery is not just theoretical.
Retention period Backup retention can be configured up to 1 year where practical. Backup storage costs, if any, are billed separately.
Live service watch
Website uptime Homepage, checkout, admin, and important public URLs.
99%
SSL, DNS, and mail Expiry, SPF, DKIM, DMARC, MX, A records, and mail settings.
OK
Backup checks Automated jobs, database backups, retention, and restore readiness.
ON
Mail systems Email accounts, lists, newsletters, and sender basics.
ON

Reports that make infrastructure visible

Servers become stressful when nobody can tell what is happening. This retainer gives your team a simple rhythm: keep services watched, keep backups checked, keep requests organized, keep changes documented, and keep the next move obvious.

  • HTTP uptime and SSL expiry checks
  • Disk usage and key resource alerts where access allows
  • CPU, RAM, and mail queue monitoring depend on access level
  • Monthly reports include alerts, completed requests, and next actions

How the retainer works

Simple, readable, and repeatable. You subscribe, step into a dedicated Trello command center, then setup and ongoing server work move through one clean request lane.

01

Subscribe

Use the Stripe Buy Now link to start the monthly $149 retainer.

02

Trello launch room

The email used for subscription receives an invite into your dedicated Trello workspace so onboarding, access notes, and first priorities are captured in one polished control room.

03

Setup

From Trello, share access details, service priorities, domains, DNS/email needs, backup preferences, and monitoring targets.

04

Request

Add server tasks to Trello any time, with context, screenshots, links, and deadlines.

05

Maintain

Requests are reviewed, implemented, and reported with a typical 1 to 3 business day window.

Emergency support add-on

Normal work stays calm in Trello. True downtime can escalate through WhatsApp, Telegram, or email and is charged separately.

Severity Response target Resolution target
Critical outageDown service, checkout failure, production unavailable, or severe business interruption. 30-60 minutes during waking hours Best effort same day restore for down services, with a 4 hour restoration goal where access and failure conditions allow.
Major issueImportant service degraded, email delivery issue, high-risk alert, or major broken workflow. 2-4 hours Same or next business day depending on root cause, provider cooperation, and access level.
Normal requestPlanned server change, DNS/email setup, account provisioning, report follow-up, or routine config. 1-3 business days Scheduled through Trello as part of the monthly retainer.

Emergency downtime support is an add-on and is billed separately. Critical outages receive best-effort response within 30-60 minutes during waking hours. Provider-side outages, missing access, third-party delays, migrations, and unpaid add-ons may affect restoration timing.

Built for real small-business server life

Not a vague support bucket. This is for the recurring work that keeps websites, email, lists, and services alive after launch.

Good for WordPress sites, Shopify-adjacent domains, custom PHP apps, marketing sites, founder projects, community websites, newsletters, and small teams.
Request examples Create email accounts, add aliases, set up a mailing list, check a downtime alert, update DNS, review SSL, adjust server settings, configure backups, scan for malware, or document service status.
DNS and email scope SPF, DKIM, DMARC, MX, A records, mail hostname, SSL mail settings, SMTP/IMAP ports, cPanel mail routing, professional email deliverability basics, and deliverability checks. PTR/rDNS must be set with the VPS/server provider, but we can guide or coordinate the request.
Security scope Basic security posture, patch review, log checks, server firewall rules, SSH hardening, malware scans, fail2ban, cPanel hardening, ModSecurity, Imunify360 checks, login audit, least-privilege access, small config updates, and practical incident response support.
Monthly report Each month we provide a short report listing uptime status, SSL status, SSL renewal checks, DNS/email checks, server health notes, completed requests, issues found, and recommended next actions. We notify you if urgent action is needed.
Response rhythm Normal requests use 24/7 Trello intake with 1 to 3 business days implementation. Emergency downtime escalation is available separately through WhatsApp, Telegram, or email.
Monthly price $149 per month through Stripe subscription billing. Backup storage costs, emergency work, migration work, and unpaid add-ons are billed separately.

FAQ

Plain answers before you press the big red button.

What happens after subscribing?

The email used for subscription is invited into your dedicated Trello workspace. Setup proceeds from there, with access details, priorities, tasks, updates, and reports organized in one shared command center.

Is setup really included?

Yes. The retainer includes a one-time setup pass so the server, DNS/email checks, backups, monitoring, account needs, and request workflow start in an organized state.

Are email accounts limited?

No. Email account setup is unlimited for practical business use under the retainer.

Can I request changes any time?

Yes. Trello requests are available 24/7. Server-related implementation is typically completed within 1 to 3 business days.

What counts as server-related?

Server configuration, hosting, uptime, DNS, SSL, email accounts, mailing lists, service checks, and related infrastructure requests.

Are backup costs included?

Backup configuration, checks, database backups, retention planning, and restore testing on request are included. Backup storage costs, if any, are billed separately.

Can we cancel anytime?

Yes. The retainer is month-to-month. Cancel anytime before the next billing cycle. Emergency work, migration work, backup storage, and unpaid add-ons are billed separately.

Put your server on a monthly care plan.

Get the setup pass, monthly maintenance, backups, security checks, DNS/email support, uptime reports, and the Trello request lane for $149 per month. Month-to-month, cancel anytime before the next billing cycle.

Buy Now