How to Choose the Fastest WordPress Hosting Service
WordPress is one of the most popular content management systems (CMS) in the world, holding the #2 spot on the Top 100 Best-Listed Websites. Launched in 2004, the open source platform allows users to easily create websites, blogs, and offline shops with ease.
The growth of WordPress and its hosting solutions has seen a massive boost since the pandemic. As more and more businesses have adjusted to working from home, digital nomads have found a new way to earn a living. And as more people are utilizing the platform, the demand for faster and more robust hosting solutions has increased.
There are a few key considerations to keep in mind when choosing the fastest WordPress hosting service. Keep reading for more information.
Features
The main attraction to any web host is the level of features they offer. At a minimum, you will want a reliable web host that supports some of the essential features of WordPress, such as a free domain, free backups, and free revisions.
Other features to consider include a free dedicated IP, free loading images on your site, free SEO tools, free content delivery network (CDN), free security scanner, etc.
When choosing a WordPress host, make sure to look for those that provide an excellent value and set of features for the price. Moreover, don’t just look at the price. You should consider all the aspects, because you will likely be using the service for a long time.
Performance
The level of performance you will get from a WordPress host is significantly influenced by the type of hardware and software they are using. For example, if you are using shared hosting, you will likely get a slow and sometimes unstable web server. With that said, a VPS (Virtual Private Server) provides a high level of performance for WordPress sites, as it runs on its own private server.
The price of a VPS begins at around $5 to $10 per month plus internet access, and usually includes features like free domain privacy, free backups, free storage, etc. If you are looking for the absolute fastest WordPress hosting solution, then consider a VPS.
Another key factor in the performance of your WordPress site is the database server. A high-quality and highly-performed database server will result in a fast loading website. One tip is to consider a hosted database solution, as this will speed up your site’s loading time by a great deal.
Scalability
Every business and organization can experience a period of rapid growth, which can eventually lead to a surge in website traffic. Therefore, it is essential to choose a reliable WordPress host that is equipped for handling high loads of traffic. Just imagine what the server and network hardware must be capable of handling if you are receiving millions of visitors per day.
The easiest way to determine the scalability of a host is to look at the number of their “current users”. A WordPress host that has already gained a sizeable audience is more likely to be able to handle your needs now and in the future. For example, if you are using WordPress for your blog, the number of current users for Bluehost is around 500,000+. This means that Bluehost can comfortably handle 500,000+ visits per day. On the other hand, if you are looking for a free host, then consider GoDaddy. They offer a free domain with every purchase, as well as a generous amount of storage and bandwidth, making it a perfect choice for beginners and small businesses.
Reliability
A truly reliable host is one that you can depend on to provide the goods they advertise. Moreover, you want to be sure that you are not losing any data due to server downtime or problems. For a business owner or manager, the last thing you want is to lose months of hard work due to a sudden server crash or malfunction.
To determine the reliability of a host, you can use various tools, including uptime tools, ping tests, etc. Just make sure to read reviews before making a purchase decision. Moreover, check out their support forums as well, as this will give you a good idea of how responsive and available their staff is should you have any questions or need assistance during set-up or operation.
Security
Another essential factor to consider when choosing a hosting provider is security. Just think about all the data you have on your website. Your website’s content, images, emails, etc. If any of these were to be leaked or damaged in anyway, this could significantly hurt your business. In extreme cases, this could even lead to a lawsuit.
For this reason, it is extremely important to choose a hosting provider that has a secure server. To ensure the safety of your data, look for those services that use the latest security technologies, such as an encrypted connection, secured backups, etc.
Support
Finally, it is important to consider the support you will receive from the host you choose. Just because a host is “reliable” does not mean they are necessarily willing to provide excellent support. So, it is important to make sure to consider this aspect as well. Ideally, you want a host that provides 24/7 support, as well as fast response times. For example, if you need to contact support to resolve an issue, you want to make sure that someone gets back to you quickly and that the solution is effective.
Just remember: the more you pay, the more you get. So, if you are looking for a luxurious experience, then consider paying extra for premium features.
In summary, when choosing a host for WordPress, make sure to consider all the aspects discussed above. Moreover, don’t just look at the price. You should consider all the aspects, because you will likely be using the service for a long time. And finally, make sure to read reviews before making a purchase decision.