Web Hosting for WordPress

How To Make Sure You Get the Right Hosting for Your WordPress Website or Blog

I just wanted to quickly jot down a checklist for you if you are looking at self-hosting WordPress. This results from many clients who have come to me with what was promised as full hosting services, only to be found that the web developer is providing subdomains on their own account, or find they find they have limited access.

And web designers do disappear into a black hole specific to them. So be careful!

The important questions to ask, whether it’s free or paid hosting:

Will you be able to make all changes to the account yourself, including contact changes, credit card changes, etc?
Can you cancel the hosting yourself?
Do you have full FTP access to your files?
Do you have full access to the control panel and your databases?
Do you have access to your phpAdmin?
Can you get support directly from the hosting service?

If the person providing the hosting answers “no” to any of these, beware. You can expect huge headaches down the road.

And do ask others who are using the hosting service if they are happy with the support they have received in the past.

This is very critical information to have in case you are left high and dry.

If you have another question you think people should ask, please chime in. Also, this is not a discussion to promote your hosting or anyone else’s hosting services. Purely educational. Thanks!

About the author

By Bob Dunn --I'm a WordPress trainer and coach. I love teaching individuals and groups on how to get the most out of WordPress, blogging and social media. You can also find me doing workshops and speaking for small and large groups. And don't forget to check out my WordPress video series at BobWPStarters.com. Google

Mark Bossert

Hi Bob,

This is a great resource that I will be recommending to a few clients! As far as hosting, I would add 2 things:

1. Avoid hosts who have (silly, antiquated) php restrictions in place that limit how you upload or upgrade your wordpress plugins, themes and other uploads... this can be a major pain!

2. That it's also important for a local business to have local hosting - this is an important element in Google's local ranking algorithm and appearing on the 7 pack Local map for a small business is becoming critical.

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Bob Dunn

Hey Rusty, that is huge and why I recommend the hosting companies I do. In fact, Bluehost, who I use 99% of the time, has the 24/7 access, including both phone and chat. I, myself, prefer the chat. Thanks for bringing up that specific aspect of the support!

Rusty Lee

The question I always ask for most any kind of technical business is: Do you have 24/7 telephone support?

Most small business owners work on their computers when they get a chance, which is often late at night. There's nothing worse than having a problem on your website at midnight and then you can't get help until tomorrow or the next day via email. For me and my business: No 24/7 phone support = No Deal!

Have a Great Day,
Rusty Lee

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