Have you ever noticed how some WordPress sites run smoother, load faster, and have minimal downtime? A large contributor to this is their choice of hosting – specifically, managed hosting for WordPress. This managed hosting is built to optimize every aspect of your site, from speed to security, to ensure peak performance, not just keep it online.
Managed WordPress hosting was created as a ‘done-for-you’ hosting alternative to self-managed hosting. It gives WordPress site owners an already optimized server environment for running WordPress core software.
Beyond the performance benefits, managed hosting is a convenient option for website owners as it can take care of frequent tasks such as updating WordPress, daily backups, security monitoring, and more. This frees up your time and allows you to focus on creativity and growing your business. But with so many options out there, choosing the right managed hosting provider for your WordPress site can feel overwhelming.
So what should you do? We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about WordPress managed hosting. It’s all about giving you the knowledge to make an informed decision that’s tailored to your needs.
Understanding Managed Hosting for WordPress
Managed hosting is a specific type of hosting service that offers you an environment explicitly optimized for your WordPress website. Most offer a variety of benefits, but not all managed hosting offerings use the same approach, so it’s essential to consider the host and the plan you select.
Key Benefits
- Performance Optimization – Managed WordPress hosts specialize in optimizing their servers specifically for WordPress, ensuring that downtime is kept to a minimum and loading speeds are fast.
- Enhanced Security – Security is a top priority for these hosts. Many offer regular malware scans and free SSL certificates to protect your site from online threats.
- Expert Support – You have access to WordPress-savvy support teams who know the ins and outs of your site’s platform when you need help.
- Frequent Backups – Daily backups, or even real-time backups, will ensure that if something goes wrong, your site can be restored to its previous state effortlessly.
Why Choose Managed Hosting for Your WordPress Site?
Traffic and conversions are the ultimate goals of a website. By choosing managed hosting for your WordPress site, you’re making a strategic decision that ensures optimal site performance. This, in turn, provides a superior user experience that can positively impact visitor retention and SEO rankings. Another significant advantage of managed hosting is the lack of server responsibility when comparing it to self-hosting (like on Amazon AWS), which is complex and time-intensive..
Although WordPress managed hosting is typically more expensive than some of the other shared hosting options on the market, the value in terms of site performance, security, expert support, and a managed platform more than justifies the investment.
Shared vs. Dedicated Hosting
One important component when choosing WordPress managed hosting is understanding the difference between shared and dedicated hosting. Whether your website will be sharing server resources with other websites or not. If your website and others are using the same server space, then it is considered a shared environment. If you have your own, it is a dedicated space.
You can think of the differences between shared vs. dedicated hosting as you would an office space. In a shared office space, you have multiple cubicles, everyone is subject to the same rules of using the space, like the temperature of the thermostat, and everyone is negotiating for fridge space. Dedicated hosting is like having your own floor in the building or the executive corner office– with one light switch, you control the temperature in that room, and no one can steal your lunch.
Managed WordPress Hosting Providers to Consider
When it comes to managed WordPress hosting, not all providers are created equal– some share resources on their server, which may affect your website performance depending on your specific needs. Each has its own set of strengths tailored to different needs and budgets. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top contenders.
Flywheel
Flywheel is designed with creatives and agencies in mind, offering a beautifully crafted dashboard and a suite of tools that streamline workflow and collaboration. Its focus on design and functionality makes it a favorite among web designers and developers.
Key Features:
- Free site migrations
- Free SSL certificate
- Staging sites
- Nightly backups
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Optimized for designers and agencies
Cons:
- The Tiny plan has limitations on bandwidth and storage
Best For: Designers, freelancers, and agencies looking for an intuitive platform that supports creative workflows.
Hosting Options:
- Tiny: Ideal for small sites, starting at $13/month with a yearly subscription ($15/month with a monthly subscription), offering 5GB disk space and 20GB bandwidth. Perfect for startups.
- Starter: Geared towards growing sites, starting at $25/month with a yearly subscription ($30/month with a monthly subscription), offering 10GB disk space and 25K monthly visits. Great for small businesses.
- Freelance: Best for freelancers juggling multiple clients, starting at $96/month with a yearly subscription ($115/month with a monthly subscription), providing 20GB disk space and 100K monthly visits.
