Downtime, server configuration, performance issues, software updates …running your own server can be a nightmare when all you want to do is concentrate on the content. You can switch to Managed WordPress Hosting to focus on your content.

For a long time, I have enjoyed the ownership of my own virtual private server. However, being responsible for optimizing the server yourself is a burden. The server configuration is not my thing. I prefer to focus on writing content and creating great things.

Unfortunately, this meant that I was running a couple of expensive and poorly optimized servers that weren’t working as they should. With the enormous popularity of WordPress as a content management platform today, hosting companies have begun to offer some quite specialized hosting options: managed WordPress hosting.

What does that mean exactly? What are the limitations and why would I choose that type of accommodation? That is what I am going to explore today.

What is Managed WordPress Hosting?

If it were not obvious to you, WordPress hosting is dedicated to one task; to host WordPress sites. Instead of CPanel or Plesk control applications that are too complex for domain and hosting administration, some slots are provided for a simple control panel, each of which contains a single WordPress site. But don’t worry, you still fill up with SFTP and PHPMyAdmin Access for file and database management in Managed WordPress Hosting.

The control panel for each site is simple and designed for those who are not familiar with hosting management. In this case, creating email addresses or adding the domain is a one-click process. However, there are also some incredibly powerful hidden tools, such as the ability to develop test sites, duplicate the site as a template for another, and automated site migration.

Site Migration allows you to quickly import a complete WordPress installation, with the database and loads intact.

In terms of Managed WordPress Hosting, the staging sites concept is entirely new to me. However, it is simple enough to understand. If you are working on new functions or want to try a new topic without breaking your main site, you can use a test site to test things.

You can create a new trial site to make a copy of your live site. You will get a temporary URL, but everything else will be the same. You can log in, modify the settings, adjust the theme, install some new add-ons, and then, when ready, choose Synchronize to start the development.

Managed WordPress hosting is also faster. Knowledgeable engineers have spent a lot of time configuring and adjusting servers to work optimally for WordPress. Your site will scale to thousands of visitors per day without any effort on your part, thanks to the multiple layers of caching. In e-commerce sites, this is particularly important when waiting times for random servers and non-responding shopping carts can lead to abandoned carts.

Some limitations in Managed WordPress Hosting

Apart from the obvious inability to install other random applications, the most significant flaw I have found in some managed WordPress Hosting service is that you are not allowed to install caching add-ons such as w3 Total Cache. Of course, there is a reason for this: the hosting already has its internal WordPress storage enabled and optimized. Therefore, the w3 plugin is not supported. However, it means that you are at the mercy of your host.

For the sake of security, the WordPress kernel is automatically updated for you. I am listing this as a limitation, as it may break your site if an add-on or theme is incompatible. However, I assume that you have used a modern theme and good add-ons that are updated regularly to maintain its compatibility. Still, it’s a risk, but it’s worth it, in my opinion.

Have you already switched to a managed WordPress hosting over a shared host, and what have your experiences been? Is there any feature you need the most? If you have any questions, ask in the comments and see if I can help you!