How to Find the Best WordPress Host
Looking for the perfect wordpress host? Don’t know where to start? Don’t worry, here’s a guide to help you find the best wordpress host for your needs.
Key Takeaways
There are a few things you need to keep in mind when choosing a wordpress host. These include but are not limited to the following:
- Product
- Reliability
- Features
- Skills (customer support, etc.)
- Cost
- Pricing
- Additional Services (free backups, etc.)
Let’s explore each of these factors in more detail.
Product
The product you pick plays a crucial role in your decision. How much are you willing to spend on a product that suits your needs? Consider the following points before buying a product:
- Features
- Reliability
- Product Support
- Upgrading
- Cost
- Pricing
- Additional Services (free backups, etc.)
You’ll use features to operate the platform, so it’s important to understand what those features are and how they work. Some vendors provide a free trial, so you can test the waters and see how the product suits your needs before buying it. You can also read reviews about the product from previous customers to see how others feel about the product and whether or not it lives up to expectations.
Reliability
The reliability of a product is generally gauged by two factors: service levels and uptime. The first factor measures the time it takes for a vendor to respond to support requests. The second factor measures the platform’s ability to stay online and functioning at peak performance levels without experiencing any unscheduled downtime. The following are some indicators you might want to keep an eye out for:
- SLAs (Service Levels Agreements)
- DNS Resolver
- Email Deliverability
- Whois Privacy
- Domain Parking
- Domain Transfer
- Security
- GDPR Compliance
- Dedicated IPs
- SSH Access
- Cloudflare Page Protection
- 24/7 Phone Support
Let’s briefly explore each of these factors in more detail.
Product Support
The type of support you need depends on the features your product offers. Some products have an in-house knowledgebase, while others ask you to seek assistance through email or live chat. The level of support you receive also depends on which plan you choose. For example, some vendors offer basic, standard, or premium support. Depending on your needs, you might want to consider the level of support you need and the pricing.
Upgrading
Products are designed to be used with specific versions of WordPress. If you plan on upgrading your WordPress installation at some point in the future, you’ll need to ensure that your chosen product can support the newer version of WordPress you’re using. Upgrading can be a tedious and time-consuming process, so it’s important to pick a product that can be upgraded with relative ease. When selecting a product, make sure you consider the upgrade path and any additional services the product offers to make the process easier.
Cost
The cost of a product is generally calculated by taking into consideration the cost of one server plus a one-time license fee. Consider the following factors when choosing a cost-effective alternative:
- Pricing
- Reliability
- Feature Set
- Product Support
- Additional Services (free backups, etc.)
There are many reputable and affordable products available. Before buying a product, make sure you do your research and learn about the terms and conditions of the offer. Some vendors offer special pricing for students and businesses that qualify as a ‘small’ or ‘medium’ sized company.
Pricing
The pricing of a product is usually calculated by taking into consideration the cost of one server plus a one-time license fee. Consider the following factors when choosing an inexpensive option:
- Pricing
- Reliability
- Feature Set
- Product Support
- Additional Services (free backups, etc.)
Many vendors offer highly discounted or even free trials. You can take this opportunity to test out the product and see how it suits your needs before buying it. Remember, the pricing for a product can change at any time and it’s always best to look at the current price to ensure you’re getting the best deal possible.
Additional Services
The additional services offered by a product are almost always worth considering. Some vendors provide free backups, while others offer automated disaster recovery. Other products offer specialized hosting for specific applications like eCommerce or web hosting for WordPress.
Some additional services offered by a product might require a paid subscription (e.g., cloudflare page protection or domain parking). Although these services increase the value of your product, you might not want to choose this option if it’s not directly related to your area of expertise. It’s always best to look at the key strengths of a product and choose the one that matches your needs best. When it comes to selecting an additional service, it’s important to weigh the cost against the benefits.
To help you find the best wordpress host for your needs, let’s examine the factors that should influence your choice.