Ever had these issues?
Your blog going down juuust as you’re about to post something important.
After tons of work to try to improve your site speed…it’s still slow.
Something’s broken and you reach out to customer service only to be read a script that has nothing to do with the problem.
Or the dreaded happens: your blog is hacked and there is no backup.
What does all this have in common? Bad hosting.
When your blog is your business, you cannot afford to use cheap hosting. Let me repeat that, just in case: you cannot afford to use cheap hosting.
That list of unfortunate events? Those aren’t just made up, those are all things I’ve tried to help clients resolve. And worse.
I’m not talking about price when I say “cheap hosting” either. Cheap hosting is actually often more expensive after the first year than quality hosting.
After over 8 years in the blogging world, there’s one host I recommend above all others:
Cloudways
Cloudways is fast, reliable, and they use the latest technology (cheap hosts use old tech as long as they can get away with it–the equivalent of using an old iPhone 3G when 11 exists).
They don’t up-charge and have hidden fees for everything that makes your hosting useful.
And their plans start at a simple $10 a month, $20 for a blog that already has a good amount of traffic.
Use the code CLOUDWAYS10 for 10% off your first three months.
Here’s how to sign up with Cloudways:
- Go to their homepage, and click the “Start Free” button in the top right.
- Fill out the form, enter your promo code, and then click “Start Free”
- They’ll send you an email to verify your address. Click the link in the email to continue setting up.
- On this page, if you’re just starting your blog, move the green dot over to 1GB (if you’re already an established blogger, you can keep it at 2GB).
Then under “Location” select the location that’s nearest to most of your readers.
- Click the LAUNCH NOW button in the bottom right.
It will take about 5 to 10 minutes for them to set up your new server. Once it’s ready, this is what you’ll see:
- Towards the top, click the orange toggle button to view your Applications.
Click anywhere in the box that says “Your Application”
In the middle of that page, you’ll see a section titled “ADMIN PANEL.” That is the details to log in to your new WordPress blog.
Click the button next to the URL, and then enter the username and password it gives you.
You’re all set to get set up!
If you’re moving from another hosting company, they will move your blog for free. Just go back to the Cloudways page and click the button that says “Upgrade my account” and the next steps will be there.
If you’re a new blogger, you’ll need to purchase your domain (URL) and then follow the instructions here to connect your new blog and your domain.
The links above are affiliate links, so if you purchase, I get a commission. I also have affiliate links for all of the cheap hosts too–and some of them would pay me more, but I would never send you to someone I didn’t trust.
