WordPress, a widely used content management system (CMS), is known for its flexibility in creating various types of websites, from simple blogs to complex e-commerce platforms. As an open-source platform, WordPress is free to use, making it an appealing choice for those on a budget. Despite the free nature of WordPress itself, hosting a WordPress website involves some costs. These include purchasing a domain name and securing web hosting. Here, we’ll show you how to host WordPress websites for free.
Drawbacks of Free WordPress Hosting
While free WordPress hosting might seem attractive, it comes with significant limitations that can hinder your website’s growth and performance.
01). Resource Constraints
🔹️Limited Storage
Free hosts often impose strict storage limits, preventing you from storing a substantial amount of content, images, or plugins. This can significantly restrict your website’s functionality and user experience.
🔹️Insufficient Bandwidth
Bandwidth limitations can lead to slow loading times, especially during peak traffic periods. This can frustrate visitors and negatively impact search engine rankings.
🔹️Underpowered Processors
Free hosts typically allocate minimal processing power to each website, resulting in sluggish performance. This can impact website speed and responsiveness.
02). Compromised Control and Customization
🔹️Restricted Plugin and Theme Usage
Many free hosts limit the types of plugins and themes you can use, hindering your ability to customize your website and add essential features.
🔹️No FTP Access
Lack of FTP access prevents you from directly managing your website’s files, making it difficult to troubleshoot issues or implement advanced customizations.
🔹️Limited Control Panel Features
Free hosting providers often offer basic control panels with limited features, making it challenging to manage your website effectively.
03). Potential Performance and Reliability Issues
🔹️Slow Loading Speeds
Shared servers hosting numerous websites can lead to slow loading times, impacting user experience and search engine rankings.
🔹️Frequent Downtime
Free hosts often prioritize cost-cutting over server reliability, resulting in increased downtime and potential data loss.
🔹️Security Risks
Shared servers are more vulnerable to security threats, as a compromised website can affect other sites on the same server.
04). Advertising and Branding Limitations
🔹️On-Site Advertisements
Most free hosts display ads on your website to generate revenue, which can detract from your website’s professional appearance and user experience.
🔹️Subdomain Requirement
Free hosting often restricts you from using a subdomain (e.g., [invalid URL removed]) instead of a custom domain, negatively impacting your branding and online presence.
05). Lack of Support and Customer Service
🔹️Limited Support Options
Free hosts typically offer minimal or no customer support, leaving you to troubleshoot issues on your own.
🔹️Delayed Response Times
If support is available, response times are often slow, further hindering your ability to resolve problems promptly.
Getting started with free WordPress hosting
If you’re working with a tight budget, hosting a WordPress website for free is possible. Free WordPress hosting packages provide an entry point into website development without any upfront cost. While these packages often come with limitations in features and resources, they can be a viable starting point for beginners. Many of these services operate on a freemium model, allowing you to upgrade to premium plans as your site grows.
#1. Choosing a hosting provider
Here are some of the top free WordPress hosting providers:
1. Infinity Free
Infinity Free claims to be the fastest free hosting option available, offering unlimited storage and bandwidth. You can use your domain or choose from over 25 free domain extensions, and the service is ad-free. Features include a one-click installer with over 400 applications and a free SSL certificate. However, there is no email hosting, and support is limited to an active community forum.
Best For: Comprehensive free hosting with fast performance and ample storage. Note the lack of email support and reliance on community forums for help.
2. Freehostia
Freehostia provides an ad-free hosting solution with a one-click WordPress installer. The free plan includes 250MB of disk space, 6GB of bandwidth, and support for up to 5 domains and 3 email accounts. While it also includes 24/7 support and MySQL storage, users have reported issues with server downtime and minimal notifications.
Best For: Rapid website deployment with comprehensive support. Be cautious of potential server reliability concerns.
3. AwardSpace
AwardSpace offers a free hosting plan with 1000 MB of disk space, 5GB of bandwidth, and the ability to host up to 4 websites. You also receive one free domain (dx. am), an ad-free service, and 24/7 support. WordPress can be installed with a single click. However, some users find the interface less intuitive, which might require some adjustment.
Best For: Easy and quick ad-free hosting with solid customer support. Be prepared for a possibly less user-friendly interface.
4. WPNode
WPNode provides 1GB of storage and 10GB of bandwidth with its free plan. Although it lacks a script installer and email hosting, it does offer a free SSL certificate and no ads. Premium plans are available for those who need additional features.
Best For: A versatile option with substantial storage and no advertisements. The absence of a script installer and email hosting may be a drawback, but upgrades are available
5. 000webhost
000webhost offers a no-cost hosting plan that includes 300MB of disk space, 3GB of bandwidth, and Cloudflare protection without additional fees. You can quickly set up a WordPress site with their 1-click installation feature. However, note that their free plan might include ads and has experienced significant security breaches in the past, such as the leak of 13 million passwords in 2015. Additionally, your website will share server space with numerous other sites.
Best For: Quick setup of simple websites or blogs. Be aware of past security issues and potential ads on the free plan.
Additionally, you might consider using managed WordPress hosting providers like WordPress.com.
These services are made specifically for WordPress and offer a range of features and resources suited to WordPress websites, providing a more simplified and user-friendly experience.
No matter which free hosting option you choose, it’s important to carefully evaluate each provider to find one that fits your needs and budget. With some research, you can start your WordPress site at no cost and upgrade as your requirements evolve.
#2. Sign Up for an Account
Begin by creating an account on the website of your chosen hosting provider.
This process generally involves providing your email address and setting a password. After registration, you’ll need to confirm your email address to activate your account.
#3. Set Up Your Domain
Free hosting plans usually provide a subdomain (e.g., yoursite.provider.com).
If you prefer a custom domain (e.g., yoursite.com), you’ll need to register it separately, which may incur additional costs.
#4. Install WordPress
Most free hosting services offer a one-click WordPress installation option through their control panel. If this option is unavailable, you can manually install WordPress by following these steps:
1. Download WordPress
Visit the [official WordPress website](https://wordpress.org/download/) to download the latest version of WordPress.
2. Upload WordPress Files
Use an FTP client such as FileZilla to upload the WordPress files to your hosting server.
3. Create a Database
In your hosting control panel, set up a MySQL database and user. Make a note of the database name, username, and password.
4. Configure WordPress
Go to your domain (e.g., yoursite.000webhostapp.com) and follow the setup wizard. Enter your database details and create an admin account.
#5. Customize Your Site
After installation, log in to your WordPress dashboard (e.g., yoursite.000webhostapp.com/wp-admin) to begin customization:
✔Choose a Theme
Go to Appearance > Themes to select or upload a theme that fits your design preferences.
✔Install Plugins
Add functionality to your site by installing plugins via the Plugins menu.
✔Create Content
Populate your site by adding pages, posts, and media from the corresponding sections in the dashboard.
#6. Maintain Your Website
Even with free hosting, it’s important to ensure your site remains secure and performs well:
✔Backup Regularly
Use plugins or manual methods to create regular backups of your site data.
✔Update Regularly
Keep WordPress, themes, and plugins up-to-date to ensure security and functionality.
✔Monitor Performance
Utilize tools or plugins to monitor your site’s performance and make optimizations as needed.
Conclusion
Hosting a WordPress website for free is entirely feasible and can be a great way to start without financial commitment. However, be aware of the limitations and potential need for upgrades as your site grows. For professional or high-traffic sites, investing in a paid hosting plan might be more beneficial in the long run.
