Hosting is like a home for your WordPress website. With all the technical details and sales copies, it is difficult to find just the right hosting that fits your budget and performance.
Your website is more than a site; it’s a revenue stream, a marketing channel with solid ROI.
It’s essential that your site loads fast, every time someone visits. The hosting service you pick is crucial—it affects your site’s speed, uptime, and ease of management.
So, how do you choose the right WordPress hosting?
Let’s find out.
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Factors to Consider While Choosing Web Hosting for Your Site
There are thousands of WordPress hosting providers around the world. Choosing the right one can be overwhelming for website owners and digital agencies.
But it doesn’t have to be. Keep the following factors in mind. It will help you make a quick, informed decision.
Here’s the list of factors to consider:
1. Understand Your Website Needs
You can use WordPress to build any website, from a large e-commerce store to a simple standalone services website. Many leading brands like IKEA, Etsy, and Walmart use WordPress.
But before diving into hosting options, think of the size and scope of your website.
Is it going to be an e-commerce website?
Or will it run a simple blog?
An e-commerce website needs to handle large amounts of traffic. It also needs to provide secure payments.
On the other hand, if you’re running a simple blog, your needs will be different. You can do it with a basic WordPress hosting plan or a shared hosting service. But while doing this, make sure the hosting can scale with your growing business needs. It should support your website as it expands.
2. Speed and Performance
Digital marketing is becoming increasingly performance-focused. For one, Google’s core web vitals focus on performance.
That means you need to find a WordPress hosting service that offers lightning speed and performance.
Users expect fast-loading pages. Slow websites not only frustrate visitors but also negatively impact your conversions.
According to a study by Portent (2022), when pages load in 1 second, the average conversion rate is almost 40%. It goes down to 34% at a 2-second load time, dropping to just 17% at a 10-second load time.
So, when evaluating your WordPress hosting options, look for providers that offer high-speed servers and optimized performance.
Read reviews and performance tests. Also, look for providers offering features like content delivery network (CDN) and object caching. This can help you get the most out of your website.
3. Storage Space
Find out how much storage you need. Every website stores its files, emails, and other data on the server.
How much storage you need will depend on your website’s content. For instance, a vlogging website will have hundreds of videos. Heavy multimedia elements like images, videos, and podcasts need more storage.
Be sure the WordPress hosting plan you choose can support your storage needs. If you have a content-heavy website like an e-commerce site, go with expandable or unlimited storage options. Balance your current needs with future growth.
4. Hosting Provider’s Uptime
Uptime refers to how long your website’s server will stay up and running. The longer it stays up, the more accessible your website is. The downtime cost stood at around $9,000 per minute in 2023. However, it can be higher for larger websites and businesses.
Typically, you will need a WordPress hosting provider with at least 99.99% uptime. Talk to the service provider about their uptime guarantee. Ensure it gets reflected in the agreement, with measures to curb your losses should the worst happen.
5. Security Features
Secure WordPress hosting will keep your website and data safe from malicious attacks. Choose a hosting service provider that offers malware scanning and protection from cyber-attacks like distributed denial of service (DDoS).
Also, check if the service provider offers daily data backups. Regular backups can help you quickly restore your website during a security breach. Similarly, the service provider should offer SSL certificates, data encryption, and firewalls. These security measures will keep your website safe from potential hackers and cyberattacks.
6. Compatibility with Plugins
Plugins are the heart of WordPress development. These small bits of code let you create a feature-rich and easy-to-use website. A typical WordPress website can use around 20-30 plugins. That said, a feature-packed website can easily have more than 50 plugins.
However, if you rely on specific WordPress plugins, ensure the hosting service is compatible with them.
The WordPress hosting service might not let you use some plugins due to security concerns. Ensure your host allows you to use the plugins you want and provides enough storage space for them.
7. Check for Web Hosting Support
Digital agencies and WP website owners are no strangers to server-related issues. Think of high-quality and quick support as your lifeline. It can have your website up and running in no time.
