How to Host Your WordPress Site Online

Hosting your WordPress site online is a great way to get your contents out there for the world to see, especially now that everything is being delivered via the web. There are many companies that offer web hosting, but not all of them are created equal, so it is important to do your research before committing. In this article, we will discuss some of the factors that you should consider before going this route. We will also cover a few different hosting models that you can use so that you can find the one that is right for you.

Features

A feature-rich hosting environment is a must if you want to effectively run a WordPress site. At a minimum, you should look for a provider that offers automated backups, free domain privacy, free automated spam detection, and free domain forwarding. Depending on your budget, you can add features like free dedicated hosting or an SSD storage upgrade. The more you pay, the more features you get (sort of like a luxury brand hosting plan).

It is also important to look for a hosting provider that is US-based so that you can take advantage of the high-quality content that is available from the comfort of your home. If your web host is based in another country, you will have to deal with language barriers and reduced customer support.

Budget

Budget is always a crucial consideration when seeking hosting services, especially if you are looking for a free plan. Everyone needs a budget and everyone has one, so this is a field that you should not shy away from. It is important to look for hosts that offer great value for your money’s sake, and that means spending a little more than you would for a host that does not meet your needs. It is also important to be mindful of how much data you are using, how many visitors you have, and how much you are paying as a sign-up fee. You should not have to worry about running out of space or about your site being down because of how much you use.

Infrastructure

This is a technical term that refers to the hardware and software that make up a server. Your web host will have access to a physical server that runs WordPress, which is what you will be using to run your site. This is the most reliable and secure way to host your website and it is considered the gold standard for the industry. If you are looking to host your site on a dedicated server, you should opt for a virtual provider that can give you the benefits of a physical server without the cost.

It is also important to consider the ‘shape’ of the server. Do you want a shared or a dedicated server? What is the size of the hard drive? These are all factors that can affect the performance of your site. If you want to have a fast-loading site, go with a dedicated server. If you are looking for value and reliability, opt for a shared one.

Security

Your security is one of your biggest concerns when seeking hosting services. The last thing that you want is someone else to get access to your personal information, whether it is financial information, contact details, or even your website content. When it comes to securing your site, you have 2 options: You can use a VPN to encrypt all of your traffic, or you can use a WordPress plugin that offers two-factor authentication, along with a few other security features.

The first thing to consider is whether you want a free or a paid VPN. Most reputable providers offer both free and premium accounts, but if you want to keep your security, go with the premium option. They also offer added features that you can opt into, like Cloudflare free email notifications, or DigiCert SSL certificates. Free VPNs are generally good enough for most purposes, though they do lack a few features that you might find useful, like the ability to assign a custom domain or to block outbound IPs. Many people who use free VPNs end up paying for a premium one because they find that it is more convenient and reliable.

Customization

The last thing that you want when seeking hosting is to have your site look like every other boring WordPress site out there. You want your site to look unique and vibrant, which is why it is important to look for a host that offers ample customization options. You can ask them to give you a free custom domain name so that your site can have a professional appearance, or you can ask them to install a custom theme that will make your site look completely unique. Many hosts offer custom installation of a WordPress or WooCommerce theme.

To summarize, when seeking hosting, it is important to consider the following:

• Features
• Budget
• Infrastructure
• Security
• Customization

Hopefully, this article will help you find a better understanding of how to host your website. If you found this article valuable, you should read the entire series: