Is it worth it to get managed WordPress hosting or should you stick to cheaper alternatives?
What is Hosting?
Web hosting is a service you buy that allows you a place to store your website from where your customers can find you.
Often when you start a new website you will start out with shared hosting, which is a bunch of different websites all sharing the same server.
While this can be great for starting a new website or blog, if you are running a business you will quickly realize that keeping the website up to date can be time consuming and frustrating.
What is Managed WordPress hosting?
Managed WordPress Hosting is when your hosting company takes care of your WordPress site. This usually includes things like: security, speed, WordPress updates, daily backups, and website uptime.
The idea being that you can focus on your business and not worry about your website going down or getting hacked.
Managed WordPress hosting also includes premium support. Most companies will have dedicated WordPress experts to help you with any problems.
Some companies also include helping you with updates to the content on your website; adding pages, changing information, and updating images.
Advantages of Managed Hosting
- Speed – Servers are typically configured specially for WordPress websites, making them faster then shared hosting.
- Security – Servers are locked down and only WordPress operations are allowed. Additionally there is security software scanning for any malware.
- Support – With specific knowledge about WordPress, they are typically able to offer much more specific support then shared hosts. They will help you with plugins, and work to resolve any conflicts.
- Backups – Automatic daily backups with help in restoring them if there is ever an issue.
- WordPress Updates – WordPress is automatically updated, so you always have the latest version. And if an update breaks something on your site, they are there to fix it.
- Website Monitoring – Designed for WordPress, servers rarely go down. But if they do, proactive monitoring catches it quickly.
- Additional Extras – Different hosts will offer additional extras like SSL certificates, premium plugins, and website maintenance.
Disadvantages to Managed WordPress Hosting
- Price – Managed WordPress Hosting is typically more expensive then shared hosting. But compared to you spending that time doing it, you are usually much better off having experts dealing with it.
- Less Control – Because the servers are optimized for WordPress Hosting, you typically won’t have as much control as you might otherwise. But less control means that you are leaving less room for things to be mismanaged.
Is Managed WordPress Hosting For You?
If you have lots of time and you are familiar with running WordPress websites, you are probably better of choosing different options.
If you are running a business and you want a website that just works with minimal hassle, you should seriously consider Managed WordPress Hosting.
Managed WordPress Hosting Options
Kinsta – A hosting company based on Google Cloud technology, they are known for their easy to use dashboard and very fast servers.
WP Engine – One of the biggest Managed WordPress Hosting companies. They are well known and well respected.
CirrusLab – Managed WordPress Hosting that is designed around industry clients, including manufacturing and construction.