Which Hosting Plan Should I Choose for My WordPress Site?
There are many choices when it comes to web hosting, and most business owners and blog owners will be aware of the various benefits and quirks of each one. Knowing what to look out for and which plan to choose can be tricky, especially since hosting companies and plans continue to grow and evolve, and new features and plans are added often. In this article, we’ll run down the various aspects to consider when choosing a WordPress hosting plan, including pricing, features, performance, reliability, and security.
Features
The first thing you’ll want to consider is what features you need for your site. Do you need a free domain? What is the most important to you – speed or security? Are you looking to add features like SEO, online surveys, or video hosting?
For those who seek faster loading speeds, the best option is Dream Host, followed by Bluehost and Hostgator. Each of these providers offer simple one-click installs, as well as optional features that provide incredible marketing benefits.
Security is a top priority for most websites, and among the best options for this are Hostgator and Bluehost. While the former is a bit more expensive, it offers an industry-leading security feature set that will keep your website safe from dangerous elements.
Pricing
Pricing is always a key consideration when choosing a web host, and this should not come as a surprise, given how much internet traffic websites generate. The cost of a web hosting plan will vary depending on several factors, including the amount of traffic you expect to receive, whether you need a free domain, and what type of features you need. In most cases, the higher the traffic, the higher the price.
If you are looking for a free domain, then Cloudways is the best option, as they offer a free custom domain for one year. After that, you will have to pay $5 per month.
If you need a free domain and you are looking for a host with excellent customer support, then Namecheap is where you should look. Not only do they offer a free domain with every purchase, but their customer support is second to none.
Performance
Performance is always a key consideration when choosing a web host, and this should not come as a surprise, given how much internet traffic websites generate. The speed at which your website loads will have a significant impact on your overall business, especially if your visitors have to wait for content to load before they can continue browsing.
For those seeking exceptional performance, then Bluehost and Hostgator are the best options. Each of these companies offer incredible features and perks, as well as top notch support, which we’ll discuss in more detail below.
Reliability
The reliability of a web host is indicated by uptime percentages, which measure the amount of time your site is available to visitors every day. Having a site that is unavailable even for a minute can have a devastating impact on your business, especially if you use your site to draw in visitors from overseas.
As a general rule of thumb, the more reliable a web host, the better it is for your website. When it comes to reliability, then Bluehost and Hostgator are the best options, followed by Dream Host and Hostpapa. Each of these providers offer incredible service levels, as well as support that is available 24/7/365 via phone, email, and live chat.
Security
Security is another important consideration when choosing a web host, especially if you’re dealing with financial information or important documents on your site. There are two aspects to security: data safety and privacy. When choosing a host, make sure to look out for terms of service that detail how your personal information will be handled, as well as whether or not you have ownership of your data once you upload it to the host.
The best option for businesses that seek privacy and security is Hostinggator. Not only do they offer a free domain, but they also offer 256-bit encryption and security certificates, as well as ‘shadow’ hosting, which hides your site’s true location from visitors.
Value
The value of a web host is indicated by various metrics, notably prices, features, and performance. As with pricing, value will vary depending on your needs and what features you need. High performing, reputable companies usually charge more, but you should not be afraid to look for a bargain if needed.
For instance, if you are seeking exceptional performance and reliability then you should look to the budget and seek a deal or free trials before committing to any plan. Alternatively, if you are seeking a free domain then you should look at the cost-benefit analysis and consider whether or not the feature is worth the cost.
After you’ve determined what features you need and how much you’re willing to spend, it’s time to look into the various options. If you’re seeking exceptional performance and value, then Bluehost and Hostgator are where you should look. Not only do they offer a free domain with every purchase, but they also offer incredible 24/7 support, huge savings, and top notch performance.
If you’ve decided that you need a free domain and value performance and reliability, then Cloudways is where you should look. Not only do they offer a free domain with every purchase, but they’ve also got stellar reviews, top notch security, and 24/7 support via phone, email, and live chat.
To determine the best web host for your needs, then consider the metrics above, as well as the features that matter the most to you. With so many choices, it can be difficult to know where to begin, especially since features and pricing are constantly changing, and new plans and promotions emerge all the time. By taking the time to do some research, however, you can be rest assured that you’ve made the right choice for your needs, and can continue growing and developing your site, confident in the knowledge that you’ve made the right choice for years to come.