10 Things You Should Know Before Buying WordPress Hosting
WordPress is the most popular content management system in the world. It is very easy to use, and lots of people can use it to create beautiful blogs and websites. Having said that, not all WordPress hosting is created equal, and there are several things you should know before purchasing a plan.
Features
One of the first things to check for is the level of support that the company offers. Do not just look at the price of the product. You should also look at the value that you get for your money. Some companies offer free support while others offer very basic functionality. You should try to find a middle ground where you get good value for your money.
Security
You should also review the security of the server where your WordPress will be hosted. This is especially important if you are sharing your server with other websites or hosting other types of services on the same platform. Make sure the company you are considering uses a secure (https) protocol to connect to your website. This ensures that while you are browsing the web, your personal information does not get stolen by hackers. It also ensures that your financial information is safe when making online purchases.
Backup
Another important factor to consider when purchasing WordPress hosting is whether or not they offer a backup service. It is fairly common for companies to offer this service for free but it is still beneficial to have a backup just in case your website gets hacked or you make a mistake that causes your site to go down. While there are several reputable hosting companies out there that offer this service for free, it is still beneficial to have a paid service that offers this security blanket. It is always best to be extra careful while on the internet, especially when using public Wi-Fi or connecting to unknown servers. The last thing any business or person wants is their data being stolen because of a hack or mistake.
Performance
Another important factor to consider when purchasing or leasing any type of web hosting service is the speed. The faster your website loads, the more visitors you will receive and the more money you will make. There are several tools online that you can use to test the speed of your site. For example, you can enter your website’s URL into a tool like GTmetrix. This will give you a good idea of how quick or slow your site is performing. If you are getting very poor results, it’s time to find a new hosting company.
Operating System
The last thing anyone wants is a website crashing all the time due to a malfunctioning operating system. While it is understandable that some people buy cheaper, less-expensive hosting plans because they think their site will perform better, this is usually not the case. Make sure the hosting company you are considering uses a stable and reliable operating system such as CentOS, Ubuntu, or Snow Leopard. It is also important to note that most hosting companies monitor and restrict the amount of resources your website uses. If you are getting frustrated because your site is slow, try looking into upgrading your hosting company.
Support
Whether you are new to WordPress or have been using it for years, it is important to look at the level of support available for any issues that you might encounter. Some companies only offer basic functionality and there is not much they can do to help you if you run into an issue. Others offer much more and are quick to respond to any questions you might have. It is always best to contact the company via email so you can get a response quickly should you need it. Do not just look at the price of the product; look at how much you are getting for your money and see if it’s worth it.
When it comes to purchasing hosting, there are several things you need to consider. The pricing of the product is not always the best indicator of value as there are several other factors you need to check for before making a decision. Having said that, cheap hosting does not always mean poor value as there are several reputable companies that offer very good service at a good price point. Do not be afraid to look for those types of services as you will certainly find them if you are willing to search effectively.