WordPress remains the industry leader in website design and administration within the fast-paced online environment.
With its versatility, scalability, and user-friendliness, WordPress powers over 40% of all websites, making it the preferred platform for developers, businesses, and bloggers. But for the best possible user experience, security, and performance, WordPress website hosting is essential.
Learn all about the process of creating a WordPress website and get useful do-it-yourself advice on how to enhance user experience and improve conversions.
You’re not alone if the thought of building a website yourself intimidates you. Many people think that only developers or those with experience in web design should work in it. Thankfully, though, that isn’t the case at all.
We’ll walk you through every step of setting up a WordPress website in this comprehensive how-to tutorial. We’ll ensure that you don’t touch a single line of code during the process and work within a budget.
Are you ready? Let’s go ahead and begin.
First, what is Hosting WordPress Websites?
Hosting WordPress websites involves providing the infrastructure and services necessary to make a WordPress-powered website accessible on the internet. WordPress is a popular content management system (CMS) used to create and manage websites of various types, from simple blogs to complex e-commerce platforms.
To host a WordPress website, you need a web hosting provider that offers server space optimized for WordPress. This typically involves servers configured with the necessary software, such as PHP and MySQL, to run WordPress smoothly.
Hosting providers may also offer specialized WordPress hosting plans that include features like automatic WordPress installation, updates, and backups. These plans often come with performance optimizations tailored to WordPress, such as caching mechanisms and content delivery networks (CDNs) to improve site speed and reliability.
There are different types of hosting, but WordPress hosting is specifically designed for WordPress websites. It offers features that make it easier to set up and manage your website, like:
In addition to server infrastructure, hosting WordPress websites involves managing domain names, SSL certificates for secure connections, email accounts, and other aspects of web hosting.
Some hosting providers offer managed WordPress hosting services, where they take care of technical aspects like security and maintenance, allowing website owners to focus on content creation and marketing.
Overall, hosting WordPress websites is about providing the technical foundation and support necessary to ensure that WordPress-powered sites are accessible, secure, and performant for visitors.
What Does a Website Need to Be Hosted?
There are a few requirements for hosting a website.
- Web hosting service provider
- Domain name
You will first and foremost need a web hosting provider. This solution offers the technologies and infrastructure required to make your website available online.
Different hosting plans, such as shared hosting, virtual private servers (VPS), dedicated hosting, WordPress hosting, and cloud hosting, are usually offered by web hosting businesses to accommodate different requirements and budgets.
You can host your website on ready-to-use web servers from web hosting service providers. They handle all the technical details and give website owners simple-to-use tools for hosting management.
How do people access the website that you host yourself now? Domain names are useful in this situation.
To reach your website, users must type its address into their browser, which is known as its domain name. hostingmasteryhub.com, for example, will direct you to this page.
A domain name serves as a user-friendly means of establishing a connection between browsers and the website server that is linked to that domain name. See our guide on what is a domain name and how domains operate for more information.
One of these leading domain registrars is where you can buy a domain name. These businesses are authorized to offer domain name registrations.
Let’s examine several web hosting plan types first and choose which one would be best for hosting your website.
Types of Website Hosting Services: Which One is Right for You?
Websites are the online stores for companies, the platforms for content producers, and the channels via which people may express themselves on the huge expanse of the internet. Website hosting is the essential element that powers every website and determines its dependability, speed, and accessibility.
There are several types of website hosting services available, each meeting unique demands and specifications.
We cover all five of the primary categories of website hosting services in this powerful guide: shared hosting, dedicated hosting, cloud hosting, WordPress hosting, and VPS hosting.
Shared hosting is one of the most common and cost-effective forms of website hosting. In this setup, multiple websites share resources on a single server. It’s akin to renting a room in a shared apartment building; resources such as CPU, RAM, and disk space are distributed among the websites hosted on the server.
While shared hosting is budget-friendly and easy to set up, it may suffer from performance issues if one website experiences a surge in traffic or resource consumption.
Pricing ranges from $0.99 to $7.99 a month.
Ideal for: Launching a new personal blog or website for a small company.
Hostinger and Bluehost are the shared hosting companies we recommended.
2: Dedicated Hosting:
Dedicated hosting provides users with exclusive access to an entire server dedicated solely to their website(s). It offers unparalleled control, flexibility, and performance, making it ideal for high-traffic websites, e-commerce platforms, and applications with specific requirements.
With dedicated hosting, users have full administrative access to the server, allowing them to customize settings, install software, and optimize performance according to their needs. However, dedicated hosting tends to be more expensive than shared hosting due to the dedicated resources and infrastructure provided.
