What is the Difference Between WordPress Hosting and Managed WordPress Hosting? – The two popular options for hosting your WordPress site are shared and managed. Both plans have implications on security, uptime, and the running costs for your website. Here’s what you have to know about managed WordPress and shared hosting plans.
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How Does Web Hosting Work?
Before examining the differences shared services, it is crucial to understand hosting concepts. Web hosting providers store files in web servers that are essentially processors with RAM and hard drives.
One factor influencing the site’s performance is the number of visitors accessing resources simultaneously. A surge of users on the website can strain the RAM and processor, reducing speeds and causing frequent downtimes.
The hosting provider can set up different plans to manage resources and the experience for users. Shared hosting is the most affordable but offers virtually no guarantee for users.
What is Shared Hosting?
Typically, a shared hosting plan allocates multiple websites to the same resources from one server. The more users using the same server, the more your website’s performance will be affected.
Users can install different WordPress versions or alternative CMS applications in a shared plan, such as Joomla or Drupal. The cPanel menu allows you to set cron jobs, manage email accounts and quickly perform critical tasks.
Shared hosting is an economical option but offers no technical support and has limited resources. If users complain of slow speeds, the provider will request they upgrade their plan. It is suitable for low-traffic websites and small businesses with a tight budget.
What is Managed WordPress Hosting?
The goal of Managed WordPress services is to simplify the technical aspects of running a website. The server is fast and reliable because it is designed specifically for WordPress sites.
In managed WordPress hosting, users delegate all the server-side scripting to the hosting company. Nexcess is one of the providers that retains WordPress experts to boost support for users. It is an ideal option for small businesses that want to avoid the expense of hiring in-house staff.
Managed WordPress solutions offer automatic updates for themes, plug-ins, and applications. It frees up the user’s time and enhances website security. A Managed WordPress service is suitable for high-traffic websites and where the site’s reliability is critical for operations.
Managed Versus Shared: Which One Should I Choose?
Managed hosting plans have varying levels of managed services to meet the needs of different users. The pricing could range from $13 to thousands of dollars per month. Even though it is more expensive than a shared plan, the extra cost is often worth it for small businesses.
With shared hosting, it can take days to restore the website’s functionality when there is a technical issue. Managed hosting providers specialize in WordPress and have professionals with extensive knowledge of the platform. Typically, users can access a support team round the clock for reliable and timely support.
Managed WordPress solutions are crucial for high-demand websites and organizations that cannot hire in-house expertise. The WordPress platform has unique security that only an experienced provider can address effectively. Contact Nexcess to explore our comprehensive plans.
