10 Tips to Choose the Best Hosting for Magento Stores

• Top 10 Tips for Choosing Best Hosting for Magento

• Top 3 Companies Offering Hosting for Magento

• Advantages of Managed Hosting for Magento

• FAQs

Key Takeaways

• Evaluate the hosting provider's performance and speed to ensure a seamless customer experience.

• Opt for a hosting plan that offers reliable uptime for your Magento store, minimizing disruptions.

• Look for a hosting provider compatible with Magento that supports its technical requirements.

• Choose a hosting plan with robust Magento security features to protect your online store from cyber threats.

• Consider the hosting plan's scalability; it should accommodate your store's growth over time.

Top 10 Tips for Choosing Best Hosting for Magento

1. Understand Your Store's Hosting Requirements

Before selecting a hosting plan, it is crucial to understand your store's requirements. Consider factors such as the size of your store, expected traffic, and the complexity of your products. This information will help you determine the resources and features required from your hosting provider.

Understanding your website's specific needs before searching for the best Magento hosting provider. Answering these questions can help identify your hosting requirements:

• How many products do you have?

• Do you expect a high volume of traffic?

• Do you require advanced customization and integrations?

• Can you handle sensitive data such as customer information and payment details?

• Will your store have heavy multimedia content like high-res images or videos?

• Are you planning to scale your e-commerce store?

• Do you expect high traffic during peak sales seasons or promotional events?

2. Choose From Managed Hosting vs Unmanaged Hosting

Managed hosting involves the provider managing your server's technical aspects, including software updates, security patches, and performance optimization. Unmanaged hosting requires you to handle these tasks yourself.

For Magento store owners with limited technical knowledge or resources, managed hosting is usually the best choice. It frees time and lets you focus on running your business without worrying about server maintenance.

In contrast, unmanaged hosting is cheaper and better suited for experienced developers proficient in server management. This option can be more cost-effective if you have an in-house IT team or a dedicated developer for your store.

The table below provides an overview of the different types of hosting options available for Magento:

Types of Hosting	Description
Shared	Affordable and basic hosting option. Website hosted on a server shared with other sites. Not recommended for Magento websites.
VPS Hosting	More resources and control than shared hosting. Website hosted on a separate virtual server. Suitable for Magento websites, but scalability and performance limitations.
Dedicated Hosting	Exclusive server for one website. Extensive control and resources. Higher cost and requires technical knowledge.
Cloud Hosting	Versatile and scalable solution. Automatic backups, high availability, minimized downtime. Cost-effective option for Magento websites.
Managed Cloud Hosting	Combines benefits of cloud hosting with dedicated support. Superior performance, scalability, and security. Ideal for Magento websites without technical expertise.

3. Consider Server Performance and Configuration:

Magento is a resource-intensive platform, so it's crucial to consider server performance and configuration when choosing hosting for your e-commerce store. Here are some key factors to remember:

Category	Key Factors
Operating systems	Linux distributions like RedHat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), CentOS, Ubuntu, Debian, etc. are supported for Magento. Not compatible with Windows and MAC OS.
Memory Requirement	Upgrading Magento applications and extensions may require up to 2GB of RAM. Recommended to create a swap file if system has less than 2GB of RAM.
Web servers	Apache 2.4 NGINX 1.x
Database	MySQL 5.6, 5.7 Compatibility with MySQL NDB Cluster 7.4., MariaDB 10.0, 10.1, 10.2, Percona 5.7, and other binary-compatible MySQL technologies. Only supports MySQL features that are compatible with MariaDB.
PHP Versions	~8.1 ~7.4 ~7.3
Mail Server	Mail Transfer Agent (MTA) or an SMTP server
SSL	HTTPS requires a valid security certificate. Both PayPal and repo.magentocom require TLS 1.2 or later.
Cache	Redis 5.0, 6.0 (compatible with 2.4+) Vanish 6.x (compatible with Magento 2.4+)
Other Technologies	Elasticsearch 7.6+ (for Magento 2.4+, MySQL is no longer used for search) RabbitMQ 3.8.
Supported browsers	Microsoft Edge, latest–1 Firefox latest, latest–1 (any OS) Chrome latest, latest–1 (any OS) Safari latest, latest–1 (Mac OS only) Safari Mobile for iPad 2, iPad Mini, iPad with Retina Display (iOS 12 or later) Safari Mobile for iPhone 6 or later; iOS 12 or later Chrome for mobile latest–1 (Android 4 or later)
PHP extensions	ext-bcmath, ext-ctype, ext-curl, ext-dom, ext-gd, ext-hash, ext-iconv, ext-intl, ext-mbstring, ext-openssl, ext-pdo_mysql, ext-simplexml, ext-soap, ext-xsl, ext-zip, ext-sockets
PHP OPcache	Enable PHP OPcache for improved performance. Often enabled in many PHP distributions.

