If you run a WordPress website or want to create one, it is best that you choose a reliable WordPress hosting service to power your site rather than generic hosting. WordPress hosting provides many benefits to users and offers specialised features that can help optimise your WordPress site.
While many web hosting providers offer WordPress hosting, choosing the best among these may take time and effort.
Thus, we have listed a few important features that you need to look for when selecting a WordPress hosting provider. This will ensure you get your money’s worth and partner with a reliable company for the long term.
What Is WordPress Hosting?
WordPress hosting is a sub-category that helps optimise websites built with the WordPress CMS. This type of hosting offers specialised features such as one-click WordPress installation, automatic WordPress updates, plugins, and more.
Depending on the hosting company you choose, they might offer different WordPress hosting plans, from Shared WordPress hosting to VPS WordPress hosting and Cloud WordPress hosting. Some hosting companies also offer managed WordPress hosting.
Features To Look For While Choosing A WordPress Hosting Provider In The UK
While WordPress websites can be hosted on any type of web hosting, using WordPress hosting can provide you with a competitive edge. As such, let’s look at the features you need to consider when picking a WordPress hosting provider in the UK.
Reliability and Uptime
Choosing a reliable hosting provider should be a top priority. One of the best ways to check reliability is to read online customer reviews. This will help you decide whether or not to partner with this web host.
Uptime is another factor to consider. In contrast, most hosting providers claim to offer 99.9% uptime, but not all live up to this promise. A higher uptime ensures that your site is up and running at all times with minimal or no downtime. Look for a web hosting service that provides a guaranteed 99.9% uptime. Also, check what kinds of tools they have in place to prevent unplanned outages.
One-click WordPress Installation and Plugin Compatibility
Most WordPress hosting providers offer a one-click install option. This feature enables you to install WordPress at the click of a click-of-a-button; no technical knowledge is required.
Next, check for plugin compatibility, as some plugins may not be compatible with the hosting company’s servers or be banned. This may cause an issue later on if you want to use a particular plugin to extend your site’s functionality.
Security and Website Backup
Check out the security measures undertaken by the hosting company to protect the websites hosted on their servers. Do they offer DDoS protection? Do they offer spam protection? What about SSL certificates and SiteLock? These are essential security tools and software in today’s highly volatile online world that is riddled with cyber threats.
Also, check if the hosting provider offers website backup. A complete website backup will ensure you can get your site running within a few minutes in case of a server crash or malware. Furthermore, ensure to take your backup with the plugins available and don’t rely completely on the hosting provider.
Pricing Plans and Upgrade Options
Check for the type of WordPress hosting available and their prices. A higher price is not always an indication of quality services.
Likewise, a cheap hosting service may only provide you with some of the features you require to run your website efficiently.
Thus, consider this factor, but don’t base your decision solely on it.
Moreover, check if they offer a flexible upgrade option enabling you to scale your hosting plan as needed.
Support and Money-Back Guarantee
A web hosting company is only as good as the support they provide to their loyal customers. Quality support services 24×7, 365 days is, an essential factor. This ensures you always have help to fix technical glitches that may arise suddenly.
Lastly, check if the hosting provider offers a money-back guarantee. This will make getting a refund easy if you are unsatisfied with the company’s service. While most hosting companies offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, a few hosting providers also offer a 45-day one.
To Conclude
The best way to choose a WordPress hosting provider is to understand your website’s requirements. This information lets you assess and select the best hosting for your WordPress website.
Excellent uptime, website backup & restore, and advanced security tools are the top features that a hosting provider should have. A premium hosting provider will also provide you with round-the-clock support. Lastly, consider the pricing to see which fits your budget without compromising quality.