WordPress Hosting Reviews: Which Is the Best Host for You?
Since its inception, WordPress has been a thorn in the side of web host providers. Not only is it one of the most popular content management systems, but it also happens to be extremely configurable, displaying an array of features that many competing platforms can only dream of offering. And, of course, as the open-source software grows in popularity, so do its server demands—especially now that companies like Bluehost are offering free plans that pack in all the necessary features you could ever need for a successful blog or website.
But, as much as WordPress has impressed bloggers and website owners alike with its unique blend of flexibility and functionality, it’s not perfect—and that’s what makes it such a pain to work with when it comes down to selecting a web host. For starters, let’s take a quick look at what makes WordPress so special and why you should avoid the common mistakes that most digital nomads make when selecting a web host.
Why Should You Use Bluehost?
Although it is fairly new to the hosting scene, Bluehost has already managed to rack up an impressive amount of success. Launched in 2011, the web host offers a cost-effective solution to budding bloggers and website owners who want to test the waters of online publishing before committing to more expensive and complex solutions.
One of the best things about Bluehost is its commitment to innovation. Even though the platform was created with simplicity in mind, it still manages to pack in a lot of cool features that can’t be found anywhere else. For instance, you can integrate the Hootsuite social media dashboard in order to keep track of all your social media accounts in one place. Or you can use the built-in content scheduler to easily plan out content releases for the week.
Additionally, Bluehost has made a concerted effort to be as innovative as possible when it comes to easing the pain that is commonly associated with blogging and website building. For instance, the platform offers a money-back guarantee for its shared hosting plans, meaning that you have nothing to lose by trying it out. Furthermore, the company goes out of its way to provide top-notch customer support, enabling you to focus on running your business rather than having to worry about technicalities.
What About the Price?
If price is a concern and you’re on a tight budget, then Bluehost is certainly not the best choice. The $2.95 per month shared hosting plan is extremely affordable, enabling you to get started blogging or creating a website for free. Of course, it is not recommended that you use this plan for commercial ventures—especially if you’re just getting started. It’s always best to go for a paid hosting solution at this stage in your business career. However, if you’re looking for a simple and affordable solution that will give you the basics you need to get your blog or website up and running, then Bluehost is the perfect fit.
Why Should You Avoid GoDaddy?
If you’re looking for a one-stop-shop for all your web hosting needs, then GoDaddy is the obvious choice. Not only does it provide an excellent value for the price, but it’s also very easy to use. Plus, it offers a money-back guarantee if you meet the right conditions, assuring you that you’re not locked in to any type of commitment. What’s not to like?
Yes, GoDaddy is a well-established company that is widely used by both small businesses and bloggers worldwide. However, just because a hosting provider is popular does not mean that they are necessarily the best choice for you. Take the time to do some research before selecting a web host and you’ll surely enjoy the benefits that a better-quality service can bring.
Who Should You Avoid?
If you’re looking to save money, then you should avoid DreamHost and dedicated servers from Bluehost. The reason being that Bluehost is built on shared hosting technology, which enables it to provide excellent value for the price. However, as your business grows, you’ll realize that shared hosting is not the best option. Instead, you’ll want to opt for the VPS (virtual private server) or the Dedicated Server plan, which offer you more control and flexibility over the type of hosting that your website receives.
For those on a tight budget, it makes sense to go with DreamHost or BigRock, also offering an excellent value for the price. They are both well-established companies that have been around for years and are very popular among bloggers and business owners, meaning that there’s a large audience who may already be using their services and who might be willing to try out your website as well.
WordPress Hosting Recommendations
There are so many different types of hosting solutions available, each one boasting its own unique set of features and advantages. For those looking for an easy-to-use and cost-effective solution, then WordPress Hosting is the perfect choice. Not only does it provide the basics (a free domain and a free website template) but it’s also extremely easy to use and configure. What’s not to like?
WordPress Hosting is owned by Enom, which is one of the most trusted and reputable companies in the industry. Furthermore, the service is quite easy to use, enabling even those with limited tech savvy to get up and running with a new website without spending too much time messing around with code. Of course, if you’re looking for something a little more enterprise-level, you can contact Enom for assistance—especially now that they are a trusted partner of WordPress itself.
Additionally, as mentioned above, WordPress is incredibly flexible and can be customized to fit the needs of almost any type of business or blog. What’s more is that it’s very popular, meaning there’s a large audience who may already be using the software and may be interested in your product or service.
In summary, WordPress Hosting is a great choice for those looking for a free solution who want to get started online or for those who want to save money and don’t want to overpay for dedicated servers.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a stable and robust solution, then you should avoid ThinkGeek, Bluehost, and HostGator—not because of the quality of their service but because of the type of server they provide. Why? ThinkGeek and Bluehost provide shared hosting solutions, meaning that your website will share servers with other customers, while HostGator offers a VPS solution, which provides you with greater stability and performance.
What About Hostgator?
In terms of cost-effectiveness and flexibility, Hostgator is hard to beat. The company is a bit pricier than its competitors but, for those who are seeking a robust solution and don’t want to sacrifice stability or performance, Hostgator is the perfect choice. What’s not to like?
From the onset, it is important to note that Hostgator provides a money-back guarantee for its shared hosting plans. The company also provides free backups, free domain privacy, free weekly website boosts, and free marketing help to boot. And did we mention that Hostgator provides a free dedicated IP address?
As you can see, Hostgator offers an excellent value for the price and for those seeking a fast and easy solution, it’s almost hard to find a bad thing to say about the service.
Dedicated Servers Are A Great Solution
If you’re seeking a truly dedicated solution, then Bluehost, DreamHost, and Hostgator are excellent choices. Not only are they widely known for providing quality service at an affordable price, but they also make it extremely easy to get started. What’s not to like?
Dedicated servers provide you with greater control and flexibility over the hosting environment of your website. This is especially beneficial for those who are seeking to create a custom website for specific purposes. For instance, if you are seeking to create a dating website or a blog for profit, then a dedicated server is the perfect solution, enabling you to set up the site with the content and functions you desire.
On the other hand, if you’re just getting started and do not yet have a clear idea of what your website will be used for, it may be better to choose a shared hosting plan. In this case, the flexibility of the platform will prove most useful, enabling you to test the waters of online publishing with a completely free solution.
Shared Hosting Is An Affordable Solution
If you’re seeking a simple, affordable solution, then shared hosting is an excellent choice. What’s more is that it provides a free domain and a free website template, meaning that you don’t have to worry about much else aside from running your website and posting content regularly.