What’s the Best Host for WordPress?
WordPress is undoubtedly one of the most popular content management systems (CMS) used today, with over 26.6 million downloads from Google Play. Its popularity is likely due to its ease of use and the fact that it is a free and open source platform, which means that developers can easily create innovative and personalized experiences for users.
However, not all hosts are equal, and not all are made equal. While there are many free hosting options available out there, not all of them are suitable for use with WordPress. In this article, we will discuss what to look out for when choosing a hosting provider for your WordPress website.
Server Performance
The speed at which your server can respond to requests is paramount. Nobody wants to spend a lot of time waiting for a website to load, especially when you are trying to provide value to your visitors.
The good news is that most web hosts offer fast performance through their shared hosting plans, which means that you won’t have to worry about slow loading times. However, even with the fastest servers available, it’s still not fast enough. If you are looking for a truly exceptional experience, you should consider a VPS (Virtual Private Server) or a bare metal dedicated server.
Security
The security of your WordPress website is also important, particularly if you are running a business online. You don’t need anyone to hack into your website and steal your customers’ personal information, so make sure that your web host is secure and offers the best possible protection against this type of attack.
Although the hosting market has changed a lot over the years, cybercriminals have become incredibly sophisticated, and they are constantly trying to find ways to break into websites and servers. This is why it is so important to look for a web host that is secure, as well as being easy to use and highly customizable.
Features
Another important factor to consider when choosing a web host is the features that it offers. You want to find a host that is capable of offering the functions you need, without any limitations. A great feature-rich web host that is also extremely secure is 1&1, as they offer additional layers of security through their unique SSH (Secure Shell) protection and daily backups.
The features that your chosen host offers should not be limited to security, as you also need high performance and a stable environment for your site to function correctly, and these aspects relate mainly to the server hardware and software, as well as the bandwidth that is available to you. A feature-rich web host will typically have all of these, so make sure to look for signs of versatility and innovation when considering the features that your host offers.
Research
Finally, you need to do your research before choosing a web host. Ensure that you are aware of all the aspects that could effect the performance and security of your site, as well as the pricing plans that they offer. By thoroughly researching all of these factors, you will be able to make the right decision for your needs.
To save you the effort of doing all of this research yourself, we have compiled a list of everything to consider before choosing a host for your WordPress website.
Cost
The cost of your web host is one of the most important factors to consider, as you will be paying for the service on a monthly basis. The cost will depend on the size of the server that you require, as well as the level of service that you need, so make sure to look for the cheapest option that offers the features you need. You should also consider whether you need a dedicated IP address (instead of a shared one) to prevent any potential DNS issues later on, as well as whether you need high availability (multiple servers handling requests) or just high performance (which is usually provided by a VPS).
The cost of a VPS hosting plan is typically cheaper than that of a shared hosting plan, and it’s suitable for use with WordPress, as well as other platforms like Joomla!, Drupal and Magento, which makes it very versatile.
User Friendliness
Besides the cost, another important factor to consider when choosing a web host is the user interface (UI). You want to find a user-friendly option that is as simple as possible, and that’s not just for new users, but even for experienced ones. While it is important to have a UI that is easy to use, you also want to have options available, so that even if you aren’t tech-savvy, you can still manage your site easily.
Easy to use cloud hosting services, such as Bluehost, are perfect for those who aren’t tech-savvy, and they provide a wealth of features, along with a highly-optimized WordPress installation. Another great option is Wix, which is a free website builder that is suitable for creating both small and large websites alike. What’s more, Bluehost and Wix also provide free backups, free domain privacy, as well as free SSL certificates, so you don’t need to worry about security either.
Customization
With WordPress, you have the ability to fully customize the platform, both structurally and functionally, to fit your needs. There are additional themes (template layouts) that you can choose from, as well as plugins (additional features) that you can install to change the way your site functions. If you are looking for an all-in-one solution that is extremely easy to use, then you should consider going with the popular TwentyThree theme by StudioPress, as it provides all of the functionality you need, and it’s highly customizable.
Support
Last but not least, you want to find a web host that provides world-class support. Not all web hosts are made equal, and some are simply better than others when it comes to support. You want to find a host that is available 24/7, and that provides quick responses to your questions, as well as those of their customers. A great support option is 1&1, as they offer additional layers of security through their unique SSH protection and daily backups. In addition, they also provide very responsive customer service, and they are committed to protecting the security of their customers’ data.
In conclusion, when choosing a host for your WordPress website, you need to consider a variety of factors, including price, performance, security and user-friendliness. Remember to do your research before choosing a host, as this can be complicated, and it’s not like choosing a regular hosting provider, where you know what you are getting into. With that being said, we hope that this article helped you in choosing the best host for your WordPress website.