WordPress Web Hosting
When it comes to WordPress, managed hosting is the only way to go.
Stay with us for a moment while we explain... there are two types of WordPress:
- WordPress.org
- WordPress.com
WordPress.org is where your download the open-source software, which you then install on a web hosting server you've set up on your own. WordPress.com is no different than a leased platform like Squarespace, and heavily limits what you can do.
When professionals talk about WordPress, they're talking about .org, which is known as "self-hosted WordPress."
In this scenario, it's assumed the website owner will update plugins, run backups, and know what to do if there are security issues.
We don't know a single entrepreneur who has time (or the desire) to do that, which is the whole reason we started hosting websites. We provide the server, the software licensing, and the maintenance, so you can stay in your zone of genius and leave the uptime monitoring to us.
Managed hosting = maintenance done for you.
Hosting vs. Managed Hosting
Web hosting is just space on a server that stores and serves your website files. When you see the low monthly cost clickbait across the internet, you're getting (low-quality) server space, an access panel of some kind and a few free tools. No maintenance.
Managed hosting means that updates are made for you. In reality, the web hosts who advertise this often just turn on automations and call it a day.
We do things a little differently.
When we host your website, it's managed by humans who know you and your business goals. We can provide personalized recommendations when you have questions about the best way to set up a booking calendar or how to add a new form. Or you can just delegate the task to us, and we'll get it done. This is a partnership, and we want to hear from you.
WordPress Hosting Features:
- Lightning fast servers to prevent your leads from bouncing.
- A tech stack designed for the needs of consultants and professional service providers.
- Provided software licenses to build incredible forms, email newsletters and much more.
- Maintenance that gives you peace of mind.
- Tech support when you need help: we'll record a video and explain how it works.
- Delegation when you need it done: forget the video, just tell us what problem you're trying to solve.
WordPress Hosting
- hosting account setup and configuration
- all recommended software licenses included (worth $2500/year)
- specialty software licenses available
- routine updates (WordPress core, theme, plugins)
- daily backups and rollback ability
- uptime and security monitoring
- email marketing software at no extra cost
- exclusive hourly rate for support requests
- automated monthly credit card billing for convenience
- feedback tool to draw on screen and send requests directly into our queue
- website policies and cookie notice software included (worth $120/year)
*Hosting plans vary depending on website traffic and storage needs.
wordpress hosting FAQ's
While we specialize in WordPress, we do offer static website hosting for specific use cases (startup websites or simple landing pages). If you're not sure what you need, schedule a discovery call and we'll provide personalized recommendations.
Probably not all of them, but our core tech stack? Absolutely.
At minimum, every site will utilize our WordPress theme, page builder + add-ons, forms/integrations, caching, image compression, SEO, and security.
If needed, we have more robust integrations, email marketing software, portfolios, digital contracts, and online booking.
Practically, this means that if you have an idea for functionality you'd like your WordPress website to have, we probably already have licensing we can add to your site, and if not, we can make recommendations for the best tool for your use case.
At the bare minimum, website hosting is just server storage space that's accessible to other computers on the Internet. That's it.
The best feature of WordPress is also the worst; you can extend the functionality of your website with plugins. The problem is that those plugins need to be updated consistently (97% of hack attempts are through outdated plugins). In addition, you should be running routine backups on any website.
"Managed" simply means that someone is providing that service for you. Some web hosts will charge more to turn on automated updates (we don't recommend this) and backups should be included by default. But generally speaking, there aren't humans monitoring your site.
When we say managed, we mean that we have a plugin/theme/WordPress update schedule. While we use tools to help us manage all of our sites, if a new plugin update breaks something, it's easier for us to pinpoint when it happened and what it was, so we can fix it. We also run backups, and have uptime monitoring that will ping us if a server goes down or a website crashes. We're also monitoring any odd security notices, and sometimes Google warnings as well, so we can look into any issues. These services are why our monthly hosting cost is higher, but they're invaluable for the small business owner who wants peace of mind.
If there's a problem, you can give us a call and we'll take a look, update, revert to a backup, whatever needs to happen.
There are two different types of WordPress. WordPress.com is the equivalent of Squarespace; you sign up through them to get the hosting account and software pre-installed, and pay extra to remove the .wordpress.com part of the domain name.
We offer, and are referring to self-hosted WordPress (WordPress.org), which is when you download the software and install it on your own server.
If you're new to this, read our blog post What Is WordPress to get an overview.
The beauty of self-hosted WordPress is that you are fully in control of everything. Don't like your web host? Pick a new one and move your website. Unlike Wix, Squarespace, or Webflow, self-hosted WordPress means you aren't locked into an account on a platform that limits what you can do or changes pricing twice a year.