- Agency: Tailored for agencies requiring extensive resources, starting at $242/month with a yearly subscription ($290/month with a monthly subscription), offering 50GB disk space and 400K monthly visits.
Special Offer from Flywheel:
For those considering Flywheel, there’s an exciting offer on the table. New customers signing up for the Starter, Freelance, or Agency plans on a yearly basis can benefit from an exclusive deal – 4 months free. This limited-time offer runs through January 31st, 2024, making it a perfect opportunity for those looking to kickstart their WordPress site with a robust, creative-focused hosting solution. Use code READYFOR24 at checkout, and don’t miss out on this chance to save while securing top-notch hosting for your site.
Hostinger
Hostinger offers a budget-friendly managed WordPress hosting solution, combining affordability with performance. It’s a great choice for those new to web hosting, thanks to its user-friendly control panel and 24/7 support. If you are looking for shared hosting, Hostinger is a popular option.
Key Features:
- 24/7 WordPress support
- LiteSpeed caching
- Free domain (with annual plans)
- 99.9% uptime guarantee
Pros:
- Highly affordable
- Easy to use for beginners
Cons:
- Higher renewal rates
- Limited resources on the entry-level plan
Best For: Bloggers and small businesses seeking an affordable and straightforward hosting solution.
Hosting Options:
- Premium: Suitable for small businesses, offering hosting for up to 100 websites and 100GB SSD storage. They currently offer new users an introductory price of $2.99/month during the first year with a yearly subscription. The price reverts to $9.99/month after the initial term.
- Business: Designed for growing businesses, providing enhanced performance for 100 websites and 200GB NVMe storage. The current offering for new users is an introductory price of $4.49/month during the first year with a yearly subscription. The price reverts to $11.99/month after the initial term.
- Cloud Startup: At the highest tier, medium-sized businesses have access to the maximum performance for up to 300 websites, 200GB NVMe storage, and Priority Support. The introductory price is currently $9.99/month during the first year with a yearly subscription. The price reverts to $23.99/month after the initial term.
Pantheon
Pantheon stands out for its high-performance managed WordPress hosting, geared towards websites with significant traffic and complex requirements. It offers a developer-friendly platform with advanced tools and workflows. Pantheon is container-based and uniquely developer-friendly with its multidev environments and workflows.
Key Features:
- High-performance infrastructure
- Automated workflows
- Advanced security features
- Integrated CDN
Pros:
- Scalable and secure
- Designed for high-traffic sites
Cons:
- More expensive
- Complexity may be daunting for beginners
Best For: Large businesses and organizations that need a powerful, scalable hosting solution with enterprise-grade security.
Hosting Options:
Pantheon pricing varies depending on the size and site traffic of your site, we recommend reaching out to them directly and they can assist with pricing.
Kinsta
Kinsta provides premium managed WordPress hosting powered by the Google Cloud Platform– it runs on cloud servers so while it’s not quite shared hosting it also can’t be defined as dedicated–they use cloud space so they can dedicate resources to single sites without sharing them making this a unique service offering. It’s known for its cutting-edge technology, security, and support, making it a top choice for businesses that prioritize website performance and reliability.
Key Features:
- Google Cloud Platform
- Free migrations and daily backups
- 24/7 expert support
- Automatic scaling
Pros:
- Superior performance
- Excellent customer service
Cons:
- Pricier than some alternatives
- Limited PHP workers on lower plans
Best For: Businesses and eCommerce sites looking for top-tier performance, security, and support.
Hosting Options:
- Starter: Perfect for small websites or blogs, offering 10GB of space and 25K visits a month. This option is $35/month, with a $70 discount for annual payments.
- Pro: Aimed at professional bloggers and small businesses, this option supports 2 websites, offering 20GB of storage and 50K visits a month for $70/month, with a discount of $140 for annual payments.
- Business: Catering to growing businesses and eCommerce sites, these plans offer more websites, storage, and visits. The plans start at $115/month and have discounts when paying annually.
WP Engine
WP Engine is a leader in managed WordPress hosting, offering robust solutions for small to large websites, and can cater to a variety of clients since it offers both shared and dedicated plans. With a focus on speed, security, and customer service, it provides a comprehensive hosting environment for businesses, developers, and agencies.
