Gone are the days when an SEO provider only handles optimizing client content for search engines. Today, most agencies also provide website development and support for their clientele, with many of these website-developing responsibilities falling under the largest content management system (CMS)—WordPress.
The problem, however, is that SEO companies typically handle multiple clients onboard, with each client requiring their WordPress website to run in its optimal state 24/7.
This situation raises concerns about what are the options of SEO agencies in the Philippines when handling the WordPress hosting needs of their clientele and how these companies can guarantee that their chosen hosting efforts remain profitable for their patrons.
What is WordPress Hosting?
WordPress is a beginner-friendly CMS. This free-to-use platform provides an easy-to-navigate user interface, making even the grueling website task, like adding a new design, hassle-free with just a button click or a plug-in installation. Due to this ease of access, many brands prefer to create platforms in this system.
WordPress hosting, a subset of web hosting, then aims to optimize the websites operating under WordPress. Remember, creating a website in the platform is not the end of a website-development journey, brands will still need a place to store their images, data, and files, and a WordPress website host provides the servers for those assets.
WordPress hosting is concerned about site speed, security, and updates—core elements affecting not just how a website functions but also how search engines prioritize the platform. This case then emphasizes the need for SEO providers to employ the specialization of WordPress hosts.
Benefits of Engaging with WordPress Hosting
Finding an appropriate WordPress host for a client reaps benefits beyond just having a third-party entity handle the server management of a website. Below are some advantages of seeking the specialization of a WordPress host:
Better Speed and Website Performance
Google’s Core Web Vitals—the metrics measuring user site experience—consider website speed, interactivity, and stability. As WordPress hosting specifically optimizes WordPress websites to run and load faster, you can guarantee speedy loading and interaction times, thereby enhancing these metrics’ results.
Robust Security
Despite having its own security measures, WordPress is still vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Employing WordPress hosting double-downs website security. WordPress hosting services typically include security patches, malware scanning, and firewalls, ensuring a WordPress website is protected even when no one is monitoring it.
This round-the-clock security is particularly essential for websites aiming to achieve successful local SEO in the Philippines, as the region is highly susceptible to many cyber threats that can negatively impact SEO rankings.
Automated Functions
Lastly, WordPress hosting allows a website to experience automated functions that reduce the load of website management and further strengthen website performance. Automated update, backup, and restore functions are present in many WordPress hosting plans, so website owners and SEO companies can rest assured that a website is running the most current setup by employing hosting plans.
Types of WordPress Hosting Options
There are several WordPress hosting options available for SEO providers aiming to optimize their clients’ WordPress websites. These options vary in scalability, cost, and expert assistance. SEO companies need not stick with a single choice, as each provides different strengths and weaknesses that can affect their client’s website performance. Below are several known options:
Shared WordPress hosting:
Shared WordPress hosting means renting a fraction of a WordPress host’s single server. Multiple brands or website owners may share a single server resource in this option.
This cost-effective option suits smaller businesses with a limited budget for website hosting needs. It also works with brands that do not have an extensive portfolio of assets to run.
A downside of this option is limited customizability. As different website types are hosted on one single server, website-specific hosting needs are typically unavailable. Another disadvantage is if one website is monopolizing resources, other websites on the server may suffer downtime consequences.
Dedicated WordPress hosting
Unlike shared WordPress hosting, this option allows a brand to maximize server resources all to themselves. This hosting type grants a brand sole ownership to a server—meaning resources like disk space, memory, or CPU are used only by the website.
Having this sole ownership lets the website experience better traffic management, uptime, and security. It also allows for broader customizability for your hosting needs. These elements can easily sweeten user experience and propel a website to the top of search engines.
However, the autonomy of this option comes at a heftier price tag, so brands should consider their budgetary capabilities before opting for this option.
Virtual Private Server (VPS) WordPress hosting
Contrary to the two previous hosting options utilizing physical servers, VPS WordPress hosting uses one physical server split into multiple virtual servers. This option allows a website owner to completely control and personalize a virtual server while still being linked to a physical one that ensures stability.
In VPS WordPress hosting, a website owner can experience more flexibility in hosting customization and resource management. This characteristic translates to better traffic control and website performance.
VPS WordPress hosting is ideal for brands looking for more customization, even in shared settings, but are still on the fence over total server ownership.
Cloud WordPress hosting
Cloud hosting offers a totally different approach to WordPress hosting as it divides a website’s data into multiple virtual servers instead of relying on a single physical server.
This hosting option offers better management in case of sudden traffic spikes or server breakdowns. It also provides better security management as website data is separated into multiple storages.
Brands facing high traffic and considerable security threats can benefit from cloud hosting. This option is also ideal for websites requiring scalable solutions. However, it is necessary to note that this option is fairly expensive and novel so availability and accessibility vary.
