WordPress Hosting Pod: How to Host Your WordPress Website

While there are many reasons why you might want to host your WordPress website (and we’ve got you covered on that front with this article), it’s arguably the most popular CMS (Content Management System) on the web. It powers some of the biggest and most recognizable websites out there, so it’s pretty safe to assume that if you’re reading this, you either already have a site built with WordPress or are looking to do so.

Why WordPress?

The answer to this question is actually pretty straightforward: It’s extremely easy to use, has a huge active community, and boasts some incredible supporting features. Additionally, the platform is completely free, which means you’re not tied to a particular plan or pricing structure. Last but not least, it’s probably the most robust and adaptable CMS available, which makes it perfect for anybody looking to build a site that will stand the test of time.

What About Squarespace, HTML5UP, and Other Choices?

WordPress is the gold standard when it comes to web hosting platforms, and for good reason. It has the perfect combination of features and functionality that make it the perfect fit for anybody looking to launch a website. That being said, there are a number of other choices when it comes to web hosting, and they all have their perks. For example, Squarespace is a popular platform often touted for its simplicity, which many feel translates to increased user experience.

However, what Squarespace lacks in features it makes up for in price, as it costs only $4.95 per month, which is a fraction of the cost of WordPress.

Another popular and arguably great option is HTML5UP, which provides its users with a robust and feature-filled CMS that is designed for the web. While it doesn’t cost much to register for an account on HTML5UP, the platform does require a paid subscription after that, which starts at $12.95 per month. This could be an excellent choice for somebody who either needs or wants the features that come with a robust CMS such as this one, as well as the peace of mind that comes with being able to run a business-oriented website.

Choosing A Hosting Provider

Now that you’ve got your foot in the door with WordPress, you’ll probably want to choose a hosting provider. It’s crucial to pick a provider that offers all of the features you need and also happens to be highly affordable. Keep in mind, too, that many hosting providers offer specialized plans that are designed with startups in mind, so take into consideration what you’re looking for.

Basic Or Pro?

It’s very common for companies that provide web hosts to bundle in a variety of features that are designed to increase your productivity as a site owner. These types of plans come with features like free backups, free domain privacy, etc. Sometimes it’s better to go with the basic plan and avoid any hassles later on. When it comes to pricing, it’s best to go with the cheaper option initially, as you’ll eventually save money in the long run.

Features You Need

When choosing a web host, you’ll want to make sure that they offer the features you need. These days, every web host will boast a variety of features, but you can eliminate the ones you don’t need. Here’s a short list of what you should look out for:

  • Free Domain Name: Many providers allow you to choose a free domain name when you register, however, make sure you’re careful here because it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle and end up with a.com that you don’t own. The good news is you can always transfer the domain to your own name if this happens.
  • Free Domain Privacy: Depending on your needs, you might want to look into this option. With it, all of the domains that you create will be private by default, which means that only you will be able to access them. If you’re really looking for privacy, this is something to consider.
  • SSH Access: This is essential if you’re looking to do some advanced customization on your site or if you need to work with a designer or developer. Some web hosts will allow you to connect via SSH (Secure Shell), so you can use the terminal to access your server. This will give you full control over your website’s look and feel, along with providing you peace of mind that your data is safe.
  • Cloudflare CDN: This option gets saved for last because it’s pretty much self-explanatory. With it, all of your web content will be cached and served from Cloudflare’s global network, which is really fast. There’s also a CDN (Content Delivery Network) plugin that you can use to enhance your site’s performance even more.
  • Free SSL Certificate: This option gets saved for last because it’s pretty much self-explanatory. With it, all of your site’s content will be protected via SSL (Secure Sockets Layer), ensuring that your customers can really feel confident that they’re sending their credit card information over to a trusted website.
  • PHP Version: PHP stands for Hypertext Preprocessor, and it’s a widely-used open source programming language that allows web developers to create dynamic and interactive websites.
  • MySQL Version: This option gets saved for last because it’s pretty much self-explanatory. MySQL is a widely-used open source relational database management system (RDBMS) that many web hosts use to store information.
  • Free Backup: In case you’re looking for a web host that offers this feature, make sure you’re not getting fooled by false advertising. Some providers will offer this feature for free for a certain amount of time, however, the catch is that you’ll need to purchase add-ons like storage to make it worth their while. If you want to protect your content and domains against downtime and data loss, this is something to consider.
  • Free Domain Transfer: If you’re looking for a web host that charges you for domain transfers, steer clear of them. Instead, look for a provider that provides this service for free.
  • 24/7 Customer Support: Nobody likes to spend their time on the phone with a technical support person, so make sure that your web host is equipped with real live, qualified help available 24/7 via live chat or email. Some companies have fallen prey to “premium support” scams where they make you pay at the end of every conversation you have with them, so make sure you’re not getting fooled by asking for proof that they’re a qualified professional before you pay a dime.
  • Money Back Guarantee: If you’re looking for a trusted and trustworthy company with a history of delivering on their promises, consider Hostinger. They’ve been around for a very long time and have built a reputation for themselves as a company that stands behind their products. If you feel like you’re getting scammed by a company that isn’t delivering on their promises, you can always contact them and ask for a refund.

The above features should ensure that you have all of the necessary tools to launch and maintain a successful website. If you’re looking for a web host that has all of these features and is also highly affordable, then you should consider Hosting Pod.

How Do I Host My WordPress Website?

Now that you’ve got your WordPress website up and running, the next step is to figure out how to host it. The good news is it’s not hard. All you need is a hosting account and a few simple plugins to make sure everything runs smoothly. Let’s get started.

Step one: Get a hosting account.

The first step is to get a hosting account. This is where you’ll store your website’s content as well as the digital products ( like eBooks ) that you distribute via it. You’ll also be able to install various WordPress-related applications (.org,.com, or.net) on your site to optimize it for maximum visibility.

Step two: Install WordPress.

Now that you’ve got a hosting account, it’s time to install WordPress. To do this, visit https://wordpress.com/ and click the Install button. You’ll see a popup asking you to choose either Windows or OSX. Choose OSX (mac computers) and click the Install button. Now you’ll see a page asking you to Create a new WordPress Installation. Give it a name (like “The Hodgepodge” or “DIY Blog”) and click the Install button.