What to Look For in WordPress Hosting
A lot goes into choosing the right web host for your WordPress site. You want to make sure that they have the resources you need to run a smooth-running blog, and that their support is up to par with your standards. Here are some of the features to look out for to make sure you choose the best WordPress hosting for your needs.
1. Scalability
This is probably the most important feature to consider. You don’t want to invest into a host that can’t handle the traffic you’re sure to gain from your blog. Fortunately, most reputable hosts are scalable and can be upgraded to meet your needs should you hit significant growth.
Always check the monthly budgets advertised by the host you’re considering. Some of them offer a free trial, so you can determine how much you can spend without risking downtime due to billing issues. Scalability is also a function of the server’s architecture and the plan they offer you. If you’re looking for a feature-rich solution, be sure to choose a host with a multi-core processor. This will make a considerable difference in the site’s overall performance.
2. Network Speed
Another important factor to consider when choosing a web host is the speed of their network. It’s frustrating to spend hours trying to access a blog post or website that is really slow to load. Whether you’re viewing a single blog post or a full website, you will experience significant delays due to low network speeds. This will prevent your users from having a positive experience and might even cause them to leave disappointed.
The speed of a host’s network is affected by a number of factors, but it’s primarily determined by the speed of their Internet connection and the distance between the server and the client. The farther the server is, the longer it will take for web requests to be processed. Servers that are physically located closer to the client will have an advantage in terms of speed. They will be able to serve content faster than those that are physically located far away.
The solution is for the client to install a VPN (Virtual Private Network) app on their phone or computer so that all their Internet traffic is encrypted. This will prevent any third party, including internet service providers, from seeing or intercepting their online activity. When selecting a VPN, make sure that the provider supports the OpenVPN protocol. This is the most widely accepted and supported VPN protocol available today.
3. Data Backups
A web host that doesn’t offer data backups is risking losing all the content on their servers at any moment. Data backups are an important precaution against losing all your hard work due to a server malfunction or cyberattack. It’s best to invest in hosts that offer daily, weekly, and monthly snapshots that can be restored in the event of a catastrophe. These snapshots can be saved to an external hard drive or a secondary server to ensure that everything is preserved in the event of a disaster.
The trade-off for this additional security is that you will need to invest in an additional hard drive or purchase a secondary server. This solution is not necessarily bad, but it’s always a good idea to examine whether or not you need this feature before making a decision.
4. Additional Features
Once you’ve determined that you need a scalability-oriented solution, it’s best to look for hosts that offer additional features. Additional features can include things like free domain name registrations, free SSL certificates, and free weekly backups. It’s always a good idea to look for hosts that offer these additional features for free. Sometimes, the cost is worth it to have peace of mind while blogging.
An unsecured blog is extremely vulnerable to cyberattacks. By registering for a free domain name with a reputable host, you’re securing your blog’s address which will protect it from potential hackers. Similarly, free SSL certificates will encrypt all the communication between your visitors and your blog. Plus, they can be implemented for free on many blog platforms like WordPress.
The additional features that some hosts offer can be useful, but they must be balanced against the cost-benefit analysis. You don’t want to become dependent on these features because then you’ll have to purchase additional services from the host should you want to host videos or use a shopping cart platform.
5. Customer Support
A lot of stress can be avoided by selecting a host that offers 24/7 customer support via phone calls, live chats, or some sort of ticketing system. This is particularly useful for those new to web hosting or when technical support is needed. Live chats and ticket systems can be accessed from any device, so you don’t have to be online to use them. Phone support is generally available 24/7 and provides a quick and easy way to get technical help.
The main downside to this feature is that it can be very costly to have live support personnel available 24/7. Some companies offer a tiered pricing system for support, so it is worth it to examine the cost of Live Chat assistance before making a decision.
6. Geography
If your blog is international, you might want to consider looking for a host that’s nearby. Localizing content and receiving orders from readers located in different countries is always more complicated with an unsecured server. This can be very frustrating if your server is not located near enough to the countries you’re targeting. To combat this, choose a host that’s close to you so that you can accurately represent the countries you’re targeting without any trouble. Additionally, you can use country specific DNS to direct your visitors to the nearest country store.
Always check the location of the companies you’re considering using for web hosting. If you’re looking for readers located in France, Germany, or any other country that uses the.FR,.DE, or.DE domains, then you’ll need a host that’s close to those regions. This is usually handled for you by the host, but you can also register for specific country codes like FR, DE, or UK domains if you’re unable to locate a France-based host.
7. Plans
A lot of web hosts offer various plans along with their hosting services. Some of these plans are highly affordable and even have some additional features, like free domain privacy, that can’t be found in the basic packages. It’s always a good idea to compare the features and cost of the different plans to determine which one is best suited for your needs. A lot of this will depend on how much you’re planning on spending online.
If you’re new to web hosting and don’t have a significant amount of content, then it might be wise to select a basic plan that’s cost effective. As you gain experience and begin to grow your audience, you can move to a premium plan that offers additional features like free domain privacy, free backups, etc. Once you’re confident that you have the resources you need, upgrade to a business plan or a dedicated server plan. These are more expensive but offer additional features that make a significant difference in the performance of your blog.
8. Additional Information
It’s always a good idea to do some research into the company that you’re considering using. Looking at their website and social media accounts can give you a good idea of what to expect should you choose them. Doing some research into the customer support and various packages that they offer will also provide you with a clear understanding of what you’re paying for. The more you know, the less likely you will be to experience any nasty surprises once the hosting is turned on and running.
The above is a short list of some of the things to look out for when choosing a WordPress hosting solution. It’s always a good idea to do some research before committing to a specific web host. Additionally, don’t just look at the features list- look at how they are presented, and whether or not you feel comfortable working with the company. The last thing you want to do is select a host based on false advertising or lack of transparency from the company.