WordPress is one of the most popular content management systems available today. In fact, over a quarter of all websites in the world are built on WordPress. If you’re thinking about launching your small business website with WordPress, you’ll need to find a web host designed for WordPress hosting. This way, you can ensure you’ve got the setup and support you need to take your website to the top.
Got questions about WordPress hosting? We’ve got answers. Here are the top 10 questions small businesses have when considering launching a WordPress site and researching WordPress hosting.
1. What is WordPress hosting?
WordPress hosting is a kind of web hosting where the server is optimized and configured specifically for WordPress sites. WordPress hosting enables you to make one-click WordPress installs and automatically update your WordPress software.Can you use any hosting for your WordPress site? Technically, the answer is yes. But just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. A web host typically just needs the minimum requirements: PHP version 5.2.4 or higher and MySQL 5.0.15 or higher. Most web hosts can meet this standard, but there are a few things you should be wary of.
A WordPress web host is specially configured for the CMS (content management system) you’re using, which means you’re going to have a much smoother and streamlined experience. Plus, it’ll be easy to make updates and installs with a WordPress host. When running a business, operating a website might not be your main priority as a small business. That’s why getting the right tools helps to make this part of the job easier.
2. Why should I choose WordPress hosting?
So, what makes WordPress hosting so much better than regular hosting for your WordPress site? Let’s take a look:- Optimized performance: The servers are configured for WordPress, so they run more efficiently. This means you’ll have a better overall experience as your website performance will be optimized.
- Room for growth: If you’re running a high-traffic site (or hope to run one very soon), you’ll need WordPress hosting. If you’re running a popular WordPress site on a different host and notice your performance drops, switching to WordPress hosting will improve your site’s speed and quality. WordPress hosting enables you to keep your site on its upwards trajectory.
- Heightened security: With regular hosting, you get regular security protocols. With WordPress hosting, the servers are designed with specific WordPress security configurations, so you can be sure your website is safe.
- Knowledgeable support: We all need a little help from time to time. WordPress hosts have a team of experts on their side. They manage servers and provide customer support. This is critical if something goes wrong and you need a specialist to help you get your site back up and running.
3. What is the difference between managed and shared WordPress hosting?
WordPress hosting isn’t one-size-fits-all. Businesses are unique, and each has different requirements for their website.Shared hosting means that your website shares a server with other websites. You still get all the benefits of a configured WordPress server optimized for your CMS, but you have to share the server space. This is ideal for new websites with low to medium traffic. It’s a cost-effective option that gives you the performance benefits without much hassle.
Managed hosting is where you get premium benefits. Better hardware, faster speeds, heightened security, server-side caching, staging sites, more site upgrades, and improved overall performance are just a few. However, managed WordPress hosting comes with a premium price tag, too. It’s typically designed for high-traffic sites – but it does save a lot of time on your end.
4. How do I install plugins in WordPress?
A plugin is a software component that’s kind of like an app. It provides you with additional features and functionality you don’t usually have without it. With WordPress, there are many different plugins you can install that help you do specific things, like add a contact form or photo gallery to your site. Keep in mind that not all WordPress hosts allow all plugins.Here’s how to install a WordPress plugin:
- Go to the WordPress Admin area and click Plugins, then Add New.
- In the search bar, enter the name of the plugin if you know it, or type in specific keywords for functionality.
- Review the search results to find the plugin you want.
- Click the Install button located next to the plugin.
- Once installed by WordPress, you have to click Activate to enable the plugin.
5. Can I migrate my WordPress site from another host?
If you have an existing WordPress site with another hosting provider, and you want to switch your web host to one that is specific to WordPress, you can. The protocol for migration differs from host to host, so make sure to check with your existing host and the one you want to migrate to.For example, with HostPapa, you can transfer your existing WordPress site to HostPapa’s WordPress hosting platform yourself – or you can have HostPapa transfer it for you for FREE. Once you’ve purchased your WordPress shared hosting from HostPapa, you need to open a support ticket in your HostPapa Dashboard and connect with the PapaSquad. They will do all the heavy lifting and move your website over for you at no extra cost.
7. How can I speed up my WordPress site?
Slow websites are bad all around. Not only do they frustrate users, they’re not appreciated by Google either. A slow website can cause web visitors to leave your site. Plus, they hurt your site’s SEO as well.Why might your WordPress site be slow? It could be that your server isn’t optimized for WordPress – this is why you need WordPress hosting. It’s possible your pages are not cached, or that your images are not web optimized. Plugins and external scripts can also affect your speed.
If you want to speed up your WordPress site, there are a couple of ways to go about it:
8. How can I fix a WordPress error?
If you’re having trouble with your WordPress site, you’re probably not the only one. WordPress is used by so many individuals and businesses worldwide. Most likely, your error has been encountered by others as well before. This usually means that a simple solution already exists.We’ve gathered the most common errors and their solutions here for you. Take a look at these helpful articles below to see if you can troubleshoot your issue:
9. How can I protect my WordPress website from hackers?
Whether you’re running a personal blog or a business website, security is critical. You don’t want someone else to gain control of your site, steal confidential information, or conduct any malicious activities.Make sure your WordPress web host automatically protects your website from hacks, malware, spam, data loss, and downtime. You’ll also need to ensure that all logins are secure and that there is protection from brute force and denial of service attacks. Here are our tips for keeping your WordPress site safe.
