Choosing the wrong hosting solution will cost you time, money and even customers. The question is, ‘what is the right hosting solution for me?’ You can answer this prudent question after you have determined what your hosting needs are. After deciphering this, select the one that best suits those needs. Let’s look at two possible hosting solutions – managed WordPress hosting and VPS. We will look at the advantages and disadvantages of both so you can make an informed decision on which is ideal for you and your business.
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What Is Managed WordPress Hosting
Managed WordPress hosting is a special service offered by a number of web hosting providers where they take care of running all the technical aspects of your server. This includes security checks, updates, backups, uptime and scalability. In addition, managed WordPress hosting gives you access to premium support with a network of professionals working in the background. To see some of the best managed WordPress Hosting plans go to this page.
The fact that you are working with experts gives you an advantage since you will not have to navigate the hosting process by yourself.
Advantages
1. Managed hosting is overall simpler
Since the hosting provider manages updates, backups and does all other technical issues, you will find it is simpler for you. As a result, you don’t have to be burdened with thoughts of the day-to-day of running your site.
2. Managed Hosting is Safer
There’s better security with managed hosting since experts are in charge of putting in place the best preventative measures to ensure your website is secure from threats and attacks. The truth is these professionals are expected to a better job than you would. And in the case that something actually happens to your website, they would already be there to ensure everything is sorted in an efficient manner.
3. Scalability
The ability to scale a website is critical especially when there’s increased traffic. You can scale your managed WordPress to complement the traffic on your website, without any disruptions. This is because with a managed plan, the staff and infrastructure of the provider are at your disposal and they are able to handle surges in website traffic. Their job is also to ensure your site still stays online even at its most busy.
Disadvantages
1. Less Control
All hosting solutions have their downsides and Managed WordPress hosting is no different. One of its main disadvantages is that you will have less control over your website. This is because you have a team of professionals taking care of it for you. Just ensure that you choose a reputable web hosting provider.
2. You’re limited to running only a WordPress site
Managed WordPress hosting limits you to operating only a WordPress website. If you wish to have a website that’s not WordPress this hosting solution is not for you.
3. Limited Plugins
With Managed WordPress hosting, you will not be able to use certain plugins. This is often the case because they are not compatible with the architecture of the server. For more information on Managed WordPress Hosting click here.
4. Cost
Price is also a factor since you have to pay for additional benefits and services.
VPS Hosting
Virtual Private Server (VPS) hosting provides you with access to a private partition on a physical server. Keeping your files and data private and separate from the other websites sharing the same server. With VPS you will also have control over software installation and the configuring of your server.
The flexibility and control you get with VPS is a combination of the best of shared web hosting and dedicated hosting. With technical knowledge on operating systems, VPs will help you to enhance reliability, uptime and server stability.
VPS offers both managed VPS hosting and unmanaged hosting plans; however, this article is looking at the unmanaged solution. With managed hosting, you have limited responsibilities as the service provider does most of the work. However, with an unmanaged VPS, you will have to setup, install, update and dealing with the overall running of your server by yourself.
Advantages
1. Flexibility & Control
VPS offers much flexibility and control. Everything that happens on or to your website is your decision. You have the option of also creating multiple cPanels, configuring each to your liking. With a managed solution, you have to wait on the hosting provider to make changes and updates.
2. You Can Host Several Types of Websites
You’ll be able to create multiple websites regardless of where they are hosted. This means you are not limited to one content management system. You can pretty much do whatever you want to do on your server with a VPS solution.
3. Ability to Scale
VPS makes it easy to scale up or down depending on your website needs. You can scale up your VPS to offer more when your website grows. On the other hand, you can scale down if you have more resources than needed.
Disadvantages
1. Time-Consuming
Since you are in charge of the overall running of your server it will take up a lot of your time. Especially if you are not very tech savvy it will take way more time to install, update and make necessary changes.
2. Cost
Choosing a VPS can cost you the same as a managed hosting solution. However, with managed hosting you are paying for technical assistance. With VPS you are doing all the work yourself and paying almost the same as a managed plan.
3. You need to have Technical Knowledge to successfully Run A VPS
Without the necessary technical skills, you will find it very difficult and time consuming to manage your server.
Which is better, Managed WordPress Hosting or VPS?
Both managed WordPress hosting and VPS offer different values, and it’s all dependent on what you want.
If you are technically competent and enjoy having control over your website, then an unmanaged VPS hosting solution may be the ideal option for you. This way you can create custom solutions in a reliable, flexible and fast hosting environment.
However, beginners and individuals or businesses with a need for more security and services/support with little time to do it, managed hosting is a better option for you. You’ll be able to focus on building your blog and business while all the technical aspect is handled by the web hosting provider.
Conclusion
By choosing managed WordPress hosting is almost like auto piloting. Others take care of the tedious backend work for you resulting in your site running smoothly without much input from you. While VPS is perfect for individuals, who want full control in deciding what happens to their server and site.
For more information on servers for WordPress websites go to this page. Hosting.co.uk offers some of the best web hosting solution in the UK for WordPress websites.
