What is WordPress Hosting?
WordPress is probably the most popular platform out there for hosting a blogging site. Currently, the tool is being used by over 6 million websites across the globe. WordPress offers a number of features that you can use to customize your website. Moreover, the tool is simple to use and you can set it up yourself.
WordPress can be utilized to the utmost only when you go for a reputed hosting provider. When you choose this service, all technical issues will be taken care of and if problems arise, they will be dealt with by the provider. A WordPress hosting provider will hoe you a domain name, space and a platform.
Features
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Simple interface that can be used by novices
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Complete content management system
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Free templates for customizing your website
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Offers advanced tools for managing your blogs
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Associated software is easy to install
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Plug-ins can be used for optimizing your website and keeping spam away
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Options to include a forum on your website
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A number of email addresses will be given depending on your provider
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Databases for managing all your information
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Firewall protection is offered
Requirements
WordPress has two main requirements, which are offered by any WordPress hosting provider. These are
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MySQL version 5.0 or greater
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PHP version 5.2.4 or greater
Associated Tools
Themes
A WordPress theme defines the way your website looks. You can install any theme and customize it as per your wishes. By the way, when doing this, you do not have to modify the content, and the software will do that all by itself.
Plug-Ins
Plug-ins help you improve the functionality of the default software. These are available for caching, shopping carts, SEO optimization and other purposes. The administrator control provides you access to these plug-ins.
Widgets
Widgets can be used for modifying your sidebar content by simple drag and drop. The underlying HTML or PHP code need not be changed.
Types of WordPress Hosting
Shared WordPress Hosting
This is probably the most popular type of WordPress hosting plan. Designed for beginners, it is extremely affordable because a number of websites are hosted on the same server. However, you will have to bear resource limitation, and if your website requires more load, you will have to upgrade to a a different plan.
WordPress VPS Hosting
In a WordPress VPS hosting plan, server is shared but you still have a substantial amount of control. You can configure your website for different software requirements without affecting other websites hosted on the same server. This hosting plan is suitable for high traffic blogs and medium sized businesses.
Dedicated WordPress Hosting
This option provides you with full control and so is pricey. It is a good choice only when you want to put up a bigger website.
Managed WordPress Hosting
A managed WordPress hosting plan is the most expensive option, but is the easiest to handle. Your provider will optimize your website, make it secure and perform regular backups.
Advantages
Easy Installation
WordPress hosting makes it easy for you to handle all the technical issues. Your provider will install everything for you and make sure that you have fulfilled the requirements of WordPress website. If any add-ons are needed, they will also install these on your behalf.
Unlimited Customization Options
WordPress offers unlimited custom features which you can use to make your website more attractive. From themes to templates, the available options can completely alter the way your website looks.
Easy to Use Interface
WordPress provides you with an interface that is extremely simple to use and can be utilized even if you do not have technical know-how.
Disadvantages
Price
Though there are many providers that offer a number of features, availing all of them can incur extra costs. In such a case, you can go for undamaged WordPress hosting, but then you will have to deal with all the technicalities yourself.
Performance
If you opt for shared WordPress hosting or an low quality provider, performance may be an issue at times.
Top Providers
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WP Engine
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BrainHost
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GreenGeeks
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Bluehost
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HostGator
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DreamHost
