Soumi Biswas The modern digital landscape is quite relentless and having a commanding online presence in such a market is non-negotiable. And within this ever-changing realm, WordPress has managed to establish itself as among the most sought-after solutions, helping businesses, creatives, and everyone in between carve out their individual paths to success. But this is not to say that WordPress websites do not need a solid foundation, because they do. Every WordPress endeavor demands a stable bedrock, from where it can grow and win over the target audience. That, my dear readers, is where managed WordPress hosting comes in.
Managed WordPress hosting has now emerged as the go-to tool for efficiency, offering a tailored environment designed specifically for the unique needs of WordPress websites. From automatic updates and enhanced security to optimized performance, modern hosting solutions help companies contend with their technical burdens with absolute ease.
All of this admittedly appears to be great, but in this landscape of managed WordPress providers, one must remember that not all providers are created equal. What I mean to say is that choosing the right service provider can be the difference between dazzling success and failure. And for that, you must find the perfect fit — the hosting provider that can complement your business’ unique WordPress needs as well as its ambitions.
As important as the decision is, one cannot deny that it remains a difficult task. So, I have put together this guide, wherein I will discuss the key factors you must consider in order to help you find the right managed WordPress hosting provider.
1. Performance and Scalability
The speed at which a website operates is a fundamental consideration since user patience is now measured in milliseconds and a slow-loading WordPress site can, thus, have far-reaching consequences for the business. From diminished user engagement to a plummet in search engine rankings, slow-loading websites can quickly result in the loss of customers. Therefore, when you set out to find a managed WordPress hosting provider, direct your focus toward the twin pillars of performance and scalability.
a. Fast servers: Look for providers that use next-generation SSD storage and finely tuned server configurations.
b. Caching solutions: Opt for a hosting provider that uses efficient caching mechanisms since these mechanisms substantially reduce page load times by strategically serving static content from servers positioned near website visitors.
c. Constant monitoring and optimization: Align yourself with a provider who is committed to proactively monitoring your website’s performance.
d. Flexible plans: Much like your business, your website is poised for evolution. So, select a hosting provider that offers a variety of plans that can accommodate your growth trajectory.
e. Horizontal scaling: It would also be a good idea to choose a provider that facilitates horizontal scaling, i.e. the ability to add additional servers to your infrastructure when the demands of your growing audience surpass the capabilities of a single server.
2. Security
In today’s digital world, security can no longer be simply an afterthought — it must be the cornerstone of any online entity, especially if they hope to be competitive and successful. So, when it comes to your WordPress website, entrusting it to a secure managed hosting provider is important too.
a. Automated updates: Make sure that the WordPress core, plugins, and themes are automatically kept up to date to ensure vulnerabilities are patched swiftly, thus addressing potential exploits.
b. Regular backups: Choose automated backup solutions that securely store your data offsite.
c. Encryption: To protect sensitive information, including customer data and financial details, select a provider that uses encryption for your website data both in transit and at rest.
d. Industry-standard security certifications: It is advisable to look for providers with industry-recognized security certifications such as PCI-DSS and SOC 2.
e. Threat intelligence: Your provider must also be actively engaged in monitoring emerging cybersecurity threats. Their commitment to updating security measures proactively will help you stay ahead of the curve.
3. Costs
In the intricate task of selecting a managed WordPress hosting provider, the balance between performance, security, and cost is a crucial act. While top-tier features often come with a premium price tag, working your way around the pricing demands a nuanced understanding of your own needs as well as the ability to prioritize accordingly.
a. Start small: Choose a hosting plan that is in sync with your current website traffic and resource requirements. Remember, the option to upgrade as your business grows is always available.
b. Think long-term: I highly recommend exploring annual plans since they often come with significant discounts compared to monthly billing cycles. Also, evaluate whether committing to a longer duration aligns with your budget and anticipated growth trajectory.
Besides this, it is also crucial to recognize that cost alone should not be the sole deciding factor here. Consider the overall value proposition by evaluating:
- Uptime guarantees: A provider with a robust uptime guarantee to minimize downtime is a critical factor in preventing lost revenue and maintaining a reliable online presence.
- Performance guarantees: Some providers offer guaranteed performance levels, ensuring that your website runs smoothly even under anticipated traffic loads.
4. Updates, Backups, and Support
The quest for the right managed WordPress hosting provider must look beyond flashy features and high-performance claims. True peace of mind, after all, is based on the assurance that your website is consistently backed up, shielded by the latest software updates, and supported by a reliable team when needed.
a. Core, Plugins, and Themes: Opt for a provider that automatically keeps your WordPress core, plugins, and themes up to date. This proactiveness is imperative to prevent vulnerabilities from being exploited.
b. Testing and Rollback Capabilities: Make sure that the provider conducts pre-update compatibility checks and offers easy rollback options. This helps protect the website against unforeseen issues, allowing a swift return to a stable state in case complications arise
c. Automated and Offsite Backups: Select a provider that automatically performs regular backups of your website data and securely stores them offsite to set up a safety net against hardware failures, accidental data loss, etc.
d. Expert WordPress Knowledge: The provider’s support team must be well-versed in WordPress as well as their hosting platform. Besides that, look for a provider that provides diverse support channels such as live chat, phone support, and email, etc. 24/7 support to ensure swift assistance at any time is great as well.
e. Proactive Issue Identification and Resolution: The provider you opt for must also actively monitor your website, proactively addressing potential issues before they can affect your visitors and your business. eWay Corp, a renowned managed WordPress hosting service provider, is quite well-known in the industry for its proactive support services, by the way.
5. Communication
I cannot insist enough on just how important effective communication is when it comes to managed WordPress hosting. Beyond technical specifications and features, a successful partnership hinges on robust communication, ensuring that the website remains on course and any issues are quickly and effectively addressed.
a. Proactive Communication: Choose a provider that does not wait for problems to arise and, instead, keeps you informed about updates, potential issues, and proactive maintenance schedules.
b. Timely Replies: I highly recommend prioritizing providers that commit to timely communication, ensuring you will not find yourself waiting for hours on end for a response.
c. Dedicated Account Managers: In order to foster a deeper understanding of your needs, it would be a good idea to choose a provider that offers dedicated account managers. This single point of contact streamlines communication and enhances the overall partnership too.
d. Feedback Loops: Communication is a two-way street and this holds true in the world of managed WordPress hosting as well. So, be sure to choose a provider that welcomes your feedback and utilizes it to enhance their services, tailoring them to your specific needs.
Selecting the right managed WordPress hosting provider is a multifaceted decision that requires careful consideration of key factors. But with the right map, as discussed above, finding the perfect fit for your business becomes a clear path to online success.
Now, it goes without saying that the market is brimming with choices for such providers. Yet, amidst the myriad of options, eWay Corp stands out as a provider that not only offers these essential services but excels in delivering them. From comprehensive security protocols to flexible cost structures and unwavering support, eWay Corp embodies the qualities we have explored today and so much more.
