You need to have a good look at hosting packages before committing to a contract because nothing is really stopping a company from labeling its services as “managed.”
Managed hosting providers usually mention advantages like backups, improved security, a hands-off approach where they take care of everything for you, and so on. However, these benefits can remain unclear at the end of the day.
To ensure that your WordPress site is running smoothly, it’s important to keep your hosting plan up to date with the latest security patches and updates. One of our favorite Youtube channels creating WP sites is youtube.com/@createwpsite.
Additionally, regular backups of your website should be taken to protect against any data loss or corruption that may occur. Finally, it’s recommended that you select a hosting provider that offers specialized WordPress support, so you can reach out for help if you experience any difficulties. By taking these extra steps, you can ensure that your WordPress site is running securely and efficiently.
Managed WordPress hosting should offer specific extra benefits and features which you won’t access with a standard hosting plan. In short, the host manages your setup instead of you. The concept of “managed” can have different implications depending on your host. Ask yourself the following questions:
· Does the host perform any actions on my server regularly?
· Do they tweak my settings to improve security or speed on their own initiative?
· If I need anything done to my site, do I ask them?
Pros of managed hosting
The first advantage is the ease of use. Even if the host offers cPanel, the industry standard, it can be confusing, and it can take time to learn how to use it effectively. Most hosts with managed plans also provide access to their own custom user panels, which tend to be easier to work with. They also provide quick access to the most popular and commonly used features. The disadvantage is that their scope is limited when compared with cPanel.
Improved security
Managed hosting platforms are more secure than shared hosting options because the hosting setup used is of higher-quality overall. They offer DDoS protection mechanisms that can protect against attacks at the app and network layers or by using a Web Application Firewall (WAF).
Providers of managed hosting for WordPress keep their service up to date with system updates like the latest security patches. This helps to protect your data from viruses, hackers, etc.
You don’t need a technical background
You do not need a technical background in website hosting. The provider takes care of the backend work for you. This leaves you free time and energy to focus on creating content and designing the site in a way that will appeal to your current and future customers.
Cons of managed hosting
Managed hosting is more expensive than shared hosting. It starts at $15 a month, while shared hosting can cost as little as $3.
No email hosting
Managed hosting will not necessarily handle your email. You should look into this in advance. Find another service to host your inbox if you have a custom email address you want to keep.
Limited number of sites
The majority of managed WordPress hosting plans only support one website, so installing multiple ones can be an issue.
Final verdict
Should you get managed hosting? It depends on your site and your needs. If you’re unhappy with your current host’s reliability, support, or performance, you’ll be more satisfied with managed hosting. This is due to WordPress-specific features and the fact that managed hosting setups are usually of higher quality.
Managed hosting will serve you well if your WordPress site is constantly undergoing changes and developments. You’ll appreciate the fact that you can make staging sites in just a few clicks.
Managed hosting is also the better option if you have a WooCommerce site, which is gaining momentum. It copes with traffic increases well, and the support teams respond faster.
On the other hand, a simple WordPress website with low traffic doesn’t merit the switch to this more expensive type of hosting. You can get security checks and automated backups through a plugin, and dealing with updates on your own is not impossible. Shared hosting also includes email hosting, which means your hosting needs will be covered for a few dollars a month.
It can be worth investing in managed hosting for WordPress overall, but not before doing research and learning about the host’s limitations. Pay attention to things like the number of sites allowed, limited disk space, banned plugins, and so on.