Managed Hosting with WordPress – Is It Right for You?
Managed hosting is probably the most popular choice for those who are looking for a simpler, more streamlined option when it comes to hosting their websites. What is managed hosting? Basically, with managed hosting, you tell the web host what content you want to host on your site and they take care of the rest. You don’t need to worry about setting up databases, email servers, or anything like that. All you need to do is upload your content and they will take care of everything else.
Features of Managed Hosting
There are several benefits to using managed hosting, not the least of which is that you don’t need to worry about much of the technical stuff involved in running a website. That is a relief to some people, especially since this kind of hosting is relatively inexpensive. Another significant advantage is that you don’t need to be assigned a specific IP address when using this form of hosting. Most web hosts provide you with a free domain and you can use that instead. Finally, you don’t need to worry about backups or server maintenance because those tasks are taken care of by the host. They are always available to help you whenever you need it and they ensure that your site is always running smoothly.
Drawbacks of Managed Hosting
Despite the many advantages that come with managed hosting, there are some significant drawbacks that you need to be aware of before deciding to go this route. One of the biggest is that this kind of hosting is extremely limited when it comes to the features that you can use. Because these hosts take care of a lot of the routine technical stuff, you don’t have access to many advanced features that could potentially be useful. For example, you can’t install WordPress plugins or modify the appearance of your site with advanced tools like Widgets or Visual Composer. If you do need to make these kinds of changes, you will need to contact the host and ask them to help you. Not all of them are willing to do that, so you need to be aware of the limitations before making any solid decisions.
The Verdict
Ultimately, the decision to go with managed hosting or not really depends on what you are looking for. If you are a beginner, it is probably best to go with one of the many hosting providers that offer a simple, basic account. This way, you can get started for a relatively low cost and don’t have to worry about breaking the bank. As you become more familiar with what your site needs, you can consider moving to a more sophisticated host that offers more features and greater scalability. It really depends on what you are trying to do with your site.