Don't Just Wing It: How to Pick the Right WordPress Host for Your Business

Let's be honest. Choosing a WordPress host can feel like navigating a minefield. Every provider promises the moon, but the wrong choice can leave your site slow, insecure, and a headache to manage. We get it. You just want something that works, without the technical headaches. That means understanding what you really need from a hosting plan.

Your Hosting Checklist: The Non-Negotiables

Before you even look at pricing, make sure your hosting provider ticks these boxes. These are the fundamentals that will save you from major headaches down the road.

• FTP/SFTP Access: You need to be able to access your site's files directly. This is crucial for troubleshooting, making manual changes, and having full control over your website. If a host makes this difficult, walk away.

• Automated Backups: Things go wrong. It's a fact of life. Your host should be creating regular, automated backups of your entire site. And, just as importantly, you should be able to restore a backup with a single click.

• Rock-Solid Security: A good host is your first line of defense against hackers and malware. Look for features like a web application firewall (WAF), malware scanning, and free SSL certificates.

• Delegate Access: As your business grows, you'll likely need to give your developer, designer, or other team members access to your site. A good host will allow you to create separate user accounts with specific permissions, so you're not sharing your own login details.

Our Top Picks for WordPress Hosting

We've worked with dozens of hosting providers over the years. Here are our top recommendations, along with a no-BS breakdown of their pros and cons.

SiteGround is our #1 pick simply because we believe it was superb customer support. These are all solid choices.

Hosting Provider	Our Take	Pluses	Minuses
SiteGround	Our #1 Pick. Strong balance of performance, support, and features. Starting at ~$2.99/mo (intro)	- Blazing-fast performance- Strong security features- Excellent 24/7 support	- Higher price than some competitors- Renewal rates can be high- Limited storage on lower-tier plans
GoDaddy	Good for beginners who want simplicity, with trade-offs. Starting at ~$5.99/mo (intro)	- User-friendly interface- Good intro pricing- Adequate performance for small sites	- Less backend control than others- Aggressive upsells- Can struggle on higher-traffic sites
Bluehost	Popular and accessible, but not best-in-class. Starting at ~$3.99/mo (intro)	- WordPress.org recommended- Low-cost entry plans- Free domain first year	- Slower performance vs competitors- Support quality can vary- Fewer advanced features
DreamHost	Solid independent option with a long track record. Starting at ~$2.59/mo (intro)	- Strong privacy stance- 97-day money-back guarantee- Good uptime	- Custom control panel can be confusing- No 24/7 phone support- Email costs extra on lowest plan

Table data provided was accurate as of December 16, 2025. Please check pricing pages for most updated offers and pricing.

Three Red Flags to Watch For When Selecting a WordPress Host

Before you sign up, keep an eye out for these common traps. They're the biggest red flags in the hosting world.

1. Your Name Isn't On the Account. 

A web developer or agency might offer to set up hosting for you. Don't do it. The hosting account should always be in your name, with your credit card on file. If they own the account, they control your website. You want to own this asset, period.

2. The Sneaky Renewal Rate. 

That amazing $2.95/month deal is usually just for the first year. After that, the price can jump dramatically. Always check the renewal rate so you aren't hit with a surprise bill 12 months from now.

3. The "Proprietary Server" Trap. 

This is the biggest red flag of all. Some smaller agencies or freelancers will offer to host your site on their "special" or "private" server. Often, this is just a reseller account with a larger, unknown company. If you ever want to leave, they can hold your site hostage. You might lose access, or they could make it impossible to migrate your files. Stick with reputable, well-known hosting providers where you have direct control.

Still not sure what to do? Join our office hours and ask Marcela or Ryan any questions related to your marketing operations or marketing/tech stack!