Ecommerce builders have hosting included in the package. Although it sounds convenient, it means you don’t get to change hosts in the future. A WooCommerce store, on the other hand, gives you the freedom to choose your web host. You can switch to a different and a better host at any time.
What is WooCommerce?
WooCommerce is a plugin that transforms WordPress sites into fully functioning online stores. These websites are open source, customizable, and easy to use. They are usually preferred by solo-entrepreneurs selling handmade goods and some established brands selling luxury products.
Criteria for Choosing the Right Host
Selecting the right service provider for WooCommerce hosting means you need to do some research. Here are a few important factors that you should keep in mind while making the decision:
The Focus of Host’s Company
If you are starting an online business store, look for a hosting company that specializes in WooCommerce. The hosting companies might use this term in their plan descriptions as well. However, simply mentioning the term in plan descriptions or even having a plan with “WooCommerce” in the name doesn’t necessarily prove their expertise. Check the company’s site for other signs to assess their competence, such as blogs with helpful tutorials and tips on working with WooCommerce.
Support and Maintenance
Cost plays an important factor while choosing the right host. However, you shouldn’t opt for a cheaper plan and compromise on the features and support. Remember that providing high-quality human support is expensive and the pricing reflects the kind of help you can expect when facing issues. Choose a cost-effective package that serves your needs well.
For the maintenance of WordPress website hosting, there are two common types of plans:
Managed WordPress plans efficiently automate the maintenance tasks, such as installation, updates, security, and backups. It is ideal for beginners or businesses that don’t want the hassle of day-to-day website management. However, such plans are a little expensive and offer limited control.
Unmanaged WordPress plans leave the maintenance tasks for the website owner. Although the host might optimize the server for performance and security, you have to take care of everything else. These plans are cheaper, but they require a lot of your time and technical expertise.
Plan Value
Look for certain complementary features that will make your WooCommerce hosting plans more cost-effective, such as:
- Increased storage space to include a lot of videos or large images
- An SSL certificate to make your site trustworthy
- Automated and timely backups with easy access to them
Scalability
You may be starting small but it is advisable to pick a host that offers several packages that are easy to switch between. It will help you in the future when you expand your business and expect an increase in traffic. Continuing with the same host will save you the hassle of looking for a new host company.
Several service providers are offering exciting plans for WordPress hosting in India. For selecting the right host, you should have clarity of your needs and invest in a host’s plan that takes care of all of them at a reasonable cost.