Your website can go down at any time. So, look for a WordPress hosting provider with comprehensive, 24/7 support. That means live chat, phone support, email, and ticket systems.
Responsive WordPress hosting can mean the difference between a quick fix and extended downtime for your site. So do your research and find a hosting provider with reliable customer support.
8. Compare Pricing Plans
WordPress hosting prices range from under $10 to a few hundred a month. While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, it might not be a good idea. Weigh the benefits of a WordPress hosting plan against its cost. Cheaper plans often lack crucial security features. Some providers may also have hidden costs.
Also, the plan should be scalable. Ask about the cost of upgrading. Some plans may be cheaper at first. However, the upgrading costs can quickly burn through your budget.
Types of WordPress Hosting
WordPress hosting comes in different types, each with pros and cons. Understanding the pros and cons of each hosting will help you choose the right one. Here’s what you need to know.
1. Dedicated Managed WordPress Hosting
Dedicated managed WordPress hosting means you get a server solely for your website. It’s fully managed by the provider who handles all the technical aspects.
Pros:
- You have full control over security measures, ensuring enhanced security for your clients’ websites.
- Managed hosts take care of updates for WordPress core, themes, and plugins, reducing the risk of security vulnerabilities.
- Enjoy peace of mind with security measures like firewalls, malware scanning, and DDoS protection included in your hosting package.
- Your clients’ websites will load faster thanks to servers optimized specifically for WordPress.
- With dedicated resources, you can guarantee optimal performance for every website you host.
- Rest easy knowing that daily backups of your client’s websites are taken care of automatically.
Cons:
- Dedicated hosting comes at a higher cost compared to other options.
2. Shared Managed WordPress Hosting
In shared managed WordPress hosting, your website resides on a server shared with other websites but is managed by the hosting provider.
Pros:
- Benefit from essential security measures like firewalls, malware scanning, and DDoS protection, keeping your clients’ websites safe.
- Enjoy faster loading times with servers optimized for WordPress.
- Save time and effort with server management and maintenance tasks handled by your hosting provider.
- Automatic daily backups of your client’s websites.
- Managed updates for WordPress core, themes, and plugins to ensure your clients’ websites stay secure and up to date.
Cons:
- Risk of server overload and downtime.
- Limited allocation of server resources as there are many websites hosted.
3. Unmanaged WordPress Hosting
Unmanaged hosting is fast becoming an attractive option. This WordPress hosting involves the host managing physical maintenance while you take care of the rest. You’ll do almost everything, including installation, configuration, updates, security patches, and managing any issues.
Pros:
- Save on hosting costs with unmanaged hosting, making it a budget-friendly option.
- Host multiple CMS platforms under one website, giving you flexibility in your development approach.
- Customize server settings and configurations according to your specific needs and preferences.
- Take full control over the WordPress core files, allowing for deeper customization when necessary.
Cons:
- Managing server tasks like updates, backups, and security can eat up your time without automated assistance.
- While cheaper, unmanaged hosting may not offer the same level of security as managed WordPress hosting.
- You’ll be on your own when it comes to resolving technical issues related to WordPress CMS.
8 Top WordPress Hosting Options
Let’s help you kickstart your search with a list of five WordPress hosting options. Our expert WordPress developers handpicked these options based on their features or the lack thereof. This list will hit the ground running for your search.
1. WP Engine
WP Engine is one of the most well-known WordPress hosting providers. It stands out for its exceptional performance and support.
What We Like:
- Reliable uptime
- Speedy site performance
- Excellent customer support
- Specifically optimized for WordPress
- Enhanced security features
- Scalable
What We Don’t Like:
- Can be expensive, especially for smaller websites or beginners
- Restrictions on certain plugins
- Occasional technical issues
2. Nexcess
Nexcess is tailored for scalability. It offers unique features for e-commerce websites. It is an excellent managed WordPress hosting option around.
