Are you at the starting phase, trying to pick the right hosting provider for your website? You’re not the only one. Choosing among the multitude of hosting providers can seem daunting, but I’m here to guide you to the right choice.
What is a hosting provider?
A web hosting provider is essential for making your website accessible on the Internet. These providers offer various services, including website design, storage space, and Internet connectivity. Some platforms include hosting, where you don’t have to consider underlying structures like Shopify and Squarespace simplifying their use. WordPress allows for hosting on WordPress.com or the flexibility to choose an independent hosting provider.
Let’s focus within the WordPress domain, considering Shopify and Squarespace don’t provide the flexibility of choosing a third-party hosting provider.
Things to consider
For those using WordPress, deciding between hosting on WordPress.com and selecting an independent provider is key.
☞ Reliability
When evaluating a hosting provider, reliability is my top priority. It’s essential that server downtime is kept to an absolute minimum; after all, a website that’s frequently inaccessible serves neither its owner nor its visitors well.
☞ Security
Secondly, the inclusion of an SSL certificate by the hosting provider is critical. You might have encountered the warning “this page isn’t safe” on websites using HTTP instead of HTTPS. HTTPS, which employs TLS (SSL) to encrypt HTTP requests and responses (I promise it won’t get more technical than this), is not just about adding a layer of security; it’s about ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of the data exchanged (read this article ON: Should you have a GDPR consent banner on your website?) between your website and its visitors. An SSL certificate is a non-negotiable feature for modern websites, as it not only protects your site and its users but also positively impacts your visibility in Google search results (read this article ON: Understanding Google Search Console — why it’s essential for you).
☞ Speed
I also highly value the speed offered by the hosting provider which is crucial, especially as you plan for growth.
☞ Customer support
Equally important is the quality of customer support. The ability to speak directly to a human when you encounter issues or have questions cannot be overstated.
☞ Cost
Cost is also a factor; the cheapest option isn’t always the best, and the most expensive may not be necessary. WordPress.com’s pricing varies based on the plan and payment schedule, with significant differences between monthly and annual payments. For example, their Creator plan necessary for plugin installation starts at around €30 monthly on an annual plan (totaling €360) but jumps to about €45 if opting for monthly payments. Prices escalate further for plans accommodating WooCommerce, the leading e-commerce plugin for WordPress.
Which hosting provider should you choose?
Many opt for Bluehost, a major player in the hosting field, though I caution against their lowest-tier plans due to performance issues that may affect template installation. My recommendation leans towards Simply.com, known for its reliable service, straightforward WordPress installation, and pricing that presents a significant saving over WordPress.com. Simply.com‘s Standard or Pro Suite plans offer sufficient resources for business scaling, priced at €132 and €180 per year, respectively.
This pricing contrast highlights the advantage of choosing an independent host over WordPress.com, especially when planning to use plugins and WooCommerce.
I hope this guide has helped clarify what to consider when selecting a hosting provider. I’m curious about your experiences and recommendations, so please share them in the comments below!
