Cheap UK Web Hosting for WordPress: A Review of the Best Options
A few years back, when websites were only used as an online brochure or a personal space to show off your art or musings, web hosting was something you only needed to consider once you had a website. But these days, a website is something you need to have and use daily. With all the different functions, features, and content management systems available, web hosting is easier to tailor to your specific needs than you’d think. In this article, we review the best options for cheap UK web hosting, as well as some lesser known but equally useful services.
Dreamhost vs Bluehost
Among the most popular web hosts, there is a huge difference in price and features. The industry standard for web hosts is to have a free version and a premium version, with the price difference being the pricing strategy. Typically, you will see cheaper web hosts with fewer features or restrictions than premium ones, but you should not be fooled — sometimes the cheapest option is not the best one. In some cases, you can actually get a better experience by paying for extra features.
We have discussed the importance of having a good host for your WordPress site in depth in a previous article. Choosing a web host is not a simple task, as there are so many different options and pricing structures to consider. But if you are looking for a cheap and reliable web host that provides a fantastic customer experience, then you should look no further. At the time of writing, you can get a free domain and hosting from Dreamhost for just $2.95 per month, along with 24/7 support and a feature-packed dashboard that makes establishing and running a website easy.
Features
One of the main reasons why you would go for a cheap web host over a premium one is to save money. But the flip side is that you lose some functionality, particularly when it comes to features. Nonetheless, you should not be fooled — even the cheapest web hosts are packed with features that will make your life much easier. Most importantly, you will gain the benefit of a free domain that you can use to build your website.
If you are looking for a genuinely cheap web host, then you should head over to Bluehost. With Bluehost, you get a free domain and you can install WordPress in just a few minutes. You will also need to purchase a custom-built theme for your site (the theme is included in the package), but the cost of building and maintaining your site is far lower than its equivalent with Dreamhost.
It is essential that you find a web host that has the features you need. Some of the more advanced features that you will find with a premium web host include CC license, dedicated IPs, free backups, and much more.
Reliability
Even though you are getting a bargain by paying for such a low price, you should still be aware that these hosts are not as reliable as premium ones. It is common knowledge in the industry that prices are going down, due to increased competition and customer demand. As a result, even the most reliable of the cheap web hosts can be hit by outages and downtime, especially during unprecedented busy periods.
If you are looking for a reliable and stable web host that you can depend on to keep your website online at all times, then you should consider opting for a premium option. However, even then, you should be aware that you are paying for the peace of mind that comes with having a dedicated IP, as well as a free health guarantee and priority support. Not all of these add-ons are offered by every web host, but it is good to know what they are and that they are typically included in the most expensive plans.
When it comes to reliability, the best overall option is Bluehost. Not only does it allow you to get started with a WordPress website for free, but its servers are based in Europe, ensuring that you receive fast, stable service around the clock. In addition, if you are paying attention to these sorts of things, you will note that Bluehost offers a one-week money back guarantee, a free domain privacy option, and a $2.95 cost-free transfer (plus $15 per domain, per month). Not bad for what is currently one of the most popular and well-known web host services around.
Customer Service
The last thing you need is to run into trouble with your web host, as this can seriously damage your business. To avoid such an event, it is essential that you use a web host that provides a 24/7 customer support, either by phone or chat. Even better if you can get a live responder, as soon as you open a ticket, someone will get back to you.
With all the different functionality, features, and content management systems available, you can be sure that there is someone out there to help you. If you are paying for a product, the last thing you want is to have problems that prevent you from using the service as intended. You would rather pay for a premium, so that you can enjoy the benefits of a live support team, who can get your issue resolved as soon as possible.
Security
Any business, brand, or personal web site could be at risk of being hacked or compromised. In fact, the number of websites that are breached and taken down by malicious hackers daily is rising sharply.
This is why you should ensure that your web host is kept up to date with the latest security patches and is using the most up-to-date web security software — whether it is a firewall, anti-virus, or dedicated security team. In addition to keeping your site secure, they should also be able to provide you with backup and disaster recovery solutions, as well as advice on how to prevent future hacks and security breaches.
If you are looking for a genuinely cheap and secure web host, then you should consider opting for a premium option, as even the cheapest web hosts are maintained regularly and have all the necessary security features.
With all the different plans and pricing options available, it can be tricky to find the right one for your needs. But if you are looking for a reliable and cheap UK web host with all the necessary features and a phenomenal customer service experience, then Bluehost is the clear choice. Not only do they have what you’re looking for, but they also have a 30-day money back guarantee, a free domain privacy option, plus they offer a $2.95 cost-free transfer (plus $15 per domain, per month). What’s not to like?