Pricing: $79.99 to $100 a month to start
Ideal for: eCommerce stores, highly trafficked websites, and enterprise-level companies.
SiteGround, ARZ Host, or HostGator are the dedicated hosting providers that we recommend.
3: WordPress Hosting:
WordPress hosting is tailored specifically for websites built on the WordPress content management system (CMS). It is optimized to enhance the performance, security, and scalability of WordPress websites.
WordPress hosting providers typically offer features such as automatic updates, specialized WordPress support, and pre-installed plugins and themes designed to streamline website management.
While WordPress hosting may cost more than generic shared hosting, it offers peace of mind for WordPress users by ensuring compatibility, reliability, and performance optimizations tailored to the platform.
Pricing: Starting from $2.43 to $35 per month
Ideal for: Well-known blogs, membership websites, and company websites.
ARZ Host is our strongly recommended managed WordPress hosting company.
4: VPS Hosting:
Virtual Private Server (VPS) hosting bridges the gap between shared hosting and dedicated hosting. In a VPS environment, a physical server is partitioned into multiple virtual servers, each operating independently with its own dedicated resources and operating system.
VPS hosting offers greater scalability, security, and customization options compared to shared hosting, making it suitable for growing websites and applications that require more control and resources.
While VPS hosting is more affordable than dedicated hosting, it may require some technical expertise to manage and maintain.
Pricing: Starting from $12.50 to $29.99 / month
Ideal for: Well-known blogs, eCommerce sites, and medium-sized enterprises.
Our recommended VPS hosting company is: HostGator & ARZ Host
5: Cloud Hosting:
Cloud hosting leverages the power of cloud computing to deliver scalable and reliable hosting solutions. Instead of relying on a single physical server, cloud hosting utilizes a network of interconnected servers distributed across multiple data centers.
This architecture ensures high availability, redundancy, and fault tolerance, minimizing the risk of downtime or performance issues.
Cloud hosting offers pay-as-you-go pricing models, allowing users to scale resources dynamically based on demand. It is well-suited for websites and applications with fluctuating traffic patterns or unpredictable resource requirements.
Pricing: Starting from $7.99 / month
Ideal for: medium-sized enterprises.
Our recommended VPS hosting company is: HostGator & A2 Hosting
Various considerations, including budget, scalability, performance requirements, and technical requirements, influence the choice of website hosting service. While dedicated hosting provides the highest level of control and performance for demanding applications, shared hosting is appropriate for beginners and small websites on a tight budget.
Cloud hosting delivers unparalleled scalability and reliability in a dynamic environment; VPS hosting strikes a balance between affordability and flexibility; and WordPress hosting is tailored exclusively for WordPress users.
Website owners can ensure optimal performance and profitability in the online space by making informed judgments and by knowing the differences between different hosting options.
Choosing the Right Plan to Host a website
As you can see, server specifications and prices vary across all hosting plans. You must select a plan based on your financial situation and needs.
At Hosting Mastery Hub, we advise customers to begin with a shared hosting plan at a lower cost and then upgrade as their company expands.
By doing this, you can cut costs and only pay for the services that you genuinely require. For a detailed breakdown of all the expenses and advice on how to start saving a ton of money, check out our post on the cost of developing a website.
The monthly cost of shared hosting plans is $0.99 (paid annually), and the cost of a domain name is $14.99.
Now, this is still a big investment if you are just getting started.
Bluehost fortunately consented to provide our users with a free domain name and a hosting discount. It will only cost you $1.99 a month to get started.
They are among the biggest hosting companies globally and are highly recommended by the official WordPress web hosting directory. They provide excellent customer service along with a free SSL certificate.
See our comparison of the top hosting providers for further shared hosting options.
Making your website comes next after you have registered for a hosting account. Check out us how to create a website guide for comprehensive instructions.
How Much Does It Cost to Host a website?
We have already discussed the expenses related to web hosting providers. However, several variables might affect how much hosting a website costs. The hosting plan you select comes first. Starting with less expensive shared hosting plans, we advise you to upgrade as your website and business expand.
After you begin the process of creating a website, you could also need to pay for additional services, software extensions, and website layouts. Buying exactly what you truly need and making use of free tools whenever possible would be your objectives.
The cost of hosting a website can vary depending on several factors such as the hosting provider, the type of hosting plan, additional features, and any special requirements. Generally, there are several options available for hosting, each with its own price range.
One of the most common and affordable options is shared hosting. With shared hosting, your website shares server resources with other websites, which helps keep costs down. Typically, shared hosting plans can range from a few dollars to around $10-$20 per month. This type of hosting is suitable for small to medium-sized websites with moderate traffic.
