Why your choice of host matters
WordPress itself is free, but it needs somewhere to live. Your host provides the server that stores your files and database and sends your pages to visitors. A good host makes your site faster, safer and easier to look after. A poor one leaves you dealing with slow pages, failed updates and lost work, often at the worst possible time.
The good news is that you do not need to understand servers to choose well. You just need to know which questions to ask.
The essentials
Built for WordPress
General hosting can run WordPress, but hosting set up specifically for it usually means sensible server settings, caching that suits WordPress and support staff who know the platform. Look for one-click or pre-installed WordPress so you are not starting from a blank server.
An SSL certificate included
An SSL certificate puts the padlock in the browser bar and encrypts the connection between your site and its visitors. Browsers warn people away from sites without one, so it should be included as standard, not charged as an extra.
Regular backups
Backups are your safety net. Check how often they are taken, how long they are kept and how easy they are to restore. Ideally backups are stored away from the server your site runs on, so a single problem cannot take out both.
Speed
Page speed affects how visitors feel about your site and can affect search rankings. Good hosting with caching is the foundation. You can check any site with Google PageSpeed Insights. Our guide to speeding up a WordPress site explains the other factors.
Who looks after updates?
WordPress, themes and plugins all release updates regularly, and many of them fix security problems. Out of date software is one of the most common ways sites get hacked. You have two options:
- Do it yourself: cheaper, but you need to remember, check the site afterwards and fix anything that breaks.
- Managed hosting: the host applies updates for you and keeps an eye on the site. This costs more but saves time and worry.
If you are a busy business owner rather than a web enthusiast, managed WordPress hosting is often worth the difference.
Support you can actually reach
Before you sign up, find out how you contact support and who answers. Can you reach a person who understands WordPress? Is support included, or charged per ticket? If you run several sites or your site is central to your business, priority support may be worth paying for.
The page builder question
Many small business sites are built with Elementor. If you use it, look for a host that installs it for you and, if you need Pro, can handle the licence. That saves you managing another account and remembering another renewal. See Elementor free vs Pro if you are unsure which you need.
Costs to check before you sign up
- Introductory prices: some hosts offer a low first-year price and a much higher renewal. Check what you will pay after the first term.
- Contract length: long upfront commitments can tie you in. Monthly billing gives you more flexibility.
- Extras: check whether SSL, backups, migration and restores are included or charged separately.
- Number of sites: if you run more than one site, see how the price changes as you add them.
Moving later should be easy
You should never feel stuck with a host. Make sure you own your domain, have your own logins and can download a full copy of your site. If you are already unhappy with your current host, read how to move WordPress to a new host.
A quick checklist
- WordPress pre-installed and hosting set up for it
- SSL certificate included
- Regular backups that are easy to restore
- A clear answer on who handles updates
- Reachable support from people who know WordPress
- Honest monthly pricing with no surprise renewals
How WP Web Hosting fits
WP Web Hosting plans are billed monthly, and you can cancel any month. WP Start at £14.95 includes one WordPress site, free Elementor pre-installed, an SSL certificate and regular backups. WP Managed at £29.95 adds updates done for you and uptime monitoring. WP Business at £59.95 covers up to five sites with priority support. Compare them on our pricing page.
Frequently asked
Is shared hosting good enough for WordPress?
For many small business sites it can be, provided the hosting is set up for WordPress, includes caching and backups, and the host keeps the server well maintained.
What is managed WordPress hosting?
It is hosting where the provider also looks after your WordPress software, such as applying updates to WordPress, themes and plugins and monitoring the site.
Should I pay monthly or yearly for hosting?
Monthly billing gives you the flexibility to leave if the service is not right. Whatever you choose, check the renewal price before you commit.
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