What We Like:
- Easy-to-use tools for e-commerce websites
- High flexibility and security
- Easily scalable managed hosting
- Superb uptime
- Responsive and knowledgeable customer support
- Automatic scaling during traffic surges
What We Don’t Like:
- More expensive than its competitors
- Doesn’t provide a free domain name
- Offers only managed hosting solutions
3. Kinsta
Kinsta provides secure and fast hosting. We recommend it for high-traffic WordPress sites. It comes with security features like Enterprise-level firewall, DDoS protection, isolated container technology, and full SOC 2 compliance.
What We Like:
- State-of-the-art security measures
- Lightning-fast server speeds
- User-friendly dashboard
- Daily data backups
- Excellent 24/7 customer support
- Automated resource handling
- Free SSL certificate
- One-click staging environment
What We Don’t Like:
- Basic plans allow limited WP installations
- Premium services are more expensive than competitors
- Not suitable for budget-conscious site owners
4. DreamHost
DreamHost is a budget-friendly option. It is a fast, secure, and reliable WordPress hosting solution. It offers a 100% uptime guarantee along with many features. The best part of choosing this hosting service is you can select the CPU cores, storage, and memory you need.
What We Like:
- Free dedicated IP address
- Full root and shell access (SSH)
- DDoS protection
- 24/7 expert-level support
- User-friendly for beginners
- At least 1TB storage
- Affordable
What We Don’t Like:
- Customer support may not be as good
- Although affordable, it is not suitable for high-traffic websites
5. SiteGround
SiteGround is praised for its reliability and excellent customer service. It is a good alternative for websites of all sizes. The WordPress hosting provider also boasts excellent uptime records. It offers features like free daily backups and an in-built caching tool for improved site speed.
What We Like:
- Fast loading times
- Quick server response
- Excellent high uptime
- 24/7 phone support with an excellent track record
- User-friendly and easy-to-navigate
- Proprietary anti-bot artificial intelligence system
What We Don’t Like:
- Startup plans are affordable but offer only one website, 10 GB of storage, and 10,000 monthly visits
- The overall WordPress hosting price may increase after upgrading to a premium
6. Cloudways
Cloudways offers a flexible and user-friendly managed hosting platform for WordPress that is known for allowing users to choose their cloud provider from top services like AWS, Google Cloud, and DigitalOcean.
What We Like:
- Choice of multiple cloud providers
- Easy-to-use platform interface
- Free SSL certificates
- 24/7 customer support and live chat
- Free migration service
What We Don’t Like:
- Does not include email hosting- need to purchase an add-on
- Pricing can be confusing as it varies by the underlying cloud provider
7. AWS
Amazon Web Services (AWS) offers a robust and scalable solution for WordPress hosting with its extensive infrastructure capabilities. It’s ideal for businesses that need the flexibility to scale and customize their hosting environment extensively.
What We Like:
- Highly customizable and scalable
- Integration with a wide range of AWS services
- Reliable uptime and performance
- Enhanced security features
- Global data centers for faster content delivery
What We Don’t Like:
- Requires more technical expertise to set up and manage
- Can be more costly depending on the services used
- No direct support for WordPress unless managed through a third-party
8. AWS Lightsail
AWS Lightsail provides a simpler alternative to AWS’s more complex offerings, packaging VPS (Virtual Private Server) resources with straightforward pricing. It’s suited for smaller businesses or individuals who need a more contained solution.
What We Like:
- Simple and straightforward to set up
- Predictable monthly pricing
- Includes a static IP address
- Comes with built-in SSD storage
- Allows easy scaling
What We Don’t Like:
- Limited customization compared to full AWS offerings
- Not specifically optimized for WordPress without additional setup
- Smaller resource allocations at lower price tiers
Conclusion
Investing in the right hosting provider is just the beginning of your WordPress journey. For one, it will help your website load quickly, stay safe from cyberattacks, and provide an excellent user experience.
Our Server hosting management services can help maintain and optimize your site efficiently. Ready to start? Get in touch to keep your website at its best.
