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Managed WordPress Hosting is the Way to Go
Tired of dealing with WordPress headaches? Managed WordPress hosting might be just what you need. It’s like having a team of experts take care of all the technical stuff for you.
No more worrying about updates, security, or performance issues.
With managed WordPress hosting, you get a fast, secure, and optimized website without lifting a finger.
Your site will run smoothly, load quickly, and stay protected from threats. Plus, you’ll have access to top-notch support whenever you need it.
Whether you’re running a small blog or a big online store, managed WordPress hosting can help.
It’s designed to grow with your business and handle increased traffic.
You’ll have more time to focus on creating great content and growing your audience.
Key Takeaways
- Managed WordPress hosting takes care of technical tasks so you can focus on your content
- You get improved security, speed, and performance for your WordPress site
- It’s suitable for businesses of all sizes and can scale as you grow
What Is Managed WordPress Hosting?
Managed WordPress hosting takes care of the technical side of running a WordPress site. It’s like having a team of experts handle your website’s backend so you can focus on your content and business.
Defining the Managed WordPress Service
Managed WordPress hosting is a special type of web hosting made just for WordPress sites.
With this service, you get a hosting environment optimized for WordPress. The hosting company takes care of updates, security, and backups for you.
You don’t need to worry about server management or WordPress maintenance. Your host will keep everything running smoothly.
They’ll also give you tools to make your site faster and more secure.
This service often includes expert support from people who know WordPress inside and out. If you run into problems, you can get help quickly.
Managed WordPress vs. Shared Hosting
Shared hosting is cheaper, but you share server resources with other sites. This can slow down your site when it gets busy. You also have to handle most technical tasks yourself.
Managed WordPress hosting gives you more resources and better performance. Your site lives on servers set up just for WordPress. This means faster load times and better security.
With managed hosting, you get automatic updates and backups. Shared hosting often leaves these tasks to you. Managed hosts also offer WordPress-specific support, while shared hosting support is more general.
Benefits of Managed WordPress for Businesses
Managed WordPress hosting can save your business time and money. You don’t need to hire an IT team to keep your site running well. Your host takes care of that for you.
Your site will be faster and more reliable. This can help you get more visitors and keep them on your site. Fast sites rank better in search engines too.
Security is a big plus. Managed hosts use strong security measures to protect your site from hackers. They also do regular backups, so you won’t lose your data if something goes wrong.
You get peace of mind knowing experts are watching over your site 24/7. This lets you focus on growing your business instead of worrying about website tech issues.
Security and Support Features
Good managed WordPress hosting keeps your site safe and gives you help when you need it. It also handles the technical stuff so you can focus on your content.
Top-Notch Security Protocols
Your site’s safety is a top priority. Most managed WordPress hosts offer strong security features. These often include:
• Firewalls to block bad traffic
• DDoS protection to stop attacks
• Daily backups of your site
• Malware scanning and removal
You’ll also get SSL certificates to encrypt data and make your site show up as secure in browsers. This helps visitors trust your site more.
Some hosts even offer two-factor authentication. This extra step makes it way harder for hackers to break in.
Expert WordPress Support
When you need help, you want it fast. Great WordPress hosts have teams that know WordPress inside and out. They’re ready to help 24/7.
I found this true of Bigscoots and Kinsta.
You can usually reach support through:
• Live chat
• Phone calls
• Support tickets
These experts can help with all sorts of issues. They’ll tackle plugin conflicts, speed up your site, or fix broken themes.
Some hosts even offer proactive support. They’ll spot and fix problems before you notice them.
Managing Plugins and Themes
Plugins and themes can make or break your site. Good hosts help you manage them safely. They might:
• Automatically update plugins and themes
• Scan for conflicts or security issues
• Offer a list of recommended plugins
You’ll often get staging areas too. These let you test changes before putting them on your live site. It’s a safe way to try new plugins or theme updates.
Some hosts even have their own custom plugins. These can help with caching, security, or backups. They’re usually optimized to work great with the host’s servers.
Performance and Speed
Fast websites keep visitors happy. Quick load times and smooth performance are key for any WordPress site. Let’s look at some ways to speed up your site.
Caching for Fast Load Times
Caching saves your site’s files so they load faster next time. It’s like having a cheat sheet for your website.
WordPress hosting often includes built-in caching. This means you don’t have to fiddle with caching plugins.
There are different types of caching:
- Browser caching
- Page caching
- Object caching
Each type helps your site zip along. With good caching, your pages load in a snap. This keeps your visitors from getting bored and leaving.
CDNs and Enhanced Site Speed
A Content Delivery Network (CDN) is like having a super-fast delivery service for your website. It stores copies of your site all over the world. When someone visits your site, they get the files from the nearest location.
CDNs are great for:
- Speeding up image loading
- Reducing server load
- Improving global reach
Many WordPress hosting plans include CDN services. This means your site can be lightning-fast, no matter where your visitors are.
Optimizing for High Traffic
When your site gets popular, you need to be ready for lots of visitors. Good WordPress hosting can handle traffic spikes without breaking a sweat.
