One of the world’s top content management systems, WordPress-is way more than only a handy blogging resource. The users can get access to a library of free/premium themes and plug-ins which turn WordPress into a simple platform that supports umpteen websites like small business pages, personal blogs and even the high traffic sites like The New Yorker and Best Buy. If you have been planning to develop a site but unsure about themes, management, and free plug-ins, WordPress is supposed to be your pick!
Various web hosting sites offer different forms of WordPress services like managed or optimized environment. Both the forms encourage platforms designed for WordPress specifically. In each case, the CMS is available as preinstalled feature so the users don’t have to go through the trouble of downloading and setting up WordPress as compared to traditional web hosting environments.
Users can also enjoy various site friendly features that depend on the web host like page caching, automatic data backup, and CMS updates. It is important to note that some web hosts do not allow a short list of plug-in which duplicate the features that are already built into the managed set up as it affects the performance of site quite negatively.
There are a few areas where managed WordPress is developed keeping in view the optimized WordPress hosting. The user’s site is assigned a support squad which is not only super accumtomed with things WordPress but also makes sure the users don’t worry about getting back into the site’s back end and do anything but creating content. Site staging for pages and posts is something usually offered by managed WordPress as to test them before they go live. Enhanced security, automatic malware detection and removal are also a few features that managed WordPress offers.
Users need to understand that more than often the differentiating point between managed and optimized WordPress is thin. They need to contact the customer support team of the web host in order to learn the features of its WordPress hosting.
WordPress Features and Pricing
There are different hosting plans available at WordPress. An entry level plan costs about the same as shared web hosting but a high tiered plan can go up to around $60 per month. The upside is that the WordPress installation runs smoothly as compared to a conventional hosting environment. Moreover, managing a WordPress route might save you quite some money in the long term as it saves you the charges for hiring a system administrator or performing the similar tasks. This is especially beneficial for small scale businesses. Just make sure to look up for these simple and essential features before signing up for web hosting service with WordPress. Ideally, users like investing in a WordPress host which ensures unlimited data transfers, email, support, and storage monthly. A number of WordPress hosts keep a cap on these features, for example there is a limit set to 4000,000 visitors by WP Engine $29 with a storage space of 30GB. If you are looking forward to a lot of site growth, you will want to sign up with a host that accommodates your site’s future expansion quite well.
Also you will require a service which offers Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) if you look forward to selling products. If you have ever seen a green padlock in the address bar of your browse, that is the symbol which showcases the visitors SSL on the site and it is a sign that represents trustworthiness.
Basically the SSL connection encrypts data which travels between the web browser and site; hence it safeguards the purchasing information transmission. All the hosting services in WordPress offer SSL certificate but at varied prices from one company to another. A few companies also include a free SSL certificate when you get a hosting plan while others charge a fee close to $100. In short, the needs of your web hosting vary from other sites but these features turn your WordPress experience simple and silky smooth.
Site Uptime
Web hosting require the above features to gain value but none of them can be compared with the significance of site uptime. If your site is down, the customers will find it difficult to get access to your products/service or blog. We are using uptime monitoring features for our review process and the outcome shows that most of the web hosts do an amazing job by keeping the site up and running. Remember that the web hosts with uptime problems do not fall into inclusion amongst the best services that are in the field even though you have a set of solid offerings.
Should you go for WordPress -Specific Hosting?
If you would like to develop a WordPress powered site, you can invest in WordPress specific hosting. This hosting provides a number of benefits. But remember that the WordPress environment doesn’t allow you to set up a non WordPress site specifically if you have a site that relies on a certain frameworks. In this situation, you will most likely to build your site on shared web hosting services. If you want to develop your web hosting company, the option of site specific hosting is your way forward.
Users should also consider the duration for which they will need WordPress hosting. If it’s for a limited time, like less than a month, they usually receive a refund if they plan on cancelling their hosting within 60 days. A few companies allow a 30 or 90 days money back guarantee. Again, it’s always to do your homework beforehand.
We have reviewed many WordPress hosting services and have included these at the end of this guide. You can also have a look at the chart above which presents an overview of traditional and dedicated WordPress hosting services which will help you make a smart decision. If you want an in-depth look into WordPress hosting services, read the full reviews following the links below.
Don’t forget to check out our guide “How to develop a site” and “How to register a domain name” if you are just getting started with web hosting. For any question, leave your comment below.