WooCommerce has almost 40 million downloads around the world, and for good reason. It’s one of the most user-friendly interfaces for creating an online store. Plus, it’s got the power of WordPress behind it, a powerful open-source tool that allows any and everyone to create a better platform. But a site is only as good as its host. If your online store is insecure or doesn’t perform, you’re losing valuable views, clicks, and customers.
Don’t just look for a place your WooCommerce store can live. Look for a host that can help your site thrive. Here are five qualities to look for in a WooCommerce host.
Speed and Performance
If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that fast sites are better sites. Nobody likes staring at a blank screen, waiting for content to load. In fact, 53% of people leave a page if it hasn’t begun to load in at least three seconds. Translate that to your WooCommerce site, and you’ll be left with nothing but a high bounce rate. Speed means retention. Retention means conversion. Conversion keeps your business alive.
WordPress performance monitoring for speed and performance won’t just help visitors once they’re on your site. It helps visitors find your site. In one of their many updates, Google added site speed to its list of page ranking factors. That means if you want to get to page one (which everyone does), you have to have the speed to get there.
But it’s not always about speed. Performance, specifically uptime, is just as important. After all, if your site isn’t up and running, you’re not selling. The only hosts that should be on your radar are those that can boast a 100% uptime guarantee. Check third party benchmarks from companies like Review Signal for the most accurate information regarding uptime.
Security
When it comes to WooCommerce, security is everything. Whether you’ve got one customer a day or 1,000, you’re still responsible for their personal information, like credit card numbers, driver’s license numbers, and addresses. Over 30,000 websites are infected with malware daily, collecting data from unsuspecting visitors to sites across the world.
In addition to the security measures that WooCommerce provides, you should also look to your host to keep data secure. Firewalls and server security are a must, but many hosts also provide SSL certificates for their customers. After all, the best approach to site security is multi-pronged.
And if your site does happen to get infected, don’t worry! Pressable helps you recover it. That is how Pressable handles hacking.
Backups
There are thousands of plugins available for WordPress sites. Whatever you’re looking to do, there’s a plugin for it, and backups are no exception. Why are there so many backup plugins? Because you should always backup your website. Before tinkering with code. Before adding a plugin. Before going to bed. You should always backup your site.
A good host backs up their systems with WordPress daily backups, giving you at least one backup, but you also want to look for alternative solutions. Many managed WordPress hosting providers also partner with site management companies like Shepherds Loft or WP Buffs. Their services often include backups, but it’s still not a bad idea to perform your own.
Support
Support is one of the most important features to look for in any host. Most tout the same 24/7 support and ‘expert’ help, but to get a real impression of how a host’s support team works, check out their reviews. People only post reviews when they’re either extremely satisfied or extremely dissatisfied. Which would you rather see more of?
Of course, 24/7 access is a must-have for any good support team, but you need more. Search for hosts that are exclusively home to WordPress sites. That way, you know their infrastructure is dedicated to making WordPress sites perform better and more secure. Plus you know you’ll have WordPress experts there to fix WordPress issues.
The real reason you want to have a good support team behind your site? If you’re not up and running, you’re not making money. Plain and simple. If your hosts get knocked out by a DDOS attack or a malware intrusion, you want a team that will work tirelessly until the issue is resolved.
Tools and Added Value
A lot of hosts have what they would call ‘added value.’ Many have strategic partner programs that can connect you with individuals and companies that can help your business grow. They also probably have some special tools that they offer to help take your website and business to the next level.
This is all well and good, but your business doesn’t need another networking opportunity. It needs a partner, and only certain hosts can offer you that. Pressable provides an honest interest in the success of your business, and we want to help be a part of that success. We work with our partners to create specialized services and solutions to fit their needs. We work with clients big and small to help them understand their goals and how they can use WordPress to get there.
In the current marketplace, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when searching for a high-quality managed WordPress host. Everyone says they’re experts in WooCommerce and that they have 5-star customer support. Pressable knows WooCommerce (seriously, we’re friends). Our support team routinely gets feedback from customers that includes the phrases ‘The best team I’ve ever worked with’ and ‘You saved my business.’ Let us be the host that helps take your business to the next level.
Request a demo today and see why Pressable is the right choice for your WooCommerce store.
Amanda Tsourakis
Amanda serves as the Head of Sales and Enablement for Pressable. She's worked in the tech space for well over a decade and has spent the majority of that time building/training/leading teams. She loves travel and adventure and when she's not working, you can find her spending time with her family, lounging pool/beach-side, playing tennis, working out, and meeting people/making friends all along the way!