4. Choose Scalable Infrastructure for Magento Hosting

When it comes to hosting your Magento store, scalability is one of the key considerations. As your business grows and traffic increases, ensure your website can handle the load without downtime or slow loading times.

• For online businesses with global growth plans, scalable servers are essential.

• Select a server capable of handling unexpected increases in website traffic.

• Scalable servers allow you to allocate resources based on your business needs, resulting in cost savings.

• By adjusting server resources according to your requirements, you only pay for the necessary resources.

• Cloud hosting and virtual private servers (VPS) are popular options for scalable infrastructure.

5. Choose a Secure and Reliable Magento Host

Security and reliability are crucial for any online business, and it's no different for Magento stores. When selecting a host, ensure they have robust security measures to protect your website from cyber threats.

A good hosting provider should offer a firewall, DDoS attack protection, SSL certificate, backup tools, and server monitoring or upgrades. Ensuring the safety and reliability of your website is key when choosing a provider.

• Look for a host with SSL certificates to encrypt sensitive data transmitted between your website and users' browsers.

• The hosting package should also include regular website backups to safeguard against data loss.

• A reliable host will also have measures to prevent downtime and ensure your website is always accessible to customers.

6. Look for Personalized Administration and Support

Choosing a hosting provider with personalized support and administration can save you time, money, and headaches.

• Look for options like MGT-Commerce to easily manage your website's files, databases, email accounts, and domains.

• A hosting provider with dedicated Magento support resolves any technical issues promptly.

• 24/7 customer support is also crucial for any urgent concerns or questions that may arise.

• With Magento Hosting, your hosting provider handles server setup, installation, patches, backups, security, and monitoring.

• Expect quick responses and round-the-clock critical support through email, chat, phone, and a ticketing system.

7. Consider Server Location for Optimal Performance

To improve the speed of your website, consider hosting it in the same country as your target audience. Using a Content Delivery Network (CDN) is recommended for eCommerce businesses targeting international markets. This will optimize the browsing experience by delivering static content from servers closest to consumers.

• A reputable hosting provider will have multiple server locations, ensuring your website loads quickly for all users.

• Remember that server location can also affect SEO rankings, especially for local businesses.

• Hosting your website closer to your target audience can improve its visibility on search engines.

8. Evaluate Pricing Options

When considering different hosting options, evaluating pricing and understanding what you are paying for is essential.

• Some hosting providers offer discounted rates for the first year, but renewal prices can drastically increase.

• Look for transparent pricing with no hidden fees or added costs.

• Compare features and services included in each plan, such as storage space, bandwidth, email accounts, and security measures.

• Consider scalability options as your business grows, and ensure the hosting plan can accommodate increased website traffic.

9. Magento Hosting Add-ons

Aside from basic hosting services, some providers offer additional features that may benefit Magento websites.

• Look for built-in caching to improve website speed and performance.

• Automatic updates of Magento software can save time and effort.

• Some providers offer one-click installation of Magento, making it easier to set up your website.

• Look for SSL certificates included in the hosting plan to ensure secure transactions on your eCommerce site.

10. Analyze Performance, Downtime & Uptime Guarantees

Monitoring the performance of your website is crucial for success.

• Look for hosting providers that offer uptime guarantees, ensuring your website stays online and accessible to customers.

• Analyze downtime reports the hosting provider provides to address any issues promptly.

• Consider using third-party tools or services to monitor website performance and receive alerts for any downtime.

