How to Choose the Best WordPress Hosting for Your Budget
WordPress is the world’s #1 Content Management System (CMS); there are tens of millions of websites using it. Many businesses, bloggers, and individuals use it to build their online presence because of how easy it is to use and the tons of features that it provides.
If you’re thinking about building a WordPress site but don’t want to break the bank, then you need to choose the right hosting provider. In this guide, we’ll discuss the different types of hosting available and how to choose the best one for your budget.
Traditional Web Hosting vs. Hosting Providers
Traditional web hosting is when you buy a domain name, install WordPress on a server, and then provide web pages to be viewed on the Internet. Most web hosts will provide you with a free option, but these days, even a basic plan usually comes with some sort of financial commitment. While this style of hosting has been around for a while, it’s not necessarily the most practical solution for everyone.
Hosting providers are the new kid on the block; with the rise of the content manager, businesses are finding that they can outsource the management and upkeep of their web properties to specialists. Think of a hosting provider as a virtual assistant who takes care of all the administrative work so that you can focus on your content.
As a brand or business owner, you don’t necessarily need to be tied to a hosting provider; however, it’s a great solution when you’re looking for a hassle-free way to host your WordPress site. Whether you’re a blogger or a business owner who wants to connect with potential customers, a hosting provider can help you out.
Shared Hosting vs. Bean Counters
Shared hosting is when you share a server with multiple websites. The cost of shared hosting is cheaper than traditional web hosting because you’re not buying individual servers to house each of the websites. Shared hosting has several drawbacks, and as a result, it’s not the best option for everyone. For one, you’ll be giving up some control over the environment because they’ll be managing the hardware and software for the multiple sites.
The upside is that you’ll be sharing the cost of hardware and software with multiple sites, which can significantly reduce your monthly expenses. Additionally, because shared hosting is more affordable, it’s more easily accessible to a larger audience.
Bean counters are an old-school term for databases, and these days, they’re most often used by large businesses to keep track of their accounts. Even though they’ve been around for a while, bean counters are still an essential part of any business’s information technology (IT) department, and their usage continues to grow.
The downside to bean counters is that they’re not designed to be user-friendly, and the process of entering data can be quite time-consuming. Remember, too, that they’re only as good as the information you give them; if you have a few different customer accounts, you could end up with some weird duplicates because of how the software stores information. Additionally, if you start getting too many hits with your site, then they may charge you more as a performance improvement, so it’s always good to be mindful of these things before you reach that point.
VPS Hosting vs. Dedicated Hosting
Virtual Private Server (VPS) hosting is basically shared hosting with the addition of additional features. These servers use virtualization to provide you with a sandboxed environment where you can install and run multiple WordPress installations. VPS hosting is a great solution for people who want to try out WordPress but don’t have the time to setup and run a server themselves.
Dedicated hosting is when you buy a standalone server and install WordPress on it yourself. You’re not sharing the server with anyone else, which provides you with greater control over the environment. The downside to dedicated hosting is that it’s more expensive and requires more maintenance to keep it running smoothly.
Cloud Hosting
Cloud hosting is basically a suite of products and services where you can launch websites and apps without needing to worry about server maintenance or setting up the hardware yourself. This type of hosting provides you with a virtual computer where you can install and run your WordPress site. It also gives you access to a team of experts who can help you maintain and grow your site.
The advantage of using cloud hosting is that you don’t need to buy additional equipment to run your site. All you need is a PC, smartphone, or tablet to access the software. Additionally, because the websites are stored on remote server farms, you won’t need to worry about performance issues or getting your site suspended due to excessive traffic.
Unfortunately, not all cloud hosting providers are created equal, so it’s important to do your research before you decide which one you’ll use. Do some research online and read reviews from previous customers. This way, you can be sure that you’re not getting trapped into paying for features that you don’t need.
Once you’ve determined that cloud hosting is the way to go, the next step is to decide which plan to go with. You have three options here: free, basic, and pro.
The Free Option
The free option is pretty self-explanatory; you don’t need to pay a cent. You can create an account with any major web host and launch your WordPress site immediately. The only downside to this plan is that you don’t get much in terms of resources (bandwidth and storage), so don’t expect your site to perform well.
The Basic Option
For those of you who are looking for a hassle-free solution and don’t mind doing some of the work yourself, the basic option is for you. You get a free domain, and you can install WordPress on a Linux-based server. Many web hosts offer this service to new customers who want to try it out. The catch is that you have to commit to at least 12 months of service to get the bonus features (like backups and free domain privacy) that come with the plan. After that, the price will be $5 per month.
The Pro Option
If you’re looking for a robust solution that provides you with all the features you could possibly want, then the pro option is what you need. This plan comes with all the bonuses from the basic plan plus a free dedicated IP, which provides you with the privacy and security you need to run a successful site. The downside to the pro plan is that it’s a bit more expensive than the other two options. However, if you’re looking for a long-term solution and don’t mind doing some of the work yourself, it’s worth it.
At this point, you might be wondering how much all this costs. Well, traditionally, you’d pay for the server and then shell out money each month for web hosting. Today, you’ll find a variety of hosting prices, from free to expensive, so it’s worth it to do some research before you make a purchasing decision.
Additionally, be sure to check out the different hosting plans that each provider offers before you make a decision. Some web hosts may offer additional features like free domain privacy or free backups that come with other plans. Do some research and you’ll be able to find the perfect host for your needs.