WordPress began as a simple tool for bloggers with no coding experience to run and manage their own personal websites. It has since grown to become the backbone behind nearly 70 million websites and has evolved into a full-fledged content management and eCommerce system with some killer themes and templates and an easy to use and intuitive design.
If you’re looking to use WordPress for your personal or business website, you will want to pair it with a hosting company that can deliver the services you need. These are our top WordPress hosting solutions for 2017.
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1&1
It’s always a good sign when a hosting company offers specialized WordPress hosting solutions, especially for users who dread having to install WordPress on a host server. 1&1’s Managed WP plans include a pre-installed WordPress platform and plugins, in addition to a special WP Assistant feature, which helps users through the website creation process.
1&1 offers users an impressive selection of features including full SSD web space, unlimited SSD databases, NGINX, PHP7 with OPcache, and unlimited storage, websites, traffic, and email accounts.
1&1 is also one of the most secure providers available. SSL certificates are included in all packages in addition to hacker protection thanks to their secure data centers.
Plans on 1&1 start at as little as $0.99 per month for the first year, and then $7.99 per month after that.
Bluehost
Wouldn’t it be great if WordPress could just recommend a host for us? Say hello to Bluehost, the #1 recommend host by WordPress.org!
Bluehost comes with 1-click WordPress activation, 24/7 support from trained WordPress experts, unlimited storage, and a free domain name.
Bluehost also offers SSH secure shell access and true resource management, all on world class technology that includes dual quad processor performance servers, multiple backups and failsafes, free site backups, and 10-gigabit ethernet connections.
Plans on Bluehost start at $2.95 per month for the first year, and then $7.99 per month after that.
HostGator
HostGator recently introduced WordPress cloud hosting. This enables them to offer WordPress hosting services at 2.5 times the speed of their competitors due to a cloud-based architecture built on low-density servers. In layman’s terms: HostGator makes WordPress fast.
In addition to supercharged speed, HostGator’s WordPress plan includes advanced security features that monitor your resources to ensure they remain safe and secure. Their support line is available every single minute of the year and their team of experts is trained to handle anything you throw their way.
The WordPress Starter Plan begins at $5.95 per month for the initial term, a significant reduction from the regular rate of $7.95 per month.
InMotion
InMotion does not have a Word-press specific package, but their plans do come with many attractive features. Aimed at businesses rather than bloggers, InMotion offers advanced technology to grow your company, a knowledge base that you can draw on, and a toolbox that developers will appreciate.
WordPress comes pre-installed so it does not take long to get a site up and running. All plans offer unlimited email, free site backups, a free domain, free SSD drives, and the ability to choose your data center. InMotion has an A+ from the Better Business Bureau and has been CNET Certified for over 14 years.
The basic Launch plan begins at $5.99 per month for the first year and then costs $7.99 after that.
SiteGround
SiteGround claims that web hosting is their craft, and with managed WordPress hosting available on all of their plans, they seem to have carved themselves a nice little niche.
The service uses some of the hottest speed technologies, offering enhanced performance with NGINX, HTTP/2, PHP7, and free CDN. They keep this platform stable and secure using a firewall, free SSL certification, automated monitoring, and daily backups. They even provide automatic WordPress updates.
The first year of SiteGround costs only $3.95 per month but then shoots up to $9.95 per month, making them the most expensive provider on our list.
Any one of the hosting providers listed above would be an excellent choice for your WordPress site. If you are having trouble deciding which one you should go with, considering the following:
What are my current website needs?
Get an idea of how much bandwidth you will need for your website and whether a potential host offers this to you. If you’re expecting your business to take off in a few months, you will want to be able to upgrade without too much difficulty, but you also shouldn’t count your chickens before they hatch.
Does it meet WordPress hosting requirements?
All of the hosting providers on this list do meet the hosting requirements but do your research if you are considering using a host other than the ones listed above. If you don’t check before you sign up, it could cost you.
How much support do I need?
If you’re a novice you will want to have access to expert help when you need it most. Many providers offer some kind of support, but you may want to go with a provider that delivers the best customer support.
What are the load times?
Slow websites make site visitors turn away and are terrible for SEO. Ensure that your package level provides your site with the loading speeds you need to stay competitive.
Does the host have rich security features?
Make sure your host provides a rich package of security features. There is no reason to have to pay extra, especially with all of the choices out there. You should never have to worry about hackers or other security threats.
Finding the right web hosting service should be a breeze from here! Good luck and make sure to let us know what you think below.