Key Features:
- Genesis Framework
- Automated SSL certificates
- Daily backups
- Global CDN
Pros:
- Access to premium themes
- Reliable and scalable
Cons:
- Higher cost for high-traffic sites
- Restrictions on certain plugins
Best For: Those who need a reliable hosting service with scalable options and access to premium WordPress themes and tools.
Hosting Options: Valet has a long-standing partnership with WP Engine that gives you access to agency benefits without the agency cost. If you are interested in having WP Engine hosting please schedule a call or contact us to learn more.
Pagely
A leader in the managed WordPress hosting industry, Pagely boasts a track record of powering some of the world’s biggest brands. Renowned for its dedication to speed, security, and scalability, Pagely offers solutions for websites of all sizes, from budding blogs to high-traffic eCommerce giants.
Key Features:
- Fast performance
- Security Measures
- Scalability for traffic surges or anticipated planned growth
- A developer-friendly platform.
- Dedicated WordPress support.
Pros:
- Industry-leading performance and scalability
- Enterprise-grade security infrastructure
- Support available 24/7 via multiple channels
- Scalable plans cater to websites of all sizes and budgets
Cons:
- Potentially higher cost compared to some budget-friendly options; however, the premium features and performance justify the investment for websites with demanding needs
- Focus on advanced features that may be overwhelming for beginner WordPress users
Best For:
Businesses and organizations with high-traffic websites that require superior performance and reliability. eCommerce platforms and online stores experiencing significant growth. Agencies and developers managing complex WordPress projects for demanding clients.
Pricing:
Pagely offers a range of flexible pricing plans to suit your specific needs. While pricing details are available on their website, we encourage you to schedule a call with us to explore the optimal Pagely solution for your specific website and budget.
What to Look for in a Hosting Provider
Choosing the right managed WordPress hosting provider is a big factor when it comes to your website’s success. Finding a host that will meet the needs of your website today is just as important as preparing your digital presence for the future. Here are a few factors to keep in mind:
- Performance and Reliability: When searching for a web host, prioritize those that offer high uptime (99.9% or greater) and fast loading times. A host with a strong infrastructure and advanced caching mechanisms can dramatically improve your site’s user experience and SEO.
- Security Measures: Security is of absolute importance. Choose a provider that offers comprehensive security features, like daily malware scans, firewalls, and free SSL certificates to protect your site from threats.
- Customer Support: Quality support can make all the difference, particularly in critical situations. Choose a host with a reputation for responsive, knowledgeable, and accessible customer service, preferably with 24/7 support through multiple channels.
- Scalability: Make sure you choose a hosting provider that can grow with you. Look for flexible plans that make it easy for you to upgrade resources as your site grows, without causing any downtime or requiring you to migrate.
- WordPress-Specific Features: Benefits such as one-click installation, automatic WordPress updates, and WordPress-specific optimizations can make managing your site a much easier experience. Additionally, staging, backup, and recovery tools are extremely valuable for maintaining the health of your site.
- Pricing and Value: While price shouldn’t be the only factor, it’s important to make sure you’re getting good value for your investment. Consider what each plan offers and determine if the features justify the cost. Look out for hidden fees and understand the terms of service, specifically renewal prices and refund policies.
- User Reviews and Testimonials: Lastly, take the time to look up what other users have to say about their experiences with the hosting provider. Testimonials can provide valuable insight into reliability, customer service, and overall satisfaction.
Choosing the right managed WordPress hosting provider depends on balancing these factors. By carefully considering each, you’ll be well on your way to finding a hosting partner that will support your site’s growth and success.
Deciding to switch to a managed WordPress hosting provider is a crucial step for any website owner. This allows you to trust that your online presence is being handled by professionals who will guide you every step of the way, ensuring that your website performs at its best. With the right managed WordPress hosting partner, you can be prepared to face any challenges that arise, allowing your website and business to grow and succeed.
Looking for expert advice on your WordPress site? Schedule a 15-minute call with our WordPress experts. We can provide guidance on hosting options, site maintenance, SEO, and more.