Here’s what helps with high traffic:
- Scalable resources
- Load balancing
- Server-side optimizations
Your hosting should grow with you. As you get more monthly visitors, your site should stay speedy. Look for hosts that offer easy upgrades and don’t cap your traffic.
Ecommerce and WooCommerce Hosting
Hosting for online stores offers special features and scalability to support your growing ecommerce business. You’ll find tools to boost your shop’s performance and handle increased traffic as your sales take off.
Special Features for Online Stores
When you’re running an online store, you need hosting that can keep up. WordPress hosting for ecommerce comes with perks tailored for your shop.
You’ll get faster loading times, which can help reduce cart abandonment.
Many hosts offer built-in security features to protect your customers’ data. This is crucial for maintaining trust in your brand.
Some providers include easy integration with popular payment gateways. This makes setting up your checkout process a breeze.
You might also find automatic backups included. This can be a lifesaver if anything goes wrong with your store.
Scalability for Ecommerce Growth
As your online store grows, your hosting needs to keep pace. Scalable hosting lets you handle more traffic without a hitch.
Many providers offer plans that grow with your business. You can start small and upgrade as needed without changing hosts.
Look for hosts that offer seamless scaling during traffic spikes. This is especially important during sales or holiday seasons.
Some hosts provide tools to monitor your site’s performance. These can help you decide when it’s time to scale up.
With the right host, you won’t need to worry about your site crashing due to success. Your WooCommerce store can handle more customers and sales with ease.
Backup and Data Management
Keeping your WordPress site safe is a top priority. Backups and smart data handling are key to protecting your work and giving you peace of mind.
Daily Backups for Peace of Mind
You’ll love how easy it is to safeguard your site with daily backups. I find this is critical for my business model and my clients.
These automatic backups happen without you lifting a finger. They save a copy of your entire site every day.
What if something goes wrong? No worries! You can quickly restore your site to how it was before the problem.
It’s like having a time machine for your website.
Some hosts even keep multiple backups. This means you can go back to different points in time. Pretty cool, right?
Handling Large Amounts of Data
Got a big site with lots of content? No problem! Good WordPress hosts can handle large amounts of data with ease.
They use top-notch data centers to store your info safely. These centers have multiple copies of your data in different places. This keeps your site safe even if one location has issues.
You’ll also get plenty of storage space for your site. As your site grows, you won’t have to stress about running out of room. Some hosts even offer plans with up to 10 GB of storage for your files.
Site Management Tools and Access
BigScoots gives you powerful tools to manage your WordPress site. You’ll get easy ways to test changes and access your files directly.
One-Click Staging and Development
Want to try out new features without messing up your live site? One-click staging lets you create a copy of your site in seconds. Make changes, test plugins, or redesign your layout risk-free.
When you’re happy with the results, push your changes to your live site with a single click. It’s that easy!
This tool is perfect for developers and site owners who like to tinker. You can experiment freely without worrying about breaking your real site.
Access Options: SSH and SFTP
Need to get under the hood of your WordPress install? BigScoots has you covered with SSH and SFTP access.
SSH lets you connect directly to your server through a command line. It’s great for advanced users who want to run custom scripts or make big changes fast.
SFTP gives you a secure way to upload and download files. Use it to manage your themes, plugins, and other WordPress files easily.
Both options are included with your hosting plan. You’ll get the control you need to manage your site exactly how you want.
Costs, Plans, and Pricing Structure
Managed WordPress hosting comes with different price tags and features. Let’s look at the options and how to pick the right one for you.
Comparing Hosting Plans and Pricing
WordPress hosting plans can range from about $35 to over $2,000 per month. Cheaper plans often support one website and fewer visitors. Pricier options let you host multiple sites with more traffic.
Most hosts offer monthly and yearly billing. Yearly plans can save you money. For example, BigScoots gives a 10% discount on annual plans.
Here’s a quick look at some typical features:
- Starter plans: 1 site, up to 250k monthly visitors, 10 GB storage
- Mid-range plans: Multiple sites, higher traffic limits, more storage
- Enterprise plans: Unlimited sites, millions of visitors, tons of storage
Finding the Best Value for Your Needs
To get the best deal, think about your website’s needs. How many visitors do you expect? How much storage do you need?
Don’t just go for the cheapest option. Look for plans with features that match your goals. Some hosts offer a 60-day money-back guarantee, letting you try without risk.
Consider these factors:
- Traffic limits
- Number of sites you can host
- Storage space
- Customer support quality
- Included features like backups and security
Remember, the cheapest plan isn’t always the best value. A slightly pricier option might save you headaches down the road.
Scaling and Growth Potential
Hosting offers great options for businesses of all sizes. You can start small and grow big without switching providers. Let’s look at how to scale up and handle more traffic.
Starting Up and Scaling Your Business
When you’re just starting out, you might not need much. A basic WordPress hosting plan can work well. These plans often support one site and about 250,000 monthly visitors. That’s plenty for most new blogs or small business sites.
As your business grows, you’ll want more. Look for hosts that let you upgrade easily. You might need:
- More storage space
- Support for multiple sites
- Higher visitor limits
Good hosting providers grow with you. They offer bigger plans or custom solutions as you scale up. This way, you don’t have to switch hosts as your site gets popular.
