Why managed WordPress hosting makes sense for your main website (even with cloud options)

Last Updated on July 2, 2024 by Admin

There’s no denying the appeal of cloud hosting for WordPress sites. Cloud service providers like AWS offer a powerful and scalable solution at a seemingly attractive price point. But when it comes to your main WordPress website, especially one critical for your business, managed WordPress hosting might be the smarter choice despite the initial cost difference.

Here’s why managed WordPress hosting offers peace of mind and valuable features that can save you time, money, and headaches down the road:

• Automated Backups and Disaster Recovery: Managed WordPress providers handle daily backups automatically. This becomes crucial if you accidentally mess with plugins during migration or encounter unforeseen issues. Restoring your site from a recent backup is a breeze. With cloud hosting on platforms like AWS Lightsail, creating backups is an additional step that adds to your costs.

During migration of our website datannum.com to a new owner, there was an issue with Migrate Guru plugin leading to deletion of all the file content. During the time of migration (March 23, 2024), datannum.com was hosted on AWS Lightsail. The same was migrated from WP Engine as part of cost reduction on March 09, 2024. We got in touch with WP Engine chat support and received outstanding support. They promised to provide a zip copy of the file but actually restored the site on WP Engine itself once we installed a fresh copy of WordPress on our WP Engine account!

On AWS Lightsail where datannum.com was hosted during the time of transfer, additional snapshot was not taken manually since Nov 2022. Even if we had opted for their automatic backup plan, they keep backup of only last 7 days.

Here is how WP Engine implements backup of websites for their customers:

• Security Expertise: Managed WordPress hosts take security seriously. They proactively monitor your site for vulnerabilities, install security patches, and offer malware scanning. This layered security approach protects your website from ever-evolving threats, something you might need to configure yourself on a cloud platform.
• Performance Optimization: Managed WordPress providers fine-tune their servers specifically for WordPress, leading to faster loading times and a smoother user experience. This translates to better SEO and happier visitors. Optimizing performance on a cloud server requires technical expertise you might not possess.
• One-Click Updates and Easy Management: Managed WordPress hosting takes the hassle out of updates. They handle core WordPress updates, plugin updates, and theme updates, ensuring your site stays secure and functions optimally. This frees you up to focus on creating compelling content and managing your business.
• Expert Support: When you run into an issue, managed WordPress providers offer dedicated WordPress support. This means you have access to technicians who understand the intricacies of WordPress and can quickly resolve your problems. Troubleshooting on a cloud platform might require broader server administration knowledge you may not have.

Cost vs. Value:

While cloud hosting might seem cheaper upfront, consider the hidden costs of managing backups, security, performance optimization, and updates yourself. These tasks require time and technical expertise. Managed WordPress hosting bundles these services into a convenient package, offering significant value in the long run.

The Bottom Line:

For your main WordPress website, especially one that drives your business, managed WordPress hosting offers a compelling value proposition. The peace of mind from automated backups, top-notch security, performance optimization, and expert support outweighs the initial cost difference. Consider managed WordPress hosting as an investment in the smooth operation and long-term success of your website.