frequently asked questions
managed WordPress hosting FAQ's
If you already have a website on Squarespace or Wix, for example, we can rebuild it on WordPress. This isn't a migration but rather a website redesign, and if it's time to make a change, we're happy to give you a fresh start. We do not work on Wix or Squarespace sites.
We also offer static website hosting for very simple websites or landing pages. If you're not sure what you need, schedule a discovery call and we'll provide personalized recommendations.
While we specialize in WordPress, we do offer static website hosting for very simple websites or landing pages. If you're not sure what you need, schedule a discovery call and we'll provide personalized recommendations.
Probably not all of them, but our core tech stack? Absolutely.
At minimum, every site will utilize our WordPress theme, page builder + add-ons, forms/integrations, caching, image compression, SEO, and security.
If needed, we have more robust integrations, email marketing software, portfolios, digital contracts, and online booking.
Practically, this means that if you have an idea for functionality you'd like your WordPress website to have, we probably already have licensing we can add to your site, and if not, we can make recommendations for the best tool for your use case.
At the bare minimum, website hosting is just server storage space that's accessible to other computers on the Internet. That's it.
The best feature of WordPress is also the worst; you can extend the functionality of your website with plugins. The problem is that those plugins need to be updated consistently (97% of hack attempts are through outdated plugins). In addition, you should be running routine backups on any website.
Managed simply means that someone is providing that service for you. Some web hosts will charge more to turn on automated updates (we don't recommend this) and backups should be included by default. But generally speaking, there aren't humans monitoring your site.
When we say managed, we mean that we have a plugin/theme/WordPress update schedule. While we use tools to help us manage all of our sites, if a new plugin update breaks something, it's easier for us to pinpoint when it happened and what it was, so we can fix it. We also run backups, and have uptime monitoring that will ping us if a server goes down or a website crashes. We're also monitoring any odd security notices, and sometimes Google warnings as well, so we can look into any issues. These services are why our monthly hosting cost is higher, but they're invaluable for the small business owner who wants peace of mind.
If there's a problem, you can give us a call and we'll take a look, update, revert to a backup, whatever needs to happen.
There are two different types of WordPress. WordPress.com is the equivalent of Squarespace; you sign up through them to get the hosting account and software pre-installed, and pay extra to remove the .wordpress.com part of the domain name.
We offer, and are referring to self-hosted WordPress (WordPress.org), which is when you download the software and install it on your own server.
If you're new to this, read our blog post What Is WordPress to get an overview.
The beauty of self-hosted WordPress is that you are fully in control of everything. Don't like your web host? Pick a new one and move your website. Unlike Wix, Squarespace, or Webflow, self-hosted WordPress means you aren't locked into an account on a platform that limits what you can do or changes pricing twice a year.
email account FAQ's
Your domain name (or URL) is what potential customers will type into their browser address bar to access your website. For example, yourbusiness.com. You would use that domain name to create branded email, such as [email protected]. We can use an existing domain name you own to set up your email, or we can register a new domain name on your behalf.
A web host (or server) is where files and data are stored. When accessing a website, you're loading content from a server. Email works the same way. Paying for an email account is paying for the cloud storage that collects, filters, and displays those emails. Google Workspace, Office365, Rackspace, Zoho... these are all examples of email hosting options.
Some (cPanel) websites will allow you to set up email accounts on the same server. We recommend against this; if there are issues with your website hosting and your site goes down, so does your email. It's also less secure and you're more likely to end up with your emails being flagged as spam.
Like [email protected]? Technically, yes. But it’s less professional than using a custom domain and offers less control. If you want to continue using the Gmail interface, but for your business, that's exactly what Google Workspace is.
No, although it usually should. Some businesses will use a shorter URL for email if they have a really long website address. If you have multiple businesses underneath a parent company, you could also set up your email with the parent company’s domain. But other than that, we recommend using the same name for your domain, email, and social media handles.
Definitely. In fact, we usually set up email before we build the website. Our startup package includes URL registration to secure your domain name and set up an email account.
If necessary, we can register a new domain name on your behalf as part of the email setup process.
Email forwarding is when email sent to [email protected] will forward to [email protected]. It’s not actually an email account, just a free setting available with your domain name.
Setting this up allows you to use a business email address on your business cards, and receive that email at your existing account. The downside is that when you reply to someone, they’ll see your personal email address. You’ll also be mixing personal and business correspondence. You’ll eventually have to set up a business email address.
We only recommend email forwarding:
- as a temporary solution for startups/while decisions are being made.
- as part of a strategy after purchasing an email hosting plan
(example: accounting@ could be an alias that is forwarded to the appropriate person in the company)
An email client is the software/app that runs on your desktop or phone. So rather than going to Gmail.com to log in, you would install Apple Mail or Outlook, then add your email account. It allows you to check your email from your desktop (or iPhone’s Mail app) instead of having to keep a browser tab open.
Personally we love using Apple Mail and often recommend mail software for ease of use and better workflow (right on your desktop, no need to log in, etc.) But this is also a personal choice; if you're a wizard with Gmail's shortcut menu, you do you.