How to Host WordPress on Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
One of the most popular and highly-regarded content management systems (CMS) in the world is WordPress. More than 70 million websites are powered by this CMS, and over 300 million more use it to some degree. This makes it the most downloaded CMS in the world. And as you might imagine, with such mass appeal there are many ways to host WordPress. From the very simple to the most complex setups, this article will tell you about the different ways you can host WordPress on Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
The Simple Way
One of the most basic and popular ways to host WordPress is to use a web server such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Digital Ocean. These web servers are extremely affordable and offer a simple solution for those looking to get started with WordPress hosting. But as we’ve mentioned, this is a very simplistic approach that might not offer the performance or reliability required by some businesses or websites.
Managed WordPress
The managed WordPress approach to hosting takes the reins out of your hands and handles everything for you. This can be a great way to host WordPress if you’re looking for someone else to take care of the details so that you can focus on what’s important to you. One of the most popular managed WordPress hosting providers is Bluehost. Bluehost offers a reliable and affordable service that supports all major platforms, including WordPress.
Cloud WordPress
The cloud WordPress approach to hosting means that your website’s content and software are stored remotely on a server. This allows you to access your site anytime you want from any device. The popularity of this approach to hosting is due to the wide availability of cloud services, such as Google Cloud Platform (GCP). GCP allows you to easily set up a high-performing, secure, and reliable website in no time at all.
One of the most popular and reliable cloud WordPress hosting providers is WPOX, which is also one of the first companies to offer managed WordPress hosting. With WPOX, you get all the power of a fully-managed WordPress site with the added security of being on the Cloud. This is a great option if you’re looking for a reliable, high-performing solution that’s also fully-managed and customizable.
VPS With WordPress
Another option for those seeking a simple and reliable solution for hosting WordPress is a virtual private server (VPS). With a VPS, you get everything you need to create a fully functioning WordPress site, including a dedicated IP that allows you to monitor and control your site from any location. This is a popular option for those seeking to establish an online presence and could be a better fit for those seeking to explore the concept of WordPress hosting. But despite its popularity, a VPS is far from a perfect solution.
One of the most important things to consider with a VPS is that you’re sharing your server with other sites. This means that if you experience any performance issues or experience any downtime, it could potentially affect other websites as well. This is why, as we mentioned, a VPS might not be the best choice for everyone. But for those looking for a simple solution, it’s a viable option.
Self-Managed WordPress
An even simpler option for those seeking to host WordPress is to go the extra mile and manage the site yourself. This option puts you in full control of everything from the server setup to the theme and plugins you use. You have total power and customization over the site, including the ability to upgrade and optimize it for performance. While this might sound like an ideal solution to those seeking a fast and stable website, it’s a solution that comes with its own set of challenges. For example, if you’re not experienced with technical stuff, setting up and maintaining a high-performance site might not be a simple task. Plus, if you’re going the DIY route, you have to handle all the security and maintenance of the site yourself. This responsibility is more than some might be willing to handle. But if you’re looking to dive in headfirst, this might be the option for you.
Free WordPress Blogs
If you’re looking for a free WordPress blog service, you can’t go wrong with Blogger.com. This is one of the most popular and well-known blogging services in the world, and it’s totally free. All you need to do is create a free blog and you’re good to go. There are no limits to the number of posts you can make or the size of your audience. And if you ever decide to discontinue the service, you can easily remove the blog and its content from your account.
Another great option for those seeking a free blogging platform is Medium. Like Blogger, Medium is another popular blogging service that’s free. It was originally built for writers and bloggers but it’s actually much more versatile than simply being a blog hosting platform. For example, if you have a product to sell, or a service to advertise, you can use Medium to build a brand awareness campaign. Or if you have a podcast, you can use Medium to stream episodes to your audience in one place.
WordPress.com is also a great option for bloggers who want to take their blogging activity to the next level. This is the official website of WordPress, so if you ever need assistance or have any questions regarding the platform, this is the place to go. Plus, you get access to a large audience of fellow WordPress users who can help get you started or answer any questions you might have about the platform. This is a great resource for anyone seeking to get started with a WordPress blog.
Why Go Digital Ocean?
Now that we’ve looked at the different options for hosting WordPress, it’s time to explain why Digital Ocean is one of the best solutions available. First off, let’s discuss what makes it special. Digital Ocean is known for its ultra-reliable infrastructure and ultra-affordable pricing. In addition, it offers a fully-managed service which makes it simple for those seeking to get started with WordPress. But the best part is that it’s incredibly easy to use. After you login, you’ll see a dashboard that presents you with all the necessary information you need to get started. From there, it’s just a matter of following the simple step-by-step instructions to configure the server for use with WordPress.
To give you a better idea of how simple it is to use Digital Ocean, here’s a short video guide that’ll walk you through the entire setup process.
Now that you have your Digital Ocean account all set up and confirmed, it’s time to move on to the fun part which is deploying and configuring your WordPress site. To do this, log in to your account, then click on the gear icon in the upper-right corner of the screen. From there, click on Settings and then click on the WordPress icon. From the WordPress dashboard, click on the Settings link to view all the necessary options to configure your site. Make sure to pay close attention to the security part as this is where you’ll need to enter a key to access your site. Don’t worry, this is something you’ll need to do anyway if you decide to host the WordPress on the server. So it’s not like it’s a secret key! Finally, click on the Upgrade WordPress button to begin the process of upgrading your WordPress site to the latest version. This step is necessary to ensure that you have the most recent and functional version of WordPress on your site. Once your site is upgraded, click on the Log in To button to log in to your WordPress site.
From here, you can navigate to any post and make necessary changes. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even go back and forth between the Post and Page tables to find the exact place you want to make changes. In addition, if you’re new to WordPress, this is a good place to learn the ropes.