If you are thinking of starting up your own website, you are probably thinking about using WordPress. WordPress, once exclusively known as a blogging tool, is now becoming popular as a CMS or content management system and is currently one of the most widely used publishing platforms in the world, being used for more the 66 million websites around the globe.
There are many reasons why WordPress is so popular, not the least of which being the fact that it is free to use. Perfect for use by anyone from novices to extremely experienced experts, it is known to be a flexible and user friendly platform that lends itself to a wide variety of projects from basic blogs, portfolios and membership sites to online stores, galleries and arcades. It is regarded as safe and secure to use and can handle all different types of content including images, video and audio as well as standard text documents, all of which can be customised to different themes. WordPress is also incredibly easy to install and modify as well as offering a huge range of more than 2600 themes and 31,000 plug ins completely fre of charge to its users. As WordPress is an open source program, users gain access to a huge community of users who are able to provide technical advice, rectify problems and contribute own themes and plug ins.
WordPress is so commonly found in use that several well known brands power their own websites using it. Famous names include Google, Time Magazine, Disney and eBay as well as many others, so it is easy to see its popularity is widespread.
All WordPress needs to get your site running and off the ground is a domain name and a cheap WordPress hosting provider, but to ensure your website’s success you need to be able to make a choice of the best WordPress hosting for your needs.
Why Choose a Specific WordPress Shared Hosting?
Although you could technically choose between countless web hosting providers to host your WordPress powered website as the vast majority will support WordPress, some companies are partnered with WordPress and are therefore particularly suitable for use. If you choose one of the best WordPress hosting companies you will be able to benefit from a setup process that is smoother and simpler as well as lower costs and exclusive features. You can also be sure, when you choose a provider that is known as a best hosting for WordPress, that the essential requirements for running WordPress will be met by your chosen host.
What Features Do I Need From WordPress Shared Hosting?
There are some features that you will be looking for from the best web hosting for WordPress suppliers.
Good Technical Support
Especially if you are a novice to running your own WordPress website you will require good access to technical advice and customer support teams whenever your require their assistance. Look for the best WordPress hosting that offers support in your language at the times you need it and via a range of methods like phone, email and online chat.
Unlimited Emails, Storage and Data Transfers
Some WordPress shared hosting suppliers will place a cap on your storage allowance, monthly data transfers or the number of emails you are allowed. This could be a problem if you are aiming to expand and develop your site, so look for a web hosting that will give you room for future growth. It is important to remember that WordPress is extremely CPU intensive and therefore you will want to avoid any web hosting service that charge extra or place limits on CPU cycles.
SSL
If you are planning on selling products via your WordPress website you will need to look for a WordPress shared hosting that offers secure encryption of data with an SSL certificate. The best hosting for WordPress providers will offer you this feature for free.
Which WordPress Shared Hosting Features Improve my WordPress Experience?
While some features are essential to the function of your website, others are simply nice to have. However they will exponentially improve your user experience. Here are some of the main WordPress shared hosting features to be on the lookout for.
Linux or Windows Server Operating System
Although WordPress does run on a server that uses a Windows operating system, you will probably find that a web host that offers a Linux operating system is a better and more user friendly choice as it generally functions better with PHP applications.
Apache Web Server
WordPress works best with the Apache web server as it is much easier and user friendly. Although it can work with LiteSpeed it is more difficult to understand and there is a lot less support for users who are struggling.
FTP Access
If you are wanting to do anything more than the most basic operations on your website then you will need FTP access. Make sure that you choose a cheap WordPress hosting that offers this access, especially if you are planning on expanding your site in the future.
Control Panel
Having access to a good and user friendly control panel will be a distinct advantage, and will make the process of maintaining and creating databases and managing the basics of WordPress considerably simpler. The best bet is either a cPanel or a Plesk control panel, both of which are good choices, especially for novices.
What Else Should I Bear in Mind When Choosing the Best Hosting for WordPress?
Some people who are starting out with a WordPress website for the first time have the misconception that they must choose the same web hosting service that provided their domain name. This is not the case. Although the domain name that you have purchased will usually automatically be directed to that company’s hosting services you can easily redirect your site to the hosting services of a completely different company.
You should always look for a reputable WordPress shared hosting company. If your primary concern is finding a cheap WordPress hosting you may find yourself attracted to some of the lower quality providers who will not offer you the level of service that you require to get the most out of your website. This is especially important to note if you are hoping to use your website as part of an online business. Take the time to do your research carefully, reading editorial and user reviews and find out as much as you can about the different options available to you before making a final choice. The best web hosting for WordPress provider may not be the cheapest option, but it is worth spending a little more to guarantee a trustworthy company that will offer you all the essential features that you require to get your site off the ground successfully.
Knowing what to look for in the best WordPress hosting companies will help you to gain a better understanding of how to make an informed choice. Identify your own website’s needs and requirements and then take your time to look into all the various companies that offer the features and services that you require. Making the right choice of WordPress shared hosting can make all the difference when it comes to the success of your website.