What is the Best WordPress Hosting Service for Paying Monthly?
When it comes to website hosting, there are several options to choose from. You have the self-hosted option, which means you have full control over all aspects of your site and its functionality. Then, there’s the option of using a WordPress-based hosting service, which is where we’ll be focusing on today.
WordPress is the world’s #1 content management system (CMS), and it’s what we use here at GetPressibility. We love it because it’s powerful, flexible, and an entire ecosystem of tools and apps are built around it. Plus, it’s free!
But what is the best WordPress hosting service? The short answer is, it depends on what you’re looking for. Self-hosted options are best for those who want complete control over their site and are confident enough in their technical abilities. Otherwise, the cost-benefit analysis of using a hosted solution could be worthwhile. Let’s examine each option in more detail, as well as identify some of the differences between them.
Self-Hosted
If you’re looking for a totally free option, then the self-hosted option is perfect. Not only do you not have to worry about payment, but you also get to enjoy the full features of WordPress. No middleman.
With a self-hosted WordPress blog, you have total control over the look and feel of your site. You can choose from a variety of free themes that range from very simple to very complex, and you can always download and install new themes as needs arise. And, unlike with many other hosting services, you don’t have to ask the hosting provider for help when you run into trouble.
On the downside, setting up a self-hosted blog can be a bit challenging. You have to be confident in using HTML and CSS—the building blocks of websites—as well as your computer’s technical capabilities. Also, you have to be willing to upgrade your site as your needs change.
WordPress-Based Hosting Service
If you’re looking for a hosted WordPress solution, then you have a few options to choose from. Three companies—Bluehost, Pagely, and WP Engine—offer reliable, one-click WordPress installation, as well as free backups, which can be particularly useful for those who are new to the platform. All you have to do is enter your chosen hosting plan and pick a suitable domain name for your site (typically, this is your website’s address, e.g., https://myawesomewebsite.com).
Once you have your site up and running, you can use the 1-click installer from Bluehost to install WordPress to finish the setup process. You will then be presented with a login screen, where you can create an account if you don’t have one yet.
Key Differences Between Self-Hosted And WordPress-Based Hosting
While both have their perks, self-hosted and WordPress-based hosting provide some distinct advantages and disadvantages. Let’s examine the differences, along with how to choose the right option for yourself.
The main difference between the two is control. With a self-hosted blog, you have total control over the design and functionality of your site. As a result, you have the ability to do everything from change the layout to add plugins and features as you see fit. This level of control gives you the flexibility to tailor your site to perform the way you want it to.
However, this also means you have to take on the responsibility of maintaining the stability and security of your site. For this reason, setting up a self-hosted blog requires a bit more technical expertise than simply installing WordPress on a host. Plus, if you’re looking for a free option, then the lack of a middleman means there’s no one to assist you when things go wrong.
Another key difference between self-hosted and WordPress-based hosting relates to updates. To keep your site safe and stable, you have to make sure your WordPress installation is always up to date by ensuring you install the latest version of WordPress as soon as it’s available. This means you have to look out for notifications and alerts from WordPress itself, along with checking in with the WordPress community for security fixes.
On the other hand, with a hosted WordPress solution, you don’t have to worry about updating your site manually. The hosting provider will do this for you, and they will also alert you when an update is available. This is a major time saver if you’re constantly worried about security and stability issues.
Which One Should You Go For?
Ultimately, it depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re new to WordPress and don’t want to be bogged down by the technical aspects of setting up a blog, then the self-hosted option is perfect for you. You can take advantage of the numerous free themes available online and install WordPress manually, or you can use one of the many 1-click installers for WordPress, which makes the process quite hassle-free. In terms of cost-benefit analysis, you should also consider that a self-hosted blog is completely free, while the cost of a WordPress-based hosting service depends on the plan you choose.
If you’re looking for a reliable, free solution with all the features of a premium hosting service, then you should opt for a WordPress-based hosting service. Bluehost, Pagely, and WP Engine are all popular choices for this type of hosting plan. Just remember that, like with any other service, you won’t get what you pay for, and you should always compare prices and features before making a decision.