If you’re looking for more control and flexibility, you might consider VPS (Virtual Private Server) hosting. With VPS hosting, your website still shares a physical server with other websites, but it has its own dedicated resources and greater control over server configurations. VPS hosting plans usually start at around $20-$50 per month and can go up depending on the amount of resources and features you require.
For larger websites with high traffic or specific performance requirements, dedicated hosting might be the best option. With dedicated hosting, you have an entire server dedicated solely to your website, providing maximum performance and control. However, dedicated hosting is the most expensive option and can cost several hundred dollars per month or more, depending on the specifications of the server.
In addition to the basic hosting fees, there may be additional costs for features such as SSL certificates, domain registration, website builders, and backups. It’s important to consider your website’s needs and budget when choosing a hosting plan and to carefully review the pricing and features offered by different hosting providers.
How to build a WordPress website?
Principal Learnings:
There are just 8 steps in the procedure as we’re presenting it here. All of this is required to have a polished WordPress website in the end.
We’ll start our journey by deciding on our platform, picking the ideal domain name, and picking a dependable hosting provider. After that, we’ll get started with installing WordPress and personalizing your website using themes and plugins.
We’ll finish by discussing how to begin incorporating interesting information. You’ll be ready to launch your very own website by the end!
Step 1: Why Choose WordPress as Your Website Platform?
WordPress powers over 40% of all websites on the internet, and there are several reasons for its popularity:
- Ease of Use: WordPress offers an intuitive interface, allowing users of all skill levels to create and manage content effortlessly.
- Customization: With thousands of themes and plugins available, you can tailor your website to suit your unique needs and aesthetic preferences.
- SEO-Friendly: WordPress is designed with search engine optimization (SEO) in mind, helping your website rank higher in search engine results.
- Community Support: Being an open-source platform, WordPress has a vast community of developers and users who contribute to its improvement and provide support.
Step 2: How to Pick a Name for Your Website, Buy a Domain & Hosting
Before you can start building your website, you’ll need a domain name and hosting:
- Choose a Domain Name: Your domain name should be memorable, relevant to your content, and easy to spell. Use domain registration services like GoDaddy or Namecheap to check for availability and purchase your chosen domain.
- Select a Hosting Provider: Look for a reliable hosting provider that offers WordPress hosting. Popular options include Bluehost, SiteGround, and WP Engine. Consider factors like uptime, speed, security, and customer support when making your decision.
Step 3: Install WordPress and Get Familiar with the Interface
Most hosting providers offer one-click WordPress installation, making the setup process straightforward. Once installed, take some time to explore the WordPress dashboard:
- Dashboard: The dashboard is your website’s control center, where you can manage content, customize settings, and monitor performance.
- Posts vs. Pages: Understand the difference between posts (time-sensitive content) and pages (static content) to organize your website effectively.
- Themes and Plugins: Familiarize yourself with the themes and plugins sections, where you can customize the design and functionality of your website.
Step 4: Pick a Theme/Design for Your Website
Your website’s design plays a crucial role in creating a positive user experience. Choose a theme that aligns with your brand identity and provides the features you need:
- Free vs. Premium Themes: WordPress offers a vast selection of free themes, but premium themes often come with additional features and support.
- Customization: Many themes allow for extensive customization through the WordPress Customizer or theme settings. Experiment with colors, fonts, layouts, and widgets to achieve your desired look.
Step 5: Get Plugins to Extend Your Website’s Abilities
Plugins are essential for adding functionality to your WordPress website. Here’s how to choose and install plugins:
- Identify Needs: Determine which features you want to add to your website, such as contact forms, social media integration, or e-commerce capabilities.
- Plugin Repository: Explore the WordPress Plugin Repository, where you’ll find thousands of free and premium plugins sorted by category.
- Installation: Install plugins directly from the WordPress dashboard by searching for them by name and clicking “Install Now.”
Step 6: Create Basic Pages
Start by creating essential pages that provide information about your website and its purpose:
- Homepage: The homepage is the first impression visitors will have of your website. Use it to showcase your most important content and guide users to other sections of your site.
- About Page: Introduce yourself or your business, sharing relevant information about your background, mission, and values.
- Contact Page: Make it easy for visitors to get in touch with you by including a contact form or listing your contact information.
Step 7: Consider Starting a Blog
Blogging is an excellent way to regularly publish fresh content, engage with your audience, and improve your website’s SEO:
- Content Strategy: Develop a content strategy based on your target audience’s interests and pain points. Aim to provide valuable, informative, and engaging content.
- Consistency: Consistently publish new blog posts to keep your audience engaged and attract new visitors to your website.
