When setting up a new WordPress website, one of the first things to consider is using a managed WordPress hosting service or going with a general hosting provider. A standard hosting solution will undoubtedly be cheaper, and you could install WordPress yourself. But is that all there is to consider when making this decision?
The truth is that a managed WordPress hosting service has more benefits than first meets the eye. Indeed, even those with the technical knowledge to manage a WordPress installation would benefit from opting for a managed service. Here are 10 reasons why managed WordPress hosting is the best solution for most WordPress websites.
1. WordPress Installed and Updated for You
The core WordPress software isn’t overly challenging to install, and updating the software is straightforward. Nevertheless, the installation does take time, and updates are essential for security, performance, and compatibility with plugins. When you use a managed WordPress hosting plan, the hosting company will install the software to be ready to use from day one. Updates are usually automatic, too. Consequently, you can spend more time developing and managing your website rather than wasting time with the routine WordPress tasks.
2. Specialist Support
Managed providers usually provide WordPress support. So, you have a team of WordPress experts on hand should you encounter any issues with your site. The support included in the package will vary with the provider and may be limited. However, you will be able to purchase extra support for specific issues at a reasonable cost if required.
3. Reliable Backups
Backups usually come with a managed WordPress hosting service. So, you can be sure your site is getting backed up every day. Furthermore, the backup monitoring will alert you should something go wrong. So, backups are one more task and concern off your plate when you go with a managed service.
4. Security
Most managed WordPress hosting providers will provide security features for your website. The security features might include virus and malware scanning and removal, firewall protection, and the enforcement of strong passwords and two-stage authentication. The security provided by some managed hosting providers is so comprehensive that it may replace the need for a third-party security plugin. The technical team of a managed WordPress hosting provider will understand the vulnerabilities of the software. Consequently, security features are in place to cover those vulnerabilities.
5. Better Performance
You will get significant performance benefits with a managed provider. The servers will have been configured to optimize the speed of the software, and the service package may include a caching solution and a Content Delivery Network (CDN). Often, the hosting provider will also offer tips on improving the speed of your site.
6. One-Click Staging Site
The best-managed WordPress hosting packages include a one-click staging site. This feature enables you to copy your live site to a test environment where you can make changes and test ideas and plugins. Then, when you are ready to go, you can push the staging site back to the live site. If things don’t go to plan, you can scrap the test site without affecting the live environment.
7. Easy-to-Implement SSL Certificates
An SSL (secure sockets layer) certificate is essential for any site. But implementing SSL with a general hosting provider can be time-consuming and require technical knowledge. However, installing SSL is usually no more than a one-click operation with a managed service. And the cost of the certificate is relatively low. Indeed, many managed WordPress hosting providers include an SSL certificate in the managed WordPress hosting service price.
8. Simplified Site Management
Managed hosting providers also usually provide a range of tools to assist with managing the backend of a website. These tools might include SFTP (secure file transfer protocol), a database tool, cPanel, and a file browser. Such tools are available for use on non-managed sites. However, managed hosting providers bring these features together in one place and usually present them in a non-technical, user-friendly fashion.
9. Fewer Plugins
Many of the features provided by managed hosting solutions remove the need for a plugin. For example, security, performance, backup, and caching plugins may not be necessary. There is nothing wrong with using plugins to perform these tasks. However, too many plugins will slow down the site, require more updates, and could cause plugin conflicts.
10. Scalable Solution
Increasing the resources available to a WordPress site is usually straightforward with a managed hosting service. So, when visitor numbers grow, and you need more bandwidth or storage space, you can increase resources by clicking a button. Of course, there will be an increase in the service price. Still, the process will be less painful than moving the site to another hosting provider.
Conclusion
The benefits above ensure less hassle and more peace of mind, which frees up your time to work on your website and manage your business. What’s more, the cost of a managed hosting package could be as low as $15 per month. So, why not take advantage of managed WordPress hosting?
