Does WordPress Include Hosting?
In this day and age, it is no secret that a website needs to have some kind of hosting to be able to be accessed by anyone at all. Without some kind of hosting, all of the content that is on the site is basically just sitting there, locked away, inaccessible to the general public. When you buy a wordpress blog package, this hosting is already included. However, not all web hosts are created equal. Some hosts may include features that you may or may not need, depending on what kind of site you are building. Sometimes it can be tricky to know what extra features are included, and which ones you should avoid if you are on a tight budget.
Comparing Shared Hosting To VPS And Dedicated Server
If you are new to the world of website hosting, you may be wondering which kind should you go with. There are actually three different types of hosting that you can choose from when building a website: shared hosting, dedicated hosting, and VPS hosting. Each of these types of hosting have their perks and quirks, so let’s take a quick look at each one.
Shared Hosting
Shared hosting is probably the most popular type of hosting, and for good reason. With shared hosting, all of the websites that are hosted on the same server share the same bandwidth (i.e. the amount of data that is transferred each day). For most people, this is enough, as it usually comes with a free plan that allows you to build a small site, with limited features, for free. If you want to make your site bigger and more reliable, you can always look into getting a paid plan. Many web hosts offer shared hosting plans, and you should have no trouble finding one that suits your needs.
Dedicated Server
Dedicated servers are only available from the most reputable web hosts, and for good reason. A dedicated server allows you to access extreme amounts of bandwidth, so if you are a massive blogger who gets lots of traffic, then this is the kind of hosting for you. A dedicated server gives you full control over the whole thing, and it doesn’t get released from its custody until you are done with it. Naturally, this kind of hosting is pretty expensive and requires a significant up-front investment. However, it also comes with a peace of mind that you cannot get with shared hosting, as it is literally dedicated to your use, and will not be affected by any other customers or website visitors. If you are looking for a dedicated server, be sure to consult with a reputable web host, as they can help guide you through the process.
Virtual Private Server
A virtual private server, or VPS, is a shared hosting plan that is accessed via the internet. This kind of hosting is a bit like shared hosting and dedicated hosting, but it has one crucial difference – only the host, and those who signed up for the service, have access to the VPS. Anyone else, including website visitors, cannot access the data that is stored on the server. So if you want to keep your data secure, as well as have access to more bandwidth, then this is the kind of hosting for you. Similar to dedicated hosting, getting a VPS is also an expensive process, but it can be managed and paid for on an ongoing basis. Like shared hosting, most people usually start with a free plan and then look into getting a paid one when they need more features.
Does WordPress Include Hosting?
WordPress includes hosting, so all you need to do is install the software, and you are good to go. However, if you decide that you need more features or have more than one site, then you should consider looking into adding extra hosting. Luckily, you can do this with relative ease, and it is free of charge. When you are setting up your site with WordPress, you will have the option to choose your preferred web host during the installation process. If you opt for the free option, you will end up with limited features, but at least you will have access to web space. On the other hand, if you decide to go with one of the premium plans, you will have access to all of the features, including the ones that are available on the free version. So, choosing a web host that comes with WordPress pre-installed is always a good idea, as it will save you the hassle of having to look for additional hosting once the software is installed.
What About Domain Registration?
In case you are curious, although hosting is included with the wordpress license purchase, domain registration is not. If you want to purchase a domain name and launch a website under that domain name, you will have to purchase a domain registration from a different company. The good news is that domain registration is usually affordable and can be a one-time only expense. Once you have registered your domain name, you can use it any time that you want to launch a website, even if you switch hosts. Just be sure to take note of the domain name that you have chosen and make sure that you update it whenever you switch web hosts.
Is Having A Pro-Account Worth It?
If you plan to do a lot of blogging or use social media for your business, then having a professional-looking account is worth it. A pro-account gives you the ability to monetize your content, and there are several hundred dollars in fees that you can earn each month. Most importantly, having a pro account provides you with additional features, such as the ability to reply to comments, schedule posts, and more. So, if you are serious about making money from your blog, then getting a pro account should not be overlooked.
Every type of hosting comes with its perks and quirks, and it’s important to do your research before making a decision. Once you know what you are looking for, it’s easier to find the perfect hosting plan for your needs. As technology advances, the way that websites are built and hosted changes as well, so make sure to keep up with the times, or at least be aware of what is going on.