Managed WordPress hosting
Not every WordPress hosting option requires solely the SEO agency to handle the website optimization needs. In Managed WordPress hosting, the WordPress host handles everything—updating, maintaining, securing, and data duplicating, allowing the agency to focus on other website development tasks.
A better site speed is guaranteed with this option, as managed hosting plans typically include server caching, which ensures that the website continuously frees up resources even without a third-party plug-in. It also provides better security as many hosting environments are prepared to address WordPress-specific threats like SQL injection or malware.
However, it’s essential to note that managed WordPress hosting plans come at a higher price than other hosting options. The availability of hosting experts increases the cost of this option. Website owners must then decide if the benefits outweigh the costs from their end.
ALSO READ: Best Practices & Trends for Enhancing Web Maintenance (For WordPress Website)
Essential Feature of a WordPress Host
WordPress hosting options are fairly easy to decide upon, considering their variances. The hard decision then hinges on how providers of SEO services in the Philippines can determine that a WordPress host is worth every penny spent. Below are some features SEO companies should consider when searching for a WordPress host for their client:
Performance Guarantee
The main reason WordPress hosting is being employed is to guarantee that a website performs at its best. The WordPress host should be able to ensure, at the very least, 99% uptime for hosted websites. Uptime is critical for websites to maintain traffic, engagements, and conversions; a faulty website could reduce all those aspects.
Security
Another factor to account for is security. The WordPress host should guarantee that their provided servers, particularly the shared ones, cannot be exploited by external actors. Remember, a secured website is valued by digital natives and search engines, so prioritizing security is critical not just to maintain engagements but also to secure the website’s search engine rankings.
Scalability
A website’s needs do not automatically start huge; selecting smaller plans and resources is typically the norm. However, this need can change quickly, particularly if the brand boomed and the traffic increased. A WordPress host should be able to respond according to this change. Verify if the WordPress host you’re considering offers scalable solutions and flexible plans, ensuring the website continuously caters to the growth and demand of your clientele. Remember, a server incapable of meeting a website demand can lead to frequent crashes and downtime.
Pricing & Offers
Cost is one critical determiner when employing a WordPress host. Check if the server provider offers various plans and pricing, ensuring there is an option appropriate for your exact needs. It’s also essential to consider how truthful the quotation provided by the WordPress host is. Be on the lookout for hidden fees and avoid a server provider that will upsell using these fees.
Prioritizing a WordPress host that provides introductory offers or long-term discounts is also a practical way to reduce costs. These offers also showcase the WordPress host’s commitment to client-centered service.
Support
WordPress hosting is a technical endeavor, and it pays to employ a host that is responsive to queries and supportive in case of errors and concerns. Consider a WordPress host that offers round-the-clock support and easily reachable channels, like email or live chat support. A server host that has your back during website emergencies can be your ticket to an enduring website.
ALSO READ: The Cost of WordPress Website Maintenance in the Philippines – What To Know
How to Evaluate the WordPress Host for Your Client
Assessing a WordPress host also requires SEO companies to consider if it fits their client’s needs. After all, every website is different, and a standardized server provider for each website may cause more problems than solutions. Here are some considerations to look upon to ensure you pick the most suitable WordPress host for your client:
Traffic Needs
Website traffic differs from one brand to another. Websites experiencing high traffic may benefit more from VPS or dedicated servers, while low-traffic sites can afford shared or basic plans. Ensure the WordPress host you choose for a client offers the appropriate hosting option to maximize traffic management.
In addition, choosing a WordPress host in the same region as the client can help improve load times. For instance, clients of SEO marketing in the Philippines can benefit from having a WordPress host with a Southeast Asia server as it establishes a shorter data travel time, thereby improving user experience and, consequently, search engine favor.
Client Budget
The first thing to consider is the client’s budget. Smaller clients may not have the budget to burn for WordPress hosting, so linking them to an expensive provider is not feasible. Similarly, a small-scale host may not offer the hosting plans suited for a larger website. Know your client’s WordPress hosting budget and ensure the host you suggest can meet them.
Asset Scale
Similar to costs, clients also have varying asset storage needs. Complex sites like e-commerce or multimedia-heavy brands need more server resources, while static sites require less. Assess the client’s asset portfolio and refer them to a WordPress host capable of meeting their storage needs or those who offer scalable hosting solutions.
Conclusion
WordPress continues to be the preferred website-building platform of many brands and outsourced SEO providers in the Philippines. WordPress hosting is then necessary to ensure that the pages created on this platform remain up and running amidst search engine updates and cyber threats. After all, a resilient page that can withstand digital whirlwinds can surely pave the way to growth.
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