If you use WordPress, you’ll want a web host that supports it. These providers will offer WordPress-specific features and a dedicated support team to help you with any problems that may arise.
Many of them also offer unique optimizations for WordPress that will improve your site’s performance and security. Some, like WPEngine, offer managed WordPress hosting that takes some of the maintenance off your hands.
1. Speed
If you’re looking for the fastest WordPress hosting, you should choose a provider that has a fast server and uses a content delivery network (CDN). You should also look for one that has servers located in the same geographic region as your audience.
Many WordPress hosts offer a variety of hosting options. For example, some offer managed WordPress hosting that includes features like a staging environment and specialized support for WordPress sites. Others offer VPS hosting, which gives you the performance of a dedicated server at an affordable price.
For example, VPS hosting company Cloudways offers fast WordPress hosting and flexible pricing. Its platform lets you scale your resources as your site grows, and its tools help you optimize your website’s speed. It also provides automatic backups and malware scanning. Plus, it makes a point of using renewable energy to power its data centers and giving back 3x the amount of energy that it consumes.
2. Security
If you’re looking for a host that prioritizes WordPress security, choose one that offers robust upgradable options tailored to high-traffic websites. You should also choose a host that provides automatic backups and conducts frequent malware scans to protect your website and visitors’ data.
When selecting a WordPress hosting provider, you’ll want to consider your budget and whether you require a managed or unmanaged platform. Managed hosts typically cost more but offer valuable hosting tools and a team that’s specifically trained to support WordPress.
The price of a WordPress web hosting plan can range from less than $1.00 to thousands of dollars a month. The best option is to find a reliable, fast, and secure WordPress hosting provider that offers an SSL, free domain name, and basic WordPress tools. For example, ionOS is a fast and reliable WordPress hosting provider that offers a low starting price and allows you to select a data center during the checkout process.
3. Reliability
Although WordPress can run on many different web hosting platforms, a host that is specifically optimized for the CMS will provide better performance, security, and reliability. These hosts will also offer support that is tailored to WordPress websites and may include unique optimizations that boost search engine rankings and improve user experience.
Some of the best WordPress hosting providers include a one-click installer for easy website setup. This makes the process simple for new users, even without advanced technical knowledge. They may also offer additional features that are important for a business website, such as SSL certificates and uptime guarantees.
Choosing the right provider depends on your budget and needs. Some providers offer affordable plans for small businesses and individuals, while others offer high-performance solutions for larger sites. It’s also important to consider the reputation of the hosting provider. You want to choose a company with a track record for reliable service and uptime.
4. Support
A top WordPress host should have a support team that understands the CMS. This means they can help you with things like installing themes and plugins as well as troubleshooting issues specific to WordPress. They may also have a knowledge base or video tutorials you can use.
WP Engine, for example, has a good reputation for customer service. Its support team is available 24/7/365 and provides help via a ticketing system, live chat or phone (if you’re on a higher plan). The company also offers a 99.9% uptime SLA for its Startup, Professional, Growth and Scale packages and a 60-day money back guarantee for the Dedicated Custom plan.
InMotion Hosting is another great choice for WordPress hosting. Its plans range from start-up blogs to larger businesses and it’s easy to upgrade or downgrade as traffic grows or shrinks. Its low-end plans don’t deprive you of key features either, which is often a tactic used by other providers to get you to pay more.