For web agencies managing multiple Joomla websites, updates are both a necessity and a risk. Every new Joomla release, whether it’s a security patch or a major version upgrade, keeps sites secure and modern. But it also raises the question: will this update break something? This gets even more important with the upcoming 5.4 release where automatic updates in Joomla CMS are shipped.
Agencies live in a world where client satisfaction, uptime, and efficiency are non-negotiable. That’s where automated testing becomes a strategic advantage.
The hidden cost of updates
Updating Joomla isn’t just about clicking “update now.” Every site comes with:
- A mix of extensions, templates, and custom code.
- Business-critical workflows like e-commerce, booking, or lead generation forms.
- Clients who expect everything to keep running without interruption.
Manually checking each client site after updates is time-consuming and expensive. Worse, it’s easy to miss small issues that turn into big client complaints.
Why automated testing matters for agencies
Automated testing allows your agency to move from reactive firefighting to proactive quality assurance. Instead of scrambling to fix what updates break, you’ll catch issues early and consistently.
Here’s how it helps:
1. Scalability across clients
Whether you manage 5 Joomla sites or 50, automated tests ensure every site gets the same level of attention after updates.
2. Faster turnaround
No more days spent manually regression-testing. Automation runs checks in minutes, letting your team apply updates quickly and confidently.
3. Reduced support tickets
When updates don’t cause client-facing problems, your support inbox stays quieter, saving your agency time and preserving client trust.
4. Predictable costs
Automated testing reduces billable hours spent on repetitive tasks. That means you can offer clients maintenance packages with stable margins.
5. Client Confidence & differentiation
Agencies that invest in automated testing can market themselves as proactive, reliable partners. It’s a value-add that sets you apart in a competitive market.
Turning automated testing into a service offering
Automated testing isn’t just a technical safeguard, it can also be a revenue driver for your agency. Here’s how:
- Premium Maintenance Packages: Bundle automated testing into ongoing support contracts, positioning it as an insurance policy against update-related downtime.
- Tiered Service Levels: Offer different levels of automated testing (basic, standard, advanced) to match client budgets and needs.
- Proactive Reporting: Deliver regular reports showing what was tested and confirmed as working. Clients see tangible proof of the value you’re providing.
Instead of updates being a cost center, they become a predictable revenue stream, all while improving client trust and retention. That's why platforms like is-it.io can be a helping hand as your agency doesn't have to maintain the testing infrastructure. It manages your sites and you can conveniently click the tests together once, and let them run after extension or Core CMS updates, automatically.
The bottom line
Automated testing isn’t just about code, it’s about business. For Joomla web agencies, it means:
- Fewer surprises.
- Happier clients.
- More efficient teams.
- Stronger margins.
- New opportunities for recurring revenue.
Updates are inevitable. Problems don’t have to be. With automated testing, your agency can transform Joomla updates from a risk into a competitive advantage, and a profitable service.