The Definitive Guide to Choosing a Good WordPress Host

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Are you in the process of building your first website? You’ve probably heard about WordPress and why it comes highly recommended for anyone who wants to build a website without any knowledge of programming.

What is WordPress? In simple terms, WordPress is free software that you can install and use to easily create a blog or a website that is 100% yours. You can use WordPress to create eCommerce stores, membership sites, portfolios, and forums among others.

WordPress is free software but you will be required to get a domain name and a web hosting service to use it. Here is a comprehensive list of the top WordPress hosting providers that you can use to launch and run your website. HostGator and Bluehost currently top the list of the best WordPress hosts due to their affordability and suitability for small businesses and e-commerce stores. The WordPress host you choose should offer fast speeds, uptime reliability, and site security.

Here are four tips that will guide you when choosing a good WordPress host.

1. Does The WordPress Host Provide Managed Hosting

In the past, managed hosting meant that you would be required to hire a team to look after your server. The hosting service would also be responsible for installing the operating system, security patches, and changing the hard drives that break down among other tasks.

Today, managed WordPress hosting services offer new generation services that are not only specialized but also high quality. This means that you can get a managed service that is personalized and knows you by name.

When choosing a managed WordPress host, be sure to look for features such as fast speeds and low downtimes. A good host should be able to handle massive traffic without downtime.

Look for expert support. Work with WordPress experts as they are the only ones who can offer expert solutions just when you need them.

2. Look For Support

As a website owner, is support important to you, or do you prefer to do things on your own? You need to know that when it comes to supporting, it is not limited to just the basic problems you encounter with your hosting account. A web host should also advise you on issues relating to plugins, themes, updates, and many other issues.

Technical support is also very important. Different hosts provide different levels of support categorized by tiers, infrastructure, and pricing. Before you pick a Web Host make sure you know exactly what you need and check to see if the WordPress host you have settled on can meet those needs.

For example, if communication is very important to you, make sure that you choose a WordPress host who offers 24/7/365 live chat support. If your business runs throughout the weekends and even public holidays you can be assured that in case there is a problem, you will still be able to get hold of someone.

3. Look For Security

Security is very important for every business on the internet. We live in a world full of hackers and malicious activities are always being reported worldwide. If you run a business website you get hacked, and the loss of data can greatly affect your brand and your income. This is the reason why you need to choose a WordPress host that prioritizes security. Look for security features such as two-factor authentication, firewalls, and regular security updates.

If you are working with a managed host, you need to know that the host service will keep your WordPress website updated for you. They will also make sure that malicious plugins and logins will not find their way to your website.

Currently, one of the most secure WordPress host services is Hostinger. Hostinger ticks all the right boxes when it comes to security features. If you choose this service, you will enjoy website backup, backup retention, free TLS certificate, web application firewall, malware protection, scanning, and domain name privacy, among other security features.

One important thing you can do to avoid vulnerability on your part is to make sure that you use updated WordPress versions. Outdated WordPress that has not been updated for several years will expose you to security issues. However, if you are using a managed hosting provider, you can rest assured that they will automatically keep your version updated at all times.

4. Look At the Pricing Model

When choosing a WordPress host service, pricing will be one of your most important considerations. You need to choose a WordPress host that meets your needs and is friendly to your pocket. If you are new to hosting and you are looking for a pocket-friendly host, you can always consider HostGator. Starting from $5.95 a month, you can get a basic plan that is sufficient to accommodate at least 25,000 visitors every month and more than 50GB of storage.

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