Do You Need Hosting for WordPress? Yes or No?
Whether you’re just getting started or you’re already established, hosting is vital if you want to keep your blog or website alive. After all, everyone knows that you can’t run a site without hosting. However, as with many other aspects of WordPress, there are several options available to suit different needs and budgets.
In this article, we will discuss the various hosting plans available for WordPress and what features you should look out for. Our aim is to help you make the right decision for your needs so that you can enjoy the benefits of a successful site without overpaying for unnecessary features.
Basic Hosting
This option, which is the most basic and cost-effective of the three tiers, simply provides your WordPress installation with an IP address and lets you do whatever you want with it. That means you don’t need to have any special software or applications to run your site. As a result, all the functionality of your site can be accessed from anywhere at any time.
However, even at this level, there are several features you should look out for. The first and most important thing to do is to check for any performance problems. After all, nobody wants to spend their time worrying about whether or not their site is functioning properly. If you notice any issues, you should consider upgrading your hosting at once.
The next thing to do is to install and configure the WordPress toolbar. This tool allows you to perform several important tasks, including editing your posts and setting up automated posts and/or pages. You can also use the WordPress toolbar to download the WordPress app (if you have one) or to upload media to your posts.
Pro Hosting
If you’re looking for a more professional-looking site, you should opt for this plan. It comes with everything you need to make your site look similar to a big-name website, including a customizable logo, a fully-equipped WordPress dashboard, free 24/7 tech support, and more.
One of the main differences between this plan and the previous option is the amount of storage space that is provided. While basic hosting provides you with only 1GB of storage, with this plan you get enough space for up to 30GB of data. As a result, you won’t need to pay extra for extra storage space whenever you buy a new book or download a big file.
The main features you’ll need to make the most of this plan are the ones mentioned below.
A WordPress Dashboard
One of the biggest differences between this plan and the previous two is the WordPress dashboard. While the WordPress toolbar allows you to perform several tasks from anywhere on the web, the WordPress dashboard acts as a central location where you can monitor and manage all the functionality of your site. This is where you’ll find all the widgets you need to enhance the functionality of your site, as well as where you can switch your site over to a different language or locale.
The WordPress dashboard also provides you with stats about how your site is performing, including traffic, hits, and so on. This is essential to ensuring you have enough data to make informed decisions about your future content. You can access this information from anywhere on the site.
Free Domain Name
This option gives you the most freedom when it comes to choosing a domain name for your site. Not only do you get to choose the domain name yourself, but you also get to keep the name even if you decide to change the hosting company later on. Of course, since this is the most expensive option, you should only use this if you’re sure you’ll stay with the hosting company for the long term. If you’re looking for a one-off payment, you should opt for the basic hosting option.
Fully-Equipped Database
This option provides you with a fully-equipped database, containing all the necessary structures and settings for your site to function properly. While the other two options only provide you with a database containing the most recent posts, with this one you get access to a complete and up-to-date database. As a result, you won’t have to worry about your content being outdated as soon as a new post is published.
The downside is that this option is the most expensive of the three, costing you $13.95 per month plus 20% on top of that. However, if you’re looking for a long-term commitment and don’t mind paying a little more upfront, this is the best option available.
In summary, if you’re looking for a solid, well-maintained WordPress host that provides you with all the features you need and is affordable, you should opt for the Pro Hosting plan. Don’t forget to check out our other guides on how to choose the right hosting plan for your needs. They are extremely helpful and will make choosing a hosting plan easier for you.