Get In Touch
Whether you’re launching your first site or reevaluating your existing provider, choosing the right hosting platform is one of the most important decisions you can make for your website. But it doesn’t stop there – maintaining your site is what keeps it secure, fast, and functional. In this post, we’ll explore the key things to look for in a hosting provider, how to approach website maintenance, and answer some common questions business owners ask.
Why Does Your Hosting Platform Matter?
Your hosting provider is the foundation of your website. A poor host can lead to slow page speeds, frequent downtime, and vulnerable security – all of which can damage your SEO, hurt user experience, and cost you customers.
What Should You Look for in a Hosting Provider?
1. Reliability & Uptime Guarantees
Look for a provider that offers at least 99.9% uptime. Downtime means missed revenue and lost trust.
2. Speed Optimization
Server speed directly impacts your site performance. Choose a host with built-in caching, CDN integration, and fast server response times.
3. Support Quality
When you need help, will you talk to real humans who know what they’re doing, or wait on hold to talk with a chatbot, or an agent who reads from a script? Verify support options before committing.
4. Security Features
Does the host include an SSL certificate? Firewall protection? Regular scans? Hosting should help secure your site, not leave it vulnerable.
5. Scalability
Can you upgrade as traffic grows? Avoid platforms that force you to migrate when your business scales.
6. Compatibility
Ensure your hosting is optimized for your website’s CMS, is PCI-compliant (if your site provides ecommerce or handles other sensitive data), and supports any other tools your site relies on.
7. Transparent Pricing
Watch for hidden fees. Some hosts charge for common features that others include for free.
What Are the Most Common Hosting Types?
- Shared Hosting – The most affordable option, but resources are shared with other sites. It’s sufficient for most small businesses, but may get bogged down as your audience grows.
- VPS Hosting – More resources and control to support growing businesses.
- Dedicated Hosting – An entire server just for you. Powerful, but expensive.
- Cloud Hosting – Scalable and fast. Great for e-commerce or apps with fluctuating traffic.
Who Are Some Reputable Hosting Providers?
- PixelPeople: We would be remiss if we didn’t include our own agency. We offer small, affordable shared hosting packages that are optimized for WordPress, and allow you to call us directly with any support questions.
- WP Engine: High-end managed WordPress hosting with performance and security built-in.
- Flywheel: Beautiful interface and great support for agencies.
- Kinsta: Premium performance for high-traffic or WooCommerce sites.
- Cloudways: Flexible cloud-based solution; ideal for developers and ecommerce.
How Do You Maintain a Website Once It’s Live?
Even the best hosting won’t protect your site if you don’t maintain it. Website maintenance is like changing the oil in your car—it keeps things running.
1. Regular Software Updates
Keep your CMS, themes, and plugins updated to patch vulnerabilities and improve performance.
2. Security Monitoring
Use tools to scan for malware and unusual activity. Many hosts offer this, but it’s worth doing independently too.
3. Backups
Daily backups (both automated and manual) ensure you can restore your site if something goes wrong.
4. Performance Optimization
Compress images, minimize code, and regularly test your site speed with tools like Google PageSpeed Insights.
5. Uptime Monitoring
Use tools like UptimeRobot to alert you if your site goes down—so you can act fast.
DIY or Managed Maintenance?
You can manage updates and backups if you’re tech-savvy and have time. But most business owners prefer a managed maintenance plan, which includes proactive monitoring, updates, backups, and fixes.
Why? Because it’s more efficient, more secure, and less stressful. And in many cases, it saves you money by preventing costly problems before they start.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right hosting provider and maintaining your site aren’t glamorous tasks, but essential. The right host ensures your site loads fast, stays secure, and grows with your business. And regular maintenance protects the investment you’ve made in your online presence.
Still unsure which platform or support plan is right for you? Let PixelPeople help. We’ll recommend hosting that fits your needs, and take care of the ongoing upkeep so you can focus on growing your business.