- Promotion: Share your blog posts on social media, email newsletters, and other channels to increase visibility and drive traffic to your website.
An intuitive navigation menu is essential for helping visitors find their way around your website:
- Menu Structure: Organize your menu items logically, grouping related pages and categories together.
- Hierarchy: Use submenus to create a hierarchical structure that makes it easy for users to navigate deeper into your site.
- Accessibility: Ensure your navigation menu is accessible on all devices and screen sizes, using responsive design techniques if necessary.
Conclusion
And that’s it! You’ve just learned new website-starting skills!
The neat part about the method described here is that you don’t need to pay someone; you can complete it all by yourself.
The most affordable option is to build a website using WordPress as the platform.
Read any of our other blog tutorials to find out more about what to do with your website once it launches, such as how to market, monetize, or drive more visitors to it.
Please feel free to ask any questions you may have in the comments section below regarding creating a website from scratch!
FAQS (Frequently Asked Questions)
1: What are the key factors to consider when choosing a hosting provider for WordPress in 2024?
Choosing the right hosting provider is crucial for the success of your WordPress website. In 2024, key factors to consider include performance, security, scalability, support, and pricing. Performance is important for ensuring fast loading times, which is crucial for user experience and SEO.
Look for providers that offer features like SSD storage, CDN integration, and optimized server configurations. Security should be a top priority, so opt for hosts that provide robust security measures such as SSL certificates, malware scanning, and regular backups.
Scalability is essential for handling traffic spikes, so choose a provider that offers flexible hosting plans or cloud hosting options. Additionally, reliable customer support is vital for resolving any issues quickly, so opt for providers with responsive support teams available 24/7. Finally, consider pricing and choose a plan that fits your budget while still meeting your website’s needs.
2: What are the advantages of using managed WordPress hosting in 2024?
Managed WordPress hosting offers several advantages for website owners in 2024. Firstly, it provides hassle-free maintenance, as the hosting provider takes care of updates, backups, and security monitoring, allowing you to focus on creating content and growing your business. Managed hosting also typically includes specialized WordPress support from experts who can help with troubleshooting and optimization.
Additionally, managed hosting often comes with performance optimizations tailored specifically for WordPress, such as caching plugins and server configurations optimized for WordPress sites. Overall, managed WordPress hosting can save you time and effort while providing peace of mind knowing that your website is in capable hands.
3: How can I optimize my WordPress website for speed and performance in 2024?
Optimizing your WordPress website for speed and performance is essential for providing a positive user experience and improving SEO rankings. In 2024, some key strategies for optimization include using a lightweight theme, minimizing the use of plugins, optimizing images for the web, enabling caching, and leveraging content delivery networks (CDNs).
Choose a theme that is well-coded and optimized for speed, and avoid using too many plugins, as they can slow down your site. Optimize images by compressing them without sacrificing quality and consider lazy loading to defer the loading of offscreen images.
Implement caching to reduce server load and improve page load times, and use a CDN to deliver content quickly to users around the world. Regularly monitor your site’s performance using tools like Google PageSpeed Insights and GTmetrix, and make adjustments as needed to ensure optimal speed and performance.
4: What security measures should I implement to protect my WordPress website in 2024?
Protecting your WordPress website from security threats is critical in 2024, as cyber attacks continue to evolve and become more sophisticated. Some essential security measures to implement include keeping WordPress core, themes, and plugins up to date to patch any known vulnerabilities.
Additionally, use strong, unique passwords for all user accounts and enable two-factor authentication for an extra layer of security. Install a reputable security plugin that offers features such as malware scanning, firewall protection, and login attempt monitoring.
Regularly backup your website and store backups securely offsite to ensure that you can restore your site quickly in the event of a security breach or data loss. Finally, consider implementing a web application firewall (WAF) to protect against common web-based attacks like SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS).
5: How can I ensure the scalability of my WordPress website as it grows in 2024?
Ensuring the scalability of your WordPress website is essential for accommodating growth in traffic and content in 2024. One way to achieve scalability is by choosing a hosting provider that offers scalable hosting solutions, such as cloud hosting or virtual private servers (VPS), which allow you to easily upgrade resources as needed.
Additionally, optimize your website for performance to ensure that it can handle increases in traffic without slowing down or crashing. This includes implementing caching, optimizing images, and using a content delivery network (CDN) to distribute content efficiently.
Regularly monitor your website’s performance and traffic patterns, and be prepared to upgrade your hosting plan or infrastructure if necessary to maintain optimal performance. Finally, consider using a scalable architecture for your WordPress site, such as microservices or serverless architecture, which can automatically adjust resources based on demand and provide greater flexibility as your site grows.
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