Managed WordPress Hosting – Your Best Option for an Optimized WordPress Site
Managed WordPress Hosting – If you’re looking to host your WordPress site, it’s important to understand the different types of WordPress hosting out there and which will be best for your particular needs.
The two main options are shared and managed WordPress hosting, with each offering different advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we’ll look at the differences between the two, as well as some popular providers of managed WordPress hosting services.
Making sure your WordPress site performs optimally
Ask any developer or SEO expert, and they’ll tell you that speed is important. The faster your site, the better it will perform in search results. But how do you keep your site running at top speed? Well, one of your best options is to host it on a managed WordPress hosting provider that’s configured to run blazingly fast. If you have a basic understanding of websites and web design, then managed WordPress hosting should be right up your alley.
Using CPanel, you can make all of your website’s core settings in just a few clicks. You can also set up one-click installs for some of WordPress’ most popular plugins, like Yoast SEO and WP Super Cache. Many managed hosts also provide automatic backup services that are simple to set up, but which offer peace of mind should something go wrong with your site.
By using a managed host, you can save yourself valuable time and energy. Instead of having to take care of every detail of your site’s operation, your host will handle it all. In return, you’ll get peace of mind knowing that your website is running as efficiently as possible.
What is managed WordPress hosting?
Managed WordPress hosting is essentially a stripped-down version of a typical shared hosting service that has been optimized to handle your website’s WordPress-specific requirements. Managed services differ from typical shared servers in that they are streamlined with software and processes to automate much of your site management so you don’t have to. Some managed hosting providers, such as WP Engine and Flywheel, offer unlimited resources—storage space, bandwidth, plugins, etc.—for monthly fees typically between $30 and $100.
Why do you need managed hosting?
The short answer is that you don’t, unless you want to save time, get security updates promptly and have tech support at your fingertips. If you are managing a number of sites that all share resources on one account (such as a small agency), then managed hosting may make sense—but it’s not cost-effective if you are only looking after one or two sites.
How does managed WordPress host provide unique benefits?
The short answer is, they save you a lot of time and money. Managing a hosting service is essentially providing 24/7 customer support, security upgrades and troubleshooting on top of ensuring their servers are running properly. Managed WordPress hosting plans are typically pricier than traditional shared hosting services, but if you are serious about your business and want to provide your customers with a stable experience, managed hosting is well worth it.
Key points to consider before choosing managed WP host
Knowing what you’re looking for is always helpful. Here are some factors to consider before choosing managed WP host.
1 . What’s your budget?
Managed WP hosting is a relatively new concept, so you may not have a lot of options. When comparing prices, make sure to take into account any additional features that come with each plan. For example, some companies offer domain registration or SSL certificates at no extra cost.
2. How many sites do you need to host?
If you only need one site hosted on a particular platform, it’s likely that shared hosting will suffice. However, if you plan to run multiple sites on one platform, or if your site is very popular and receives thousands of visitors each day, then managed WP hosting may be your best option. Managed WP hosts typically offer features like SSL certificates and daily backups at no extra cost—features that can be costly if purchased separately.
3 . What kind of support do you need?
Managed WP hosts typically provide a number of options to help you get started with your new site, including training and tutorials, as well as account management and customer support. Before making your decision, take some time to consider how much assistance you need. If your business is just starting out or if you’re not technically savvy, having direct access to customer support can be invaluable. If that’s the case, look for managed WP hosts that offer 24/7 customer service.
If you’re more of a self-starter and are able to work with limited assistance, a managed WP host that offers brief training tutorials may be right for you. Either way, make sure your preferred plan includes access to quality customer support via phone or live chat. Otherwise, you may need to pay extra.
Types of Managed WP hosts
A managed host specializes in providing a customized experience for customers using WordPress. They typically provide support and additional features to help make your site run as efficiently as possible. They also take care of common server configurations and security.
1 . Managed WP Hosts – These hosts take care of common server configurations and security. They provide a platform for running your site, and they typically offer more support than other types of hosting. Examples include WP Engine, Flywheel, Pagely, WebSynthesis, and Pantheon. These services are not cheap; they typically cost $200 to $1,000 per month or more.
2 . Managed WP Hosts (WordPress Exclusive) – These hosts are either owned by or optimized exclusively for WordPress. They don’t typically offer as much support as managed WP hosts, but they usually have lower prices. Examples include SiteGround, A2 hosting, and GoDaddy. Prices are about $30 to $100 per month.
3 . Hybrid Managed WP Hosts (WordPress Exclusive) – These hosts offer support and special features designed to help optimize your site’s performance. They also host other content management systems, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, depending on your needs. Examples include Kinsta, Flywheel and Media Temple. Prices start at $30 per month.
4 . Shared WP Hosts (WordPress Exclusive) – These hosts offer support and provide a platform for running your site. They don’t typically have optimizations or other features designed to help make your site run more efficiently. Examples include A2 hosting, GoDaddy, and Bluehost. Prices start at $3 per month.
How to choose the best WP host provider for your needs
Before you start shopping around, make a list of your requirements and expectations. For example, do you have a large volume of traffic or are you running it as a hobby? Do you want to take advantage of high-end site functionality like eCommerce or social media integration? Are security issues a concern? You’ll also want to consider other features like backup services and customer support that can make all the difference if things go wrong.
One thing to consider when choosing a provider is whether or not they offer all of these features or if you’ll need to add extra tools on top. If, for example, security is a concern you may want your host to take care of monitoring and handling issues like code updates and vulnerabilities.
FAQ on Managed WP Hosting
What are managed WP hosting services?
Managed hosting is a shared hosting service where your website and all of its resources are cared for by a support team. This usually includes database management, site caching, and security measures. If you have ever tried to administer or optimize a WordPress site on your own, then you know how much time is involved in these tasks. With a managed host, that work is handled by someone else so that you can focus on growing your business.
Some hosts provide support via chat, phone, and ticket system. Other providers assign you a personal account manager who will handle all of your WP hosting concerns. It’s important to ask about response times and be sure that someone is available on weekends and during peak business hours. It also helps to find out if there is any associated cost with receiving premium support or having a dedicated account manager assigned to your account.
Conclusion
One of best ways to get your website off of shared hosting and onto a VPS is to use a managed hosting solution. Using a managed host means you don’t have to worry about configuring servers, or keeping them secure, because your host will handle all of those tasks for you. Some hosts include additional services that can help protect and optimize your site, such as web application firewalls (WAFs), which guard against malicious hackers and scripts.