Preparing for an Increase in Traffic
Traffic spikes can happen any time. Maybe you run a sale or your content goes viral. You need to be ready. Here’s what to do:
- Pick a host with good scalability
- Use caching to speed up your site
- Optimize your images and code
They watch your traffic and scale resources automatically. This means your site stays fast, even during busy times.
You should also keep an eye on your stats. If you see steady growth, talk to your host. They can help you plan for more traffic. Some hosts even offer tools to test how your site handles extra load.
Additional Features and Add-Ons
BigScoots offers extra tools to boost your WordPress site. You’ll find options for marketing and development that can take your site to the next level.
Marketing Tools and Integration
You’ll get SEO tools to help your site rank better. Some hosts include email marketing integrations too.
Want to grow your audience? Look for plans with social media tools. These make sharing your content a breeze.
Many hosts offer analytics. You can track your visitors and see what’s popular on your site.
Some providers throw in ad credits. This can help you kickstart your online ads without breaking the bank.
Developer-Friendly Add-Ons
For the tech-savvy, there are plenty of goodies. You’ll often find staging environments. These let you test changes before going live.
Git integration is common. It makes version control a snap.
WordPress updates are usually automatic. This keeps your site secure without you lifting a finger.
Many hosts offer CDNs like Cloudflare. They speed up your site for visitors around the globe.
Look for caching solutions too. LiteSpeed is a popular option that can make your site zip.
Some plans include premium themes and plugins. This can save you money on must-have tools.
Choosing the Right Managed WordPress Host
Picking a good managed WordPress host makes a big difference for your site. Let’s look at what matters most and what other users say about different options.
Key Considerations for Selection
When you’re looking for WordPress hosting, think about your site’s needs. How many visitors do you expect?
- Some plans handle up to 250,000 monthly visitors.
Storage is important too. Check if the host offers enough space for your content. For example, some starter plans come with 10 GB of storage.
One of my WordPress websites uses 13 GB of storage and another one is at 25 GB.
Look at the support options. Good hosts offer WordPress-specific help when you need it. This can save you time and stress.
Price matters, but don’t just go for the cheapest. Compare what you get for your money. Some hosts offer yearly plans that can save you cash.
Real User Reviews and Experiences
Other users’ feedback can help you choose. Look for reviews that talk about site speed and uptime. These are key for a good user experience.
Check what people say about customer support. Fast, helpful support can be a lifesaver when you have issues.
Some users love hosts that make things easy. Look for reviews mentioning simple setups or user-friendly tools.
Pay attention to comments about security. Good hosts keep your site safe without you having to worry about it.
Remember, what works for one site might not be perfect for yours. But user reviews can give you a good idea of what to expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Managed WordPress hosting offers many benefits but also comes with some tradeoffs. Let’s look at the key things you need to know before choosing a managed WordPress host.
Is managed hosting worth the extra cost versus regular hosting?
Managed hosting can be worth the higher price tag. You get expert support, better security, and faster load times. This saves you time and headaches compared to DIY hosting. But it does cost more than basic shared hosting.
How does managed WordPress hosting differ from standard web hosting?
Managed hosting is optimized just for WordPress sites. The servers are configured to run WordPress efficiently. You get automatic updates, backups, and security scans.
Standard hosting is more general-purpose. It works for many types of sites but isn’t fine-tuned for WordPress. You handle more of the maintenance yourself.
What are some top features to look for in the best managed WordPress hosting services?
Look for daily backups, malware scanning, and a CDN. The best hosts offer staging sites to test changes. Automatic WordPress core updates are key too. Good managed hosts have WordPress experts on staff for support. Fast load times and high uptime are also must-haves.
Are there any managed WordPress hosts that offer free plans?
Free managed WordPress hosting is rare. Most quality managed hosts charge a monthly fee. Some may offer short free trials to test their service. Be wary of “free” managed WordPress hosting. It often comes with major limitations or hidden costs.
How has the managed WordPress hosting landscape changed in recent years?
I like it for peace of mind when running 10 different websites. I don’t want to use a Cpanel and a Virtual server. I like the support I get at Bigscoots for managing my websites and a few of my clients. I have been on 8 different hosting companies…some were cheap and a nightmare.
Summary of Managed WordPress Hosting Solutions
If you are like me, I like fast and reliable website hosting with great customer service. Then, I can focus on my businesses and not worry about hosting.
Please check out several managed WordPress hosting companies so you can make the best decision for yourself.
Here are three that pay us a small commission to help promote them:
- Bigscoots – I have used them the longest. I have 8 websites running here now.
- Kinsta – my friend Bill loves Kinsta and runs his empire of websites on it.
- Siteground – my friend Karen loves Siteground.
In the past, I have used the following to host about 65 websites that I built and ran:
- Bluehost
- Liquid Web
- Known Host
- Godaddy
I know, hosting is a tough decision. I hope this blog post was helpful for you. You can read another article I wrote about Website Hosting Facts and Comparisons.