Among, content management systems (CMSs), WordPress is one of the biggest and most important on the Internet. Just ask them. They will tell you:
WordPress powers more than 17% of the web — a figure that rises every day. Everything from simple websites, to blogs, to complex portals and enterprise websites, and even applications, are built with WordPress.
There is a lot more going on with WordPress than personal blogs about frolicking kittens – not that there is anything wrong with frolicking kittens. You never know when the next cute kitten site will become the next Internet craze, and massive business opportunity. The same goes for your smartphone blog, or new mommy advice page.
VPS – Your Server Closet in the Cloud
When you get big enough to need your own servers, you are big enough for VPS: your virtual private server in the cloud. But being big enough to need your own server does not mean you can afford it. That’s where VPS comes in.
Instead of buying dedicated servers for your site, you pay for a sector of space on a server that is not shared with, or effected by traffic from other websites. A number of companies provide this service, but are not all created equally. Prices vary broadly. You need to carefully assess what it is you actually need.
Companies like Arvixe provide multiple tiers of service from LITE, to Standard, to Pro. How important are private, anonymous name servers, free SSL certificates for life, and unlimited hosting accounts? Only you and your IT professional can say for sure. Just know that when it is time for you to take the next step, there are affordable options that don’t require adding a server closet on location.
Don’t Skimp on the Customer Support
When choosing a host for your WordPress business, it is easy to get caught up with the price tag without carefully examining the differences. While a lot of the top-line features will be similar, service after the sale is one of the big things that distinguishes one provider from another.
This article makes the case for why we are nowhere near the end of the web hosting industry. The author focuses on the ability and willingness to provide above and beyond service as a key factor. Citing some of the challenges, he writes:
Today, the software is complex. Sites are dynamic, implementing layers of technology from the display code itself to backend databases. And getting the performance to handle ever increasing traffic is not trivial. We’re often talking: routers and firewalls, to caching and things like CDN (content delivery networks). But, that’s not the worst of it; today, sites have to withstand any number of attacks ranging from bots to highly-skilled humans intent on mischief or destruction.
He further drives this point home with the following statement:
So, while getting a site running in the early days required a bit of technical knowledge, KEEPING a site running today requires a group of people with a pretty high level of expertise. Think of at least a few six-figure ($) geek-types and you’re starting to get the picture. It is the support, not the setup, which is key!
Conclusion
Once you get big enough to be noticed, keeping the threats at bay is a non-trivial pursuit. Just ask Sony. Do your homework. It is worth it to spend a little extra per month on a company with a solid reputation for support. You can’t do this alone. When you get big enough for a server, you are also big enough for a full-time support staff. Right now, your WordPress site is just a site. Tomorrow, it may just be your career. If you also want it to be your legacy, choose your hosting well.
