What a WordPress virtual assistant does
Updated: September 2026
As a WordPress virtual assistant, I handle the day-to-day work of keeping a WordPress site running — updates, backups, content and layout changes, troubleshooting, and error fixes. Most of the sites I manage are built with Divi, Elementor, WPBakery, or Gutenberg. Clients usually email a task (sometimes they call), and I keep communication simple so getting help never feels like a project.
If you’d rather work with one WordPress virtual assistant than a big agency, I handle the work myself.
Here are the top tasks I actually handle so you can get back to running the business.
1. Updating Plugins, Themes, and WordPress Core
How I do this: I apply WordPress, theme, and plugin updates on a monthly rhythm and monitor sites in ManageWP.
One of the most important—and most overlooked—website maintenance tasks is keeping everything updated. Out-of-date plugins or themes can slow down your site or even break it.
A WordPress VA can:
- Update all plugins and themes safely
- Test updates to ensure nothing breaks
- Roll back changes if a plugin causes issues
- Keep your WordPress core version up to date
Regular updates prevent security vulnerabilities and keep your site functioning smoothly — without the worry of “breaking something.”
2. Website Backups and Basic Security Monitoring
How I do this: Full backups with 90-day retention; I help with login security and issues as they come up.
Your website is an asset, and it needs protection. I set up and manage backups so your site can be restored quickly if anything goes wrong. That includes managing login security. I do not sell a branded firewall product—I keep the site maintained and help when security issues appear.
3. Troubleshooting Common WordPress Issues
How I do this: Email or call me; most fixes take 1–2 business days.
Things go wrong on WordPress — it’s just part of running a website. Buttons disappear, pages break, plugins conflict, images don’t align… the list goes on.
- Fixing broken layouts
- Resolving plugin conflicts
- Addressing formatting issues
- Repairing broken links
- Troubleshooting contact form errors
4. Adding and Formatting Blog Posts
How I do this: You send the draft; I publish and format it in WordPress, including Divi, Elementor, WPBakery, or Gutenberg layouts.
- Uploading your text, images, and videos
- Formatting headings and spacing
- Adding internal links
- Creating featured images
- Scheduling posts
- Adding SEO titles and descriptions
5. Updating Website Content
How I do this: Email or call with the change; I implement it on the live site.
- Home page copy
- Service descriptions
- Testimonials
- About page details
- FAQs
6. Managing Images, PDFs, and Media Libraries
How I do this: I upload and replace files as part of the content work you send.
- Upload, compress, and organize media
- Replace old files with updated versions
- Size photos so they work on mobile
7. Page Builder Edits (Divi, Elementor, Gutenberg)
How I do this: I work in Divi, Elementor, and Gutenberg on the tools already on your site.
- Create new pages
- Update layouts
- Adjust spacing and styling
- Add sections or modules
- Improve mobile responsiveness
8. Setting Up Contact Forms and Simple Integrations
How I do this: I set up and fix forms and help with email deliverability when website mail is not arriving.
- Creating forms in WPForms, Gravity Forms, or Contact Form 7
- Connecting forms to your email marketing provider
- Setting up thank-you pages
- Fixing issues when forms stop sending emails
9. Basic On-Page SEO Setup
How I do this: Titles, descriptions, headings, and other on-page fields—not a full SEO agency.
- Installing and configuring an SEO plugin
- Adding meta titles and descriptions
- Optimizing images with ALT text
- Adding internal links
- Ensuring proper heading structure
10. Creating Landing Pages for Offers or Events
How I do this: New pages and sections in Divi, Elementor, or Gutenberg after we agree on the copy.
- Designing the layout
- Adding your copy and branding
- Setting up forms
- Testing all links and buttons
11. Monthly WordPress Maintenance
How I do this: Updates, 90-day backups, ManageWP monitoring, troubleshooting, and minor content updates on a limited client roster.
- Updates
- Backups
- Troubleshooting
- Minor content updates
Why this is easier than doing it yourself
Your website should work for you — not the other way around. Outsourcing these tasks saves hours, avoids technical frustration, and keeps the site updated without hiring a full-time employee or developer.
Frequently asked questions
What does a WordPress virtual assistant do?
A WordPress virtual assistant is someone you hire to run the day-to-day of a WordPress site: updates, backups, content and layout changes, and the messy errors in between. I do that work myself for a small number of clients, using the tools already on your site (including Divi, Elementor, or Gutenberg) and a monthly maintenance rhythm so you are not the person Googling plugin conflicts.
Do I work with a team or with you?
I handle the work myself unless you ask otherwise. You have one point of contact—me.
How do I send tasks?
Email me. I acknowledge receipt and notify you when the work is done. You can also call during the week for urgent needs.
How fast do you work?
I reply within 24 hours. Most tasks take 1–2 business days. Office hours are Monday–Friday; weekends are for family except emergencies.
What does monthly maintenance include?
WordPress, theme, and plugin updates; full backups with 90-day retention; monitoring with ManageWP; help when issues come up; hosting and domain help as needed. Extra work is customized after a consult.
What does it cost?
The monthly rate depends on the site and scope. We set it on a free consultation. There is no long-term contract.
WordPress VA vs web developer?
I handle ongoing WordPress care, content, and builder edits; a developer is the better fit for custom code from scratch. More detail: WordPress virtual assistant vs web developer.
