You will need a hosting server to install WordPress and upload your files. WordPress installation requires your server to have PHP and mySQL. Make sure to choose one that support PHP5 and hosted in a Linux server. Most of the hosting plans comes with a free domain name for the first year. So save that $10 for your Starbucks coffee.
Tips for Finding a Good Host for WordPress
- Make sure it is a reliable host with 24/7 hour customer support
- A high uptime of more than 99.9% so that your site doesn’t go down frequently
- Look at MySQL database provided. You need 1 MySQL database for each Worpdress site. So if you are planning to host multiple WordPress website, look for Unlimited MySQL database
- Check the domains allowed for your plan. The cheapest plan often only allows 1 domain which means that you have to sign up another plan if you plan to host another new website.
- Look for a host that comes with money-back guarantee so that you can quit if the hosting is bad
- Check if it requires any setup fees when you first sign up
- Make sure it has a control panel to easily setup your FTP, emails and database (Most uses cPanel)
- Choose shared hosting as it is cheaper and good enough for your first WordPress site
- Make sure it comes with FTP so that you can transfer your files to the host easily
- Ignore the rest of the add-ons and bundles in the plan as you won’t be needing it
- Sign up for one year to get more savings
Recommended Hosts
There are many choices for hosting out there but some of the hosting can be quite unreliable with bad customer support. Here’s a list of some of the more popular hosting servers that are reliable and can be trusted.
Host Gator – This is my favorite host which I have been using for years to host some of my wordpress sites. Very popular choice for its good uptime and fast customer support. Highly recommended. Cheapest plan starts from $3.96 but only only 1 domain for this plan. Enter PAZZLEDEYYLE for coupon code to get additional 25% off.
Go Daddy – Offers WordPress hosting starting from $3.99/month for 1 year subscription. Also one of the most advertised hosting provider in the market.
Blue Host– A professional hosting company with good customer support and good uptime
Once you have signed up for the plan and domain names. It normally will take a few hours to a day for your account and domain name to be ready. So take a break and check your email later.