The chances are that even if you’re a technophobe, you’ve heard of WordPress. After all, nearly 40% of the internet is built on WordPress. And these websites all need somewhere to store their data – After all, the internet is still stored on hard drives!
Many companies known as WordPress Hosting Services have entered the market in recent years offering such services (Think of them as landlords who own retail units). It can be hard to tell which one is best for you.
So if you’re ready to start hosting your WordPress site, then keep reading, and we’ll let you know everything you need to host a successful WordPress site.
What Is WordPress Hosting?
You may be familiar with the concept of storing data online (for example, your email is stored on a server owned by an internet service provider). But WordPress hosting involves the specific type of storage service used by websites that run WordPress. Without a hosting service, you can’t access the files for your site.
A hosting service is like a physical location where people can come and visit your site. And, as you’d expect, the further away a website is hosted, the longer it takes to display on your computer, which for some can prove problematic.
The need for a hosting service can make sense for some business owners who don’t have technical skills and want to avoid any risk associated with installing and managing their websites.
A WordPress hosting service can offer you backup services for your website files and help you keep track of how much data is being used by your site. It’s also meant to balance the need for speed with stability to don’t have to deal with updates or re-indexing all the time.
Different Ways of Hosting WordPress
There are plenty of online companies that offer web hosting and are the different ways confusing and the additional services they offer beyond only hosting your site. So we’re going to start with the four types of hosting and then break down the extras later on for you.
Shared Hosting
If you’re starting and don’t have many visitors, then shared hosting will be the best option. Be sure that the company is a good one and use good security measures to keep your website safe.
Most companies will have anti-Virus programs, malware software, and firewall protection in place to help prevent your site from getting hacked. Some will also have data backups, so you have a safety net if something happens.
Also, shared hosting will also give you access to more basic website tools like the ability to install add-ons, as well as the option to customize your site. Hosting companies provide you with a control panel to manage your account yourself and free extras such as domain name registration or email accounts.
Virtual Private Server (VPS) Hosting
Virtual Private Servers are, in essence, dedicated servers that you’re sharing with other users. The benefit is that you get your server, only you’re sharing use of the hardware that belongs to the hosting company. This means a more stable environment, security, and privacy.
A VPS often runs the same operating system as a dedicated server, which allows you to install software and do what you like with the server. The downside is that in most cases, you’ll have to maintain it yourself and update the software, which can be challenging for beginners.
Cloud Hosting
Hi is the newest addition to the mix. It’s in essence a combination of hosting and cloud computing. Your site runs in a cloud. But you still have control of your data, your visitors’ data, and the ability to upgrade your software.
It’s a hosting that The cloud hosting situation is still evolving as well. For example, with Amazon Web Services (AWS), you have to pay for what you use. Yet, this seems to be a popular option at the moment. That’s because it’s inexpensive and has plenty of storage options.
Dedicated Server Hosting
Dedicated server hosting is for the more serious WordPress user. If you have a large amount of traffic, you might need to consider this type of service. This allows you to have your web hosting dedicated to your site alone.
The biggest benefit of using dedicated server hosting is that you won’t have to share your server with anyone else, and you’ll get faster speeds as there will be nothing slowing down your website. The downside is that they’re usually more expensive and give you less control over the server.
How to Choose the Top WordPress Hosting Plans
When looking for a plan, consider which services you need and which you can manage yourself. For the majority, an all-in-one package is best. But even then, do you need most of the services on offer? Let’s take a look at what you need to consider.
Website Intent
The purpose of your website in the first place is likely to be the deciding factor. If your USA website gets very little traffic then a shared hosting plan in the USA works fine.
Yet, if you upload lots of large files like images or videos on your site, be sure to look at larger plans. These plans often have dedicated servers. Another reason to do this is high traffic levels, often more than six figures in volume each month.
The Hosting Company’s USP
Look at the hosting company’s unique selling product (USP) to determine if you’re the right fit. If they promise a lot of features that you don’t need, you might be able to save cash by finding another hosting company that offers the same services but at a lower price.
Some offer all services but tend to have a specialty that is their primary focus. That way, you know that you’re making the right choice to start with.
Suppose you need some extra flexibility afterward when your business grows. Then using a service that isn’t a one-trick pony but has multiple additional services can save you money and effort in the long run.
Fee Structure and Flexibility
Once you’ve worked out what you need from a hosting provider, look at their plan structures. Some offer an all-in-one solution that’s the best value for beginners.
But others may need niche interests accommodating. That would allow the business to add or remove services as needed.
Features vs. Cost
Take a look at your budget and make a list of what you need from a hosting provider. How many websites are you going to host with this service? Do you have any privacy or security concerns?
Depending on the size and scope of your business, more features may be worth it, but only if they’re practical. Above all else, choose the features that are important to you as part of the cost will come down to limits in different aspects.
Online Reviews
Take a look at online reviews such as on Trustpilot and decide if there’s anything you should be aware of that looks like a red flag. For example, have they had multiple security breaches? Is their customer service accessible?
These are all questions that need consideration when choosing a host for your WordPress site.
Technical Support
Do they offer 24/7 technical support? Also, how responsive is it? If you have an issue at 2 am, will you be able to find someone to help?
It’s easy to think it’ll never happen to you, but when the reputation of your business is at stake, it’s not something to ignore.
Of course, working to your budget, “choosing the right WordPress Hosting Services Guide can make or break your website (literally!). And, with so much choice, it’s easy to misjudge the situation for the worse
Server Uptime and location
This is an area that beginners in the SEO industry often overlook. If your business is local to the USA, you’re best with a hosting provider with servers in the USA.
But if you’re a global business, using servers all over the world is often a better option as it speeds up the flow of traffic to your site. But basically, most reputable hosting companies should offer at least a 99% server uptime guarantee or better.
Other Factors to Consider
The above factors are the tip of the iceberg when it comes to choosing a WordPress Hosting Plan. You can learn more here about managed WordPress hosting.
But for now, here are some more lesser-known factors that are worth your consideration:
- Automatic vs. manual updates
- The regularity of backups
- Free site builder tools
- Level of support with creating a website
- Content upload and site edits
- Extra management services
Finding the Best WordPress Hosting Services Is Vital
Of course, working to your budget, choosing the right WordPress Hosting Services can make or break your website (literally!). And, with so much choice, it’s easy to misjudge the situation for the worse.
If you’re unsure, it’s often better to overspend in this context. That’s usually bad advice, but when the security and reliability of the hub of your entire business are at stake, that’s a small price to pay for peace of mind and stability!
Keep reading for more advice that’ll keep you online!