Top 3 Companies Offering Hosting for Magento

1. MGT-Commerce

MGT-Commerce offers managed Magento 2 hosting services on AWS with advanced technologies, affordable pricing, and exceptional performance. Their MGT Control Panel streamlines management and enhances efficiency. Ideal for businesses seeking optimized Magento 2 hosting. Key features are:

• Latest Hosting Technologies for High Performance

• Comprehensive Management of Magento 2 Cloud Hosting

• Configurations with Multiple Servers

• Robust Server Security Measures

• Hassle-free Migration Services

• Seamless Magento Scalability Options

• Efficient Deployment Tools

• Worldwide Availability

• Proactive Monitoring and 24/7 Support

• SSL Certificate Integration

• Optimization for Magento Platform

• Regular Hourly Backups

• Flexible and Affordable Pricing Plans

2. HostGator

HostGator provides cost-effective Magento hosting solutions, catering to a wide range of store owners with over 800,000 satisfied customers. Their hosting services encompass VPS, shared, and dedicated hosting. Notable features:

• Free SSL certificate

• Money-back guarantee

• Free site transfer

• Impressive uptime

3. SiteGround

SiteGround provides outstanding technical support, dedicated assistance for Magento, and strong security features in their hosting plans. They offer a range of Magento hosting options to choose from. With prices starting at around $5 per month, the entry-level plan includes 10GB of storage space, bandwidth for up to 10,000 monthly site visits, and free backups. Here are some key features:

• Enhanced security

• Impressive speed

• Multiple data centers

• Reliable customer support

• 99% Uptime guarantee

Advantages of Managed Hosting for Magento

1. Enhanced Performance and Scalability

Managed hosting for Magento significantly boosts the performance of e-commerce stores by utilizing advanced technologies like Varnish and SSD storage. This optimized stack ensures that the stores can handle many visitors, and the scalability options allow the stores to grow seamlessly. Hosting services provide robust scalability options to accommodate traffic spikes and growth.

2. Robust Security Measures

Secure hosting is a priority for any online store, and managed hosting for Magento excels in this area. It provides advanced security measures, including firewalls and regular security patches. Hosts often provide dedicated IP addresses for each account, further enhancing security. They prioritize the application of security patches and PCI compliance, ensuring a secure shopping environment.

3. Comprehensive Support and Assistance

A substantial advantage of managed hosting for Magento is the dedicated support team available around the clock. Companies like MGT-commerce offer expert support teams, who can assist with any issues, from technical glitches, optimisations, to server security.

4. Cost-effective and Flexible Pricing

Despite the advanced features and support, managed hosting for Magento can be quite affordable. The flexibility in pricing plans allows businesses of any size and budget to find a suitable hosting solution. It offers several flexible web hosting plans compatible with different budgets, while Linode and Vultr provide excellent value for their price.

5. Simplified Management and Superior Control

Managed hosting for Magento simplifies the management of Magento stores by automating several tasks. It offers a user-friendly control panel to manage multiple aspects like the domain, themes, plugins, and more. Also, it provides easy access to various hardware and software settings, making a significant difference in how developers interact with their Magento environment.

FAQs

1. What makes managed Magento hosting a preferred choice?

Managed Magento hosting is the preferred choice for many due to its simplicity and ease of use. It automates many server requirements and tasks, enabling anyone to manage their ecommerce store with just a few clicks.

2. How does a managed hosting service improve an ecommerce store's performance?

The power of managed hosting lies in its superior server configurations, including features like Memcached and FPM. This translates to high speeds and efficient handling of many queries, enhancing the shopping experience.

3. What are the security measures in place with managed hosting?

Managed hosting ensures the safety of your ecommerce store by providing advanced security measures. These include IP whitelisting, regular security patches, malware scanning, and protection against attacks, among other things.

4. How does the scalability of managed hosting support the growth of an ecommerce store?

Managed hosting plans offer flexibility and scalability, which are crucial for growing ecommerce stores. They can easily scale up server resources on demand, ensuring the store can easily handle an increasing amount of orders.

5. Does managed hosting provide additional tools or features that enhance the hosting experience?

Yes, managed hosting typically comes with a convenient user interface, tools for easy site migration and scaling, and even root access for the tech-savvy. Some also provide integration with useful apps and platforms for additional functionality.

6. What is the cost implication of choosing managed hosting for an ecommerce store?

While the cost of managed hosting plans varies, they often provide excellent value. Their comprehensive care, expert support, and advanced features can save merchants significant time and effort, making them a cost-effective choice.

Summary

Choosing the right hosting for Magento stores offers merchants features like scalability, speed, and security. Merchants can find the ideal hosting solution for their ecommerce store by considering cost, features, and reputation. Consider investing in managed Magento hosting for your store to save time and effort, and enhance functionality.