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While it’s more cost-effective, running a WordPress site on shared hosting can slow it down as the traffic grows. A faster, more scalable solution for this would be the cloud hosting infrastructure. It gives you full control over performance and costs.
And when it comes to WordPress cloud hosting, one of the top options include DigitalOcean. It ensures better uptime, security, and flexibility compared to traditional hosting. But how do you install and set up the WordPress site on DigitalOcean?
Well, this guide will help you with exactly that. Plus, I’ll tell you why this hosting is one of the recommended options by the top WordPress experts. Let’s begin.
Overview of DigitalOcean Cloud Hosting
DigitalOcean is a cloud-based hosting provider known for its simplicity, developer-friendly tools, and cost-effective pricing. Unlike traditional shared WordPress hosting, DigitalOcean offers virtual private servers (Droplets) and managed databases. Combined with a scalable storage, these features give you full control over your WordPress site performance.
Key Features of DigitalOcean Cloud Hosting
- SSD-powered Droplets (for faster load times)
- One-click WordPress installation (for quick setup)
- Scalable resources (to handle traffic spikes)
- Global data centers (for lower latency)
- Predictable pricing (with no hidden fees)
Whether you are building a new WordPress website or migrating an existing one to another hosting, DigitalOcean is a viable option. It provides the reliability and flexibility needed for a high-performing WordPress setup.
But should you opt for its unmanaged hosting or managed DigitalOcean hosting? For that, you need to understand the differences.
Unmanaged vs Managed Hosting By DigitalOcean
Let’s compare these two options side-by-side on a range of key factors.
| Factor | Unmanaged Hosting | Managed Hosting (by DigitalOcean) |
|---|---|---|
| Setup & Maintenance | Manual (SSH, CLI, LAMP/LEMP stack) | Fully automated (one-click install) |
| Server Management | User handles updates, security, backups | DigitalOcean manages server-side tasks |
| Performance | Highly customizable (DIY optimizations) | Pre-optimized for WordPress |
| Scalability | Manual scaling (resizing Droplets) | Automatic vertical scaling |
| Security | User responsible (firewalls, patches) | Built-in SSL, DDoS protection, updates |
| Backups | Manual or paid add-ons ($) | Automated backups included |
Professional developers often choose unmanaged hosting for full control, customization, and lower costs. But if you want hassle-free hosting, automatic updates, and better security, DigitalOcean’s managed hosting would be excellent.
Want comprehensive WordPress services?
How to Install WordPress on DigitalOcean Managed Hosting?
DigitalOcean offers a streamlined, managed hosting solution for deploying WordPress websites. It’s ideal for those who want automatic updates, built-in security, and hassle-free scaling for their website. Here’s how you install WordPress on DigitalOcean managed hosting.
Step 1: Sign up for Cloudways with a simple login form and then click the ‘Start Free’ button. If you’re already signed up, log into your account.
Step 2: After the mail id is verified, click on ‘+ Add Server’ or ‘Add Application’ on the dashboard.
Step 3: Select ‘WordPress’ from a list of platforms. Then name your ‘Application’ and ‘Server’. And then, select your project.
Step 4: Selecting your server, you will have the choice of cloud hosting providers like DigitalOcean, Amazon, and Google. Select ‘DigitalOcean’.
Step 5: After selecting the server, choose the ‘Server Size’ according to your expected monthly traffic. Sudden traffic spikes won’t be an issue. You can easily scale up the server any time you want.
Step 6: At this point, you will need to select your server location. Make sure you take the latency factor into consideration.
Step 7: After entering the Server and Application details, click ‘Launch Now’. Before that, you can also review the hourly and monthly charges.
The server will be ready for your website in a few minutes.
Step 8: After the server is ready, click ‘Applications’ (located near ‘Servers’).
Step 9: Click your WordPress application.
Step 10: Navigate to Access Details → Admin panel. There, you’ll see the default login credentials and the temporary staging URL of your WordPress site.
Step 11: Click the URL and log in to the WordPress admin dashboard through given credentials.
That’s it! WordPress is successfully installed on DigitalOcean. If you need help with WordPress installation and site development, consider consulting with our professional WordPress development company.
Why Install WordPress on DigitalOcean?
While WordPress offers several outstanding features, bad hosting can hurt the performance, security, and scalability of the website. To that end, DigitalOcean’s cloud hosting will be outstanding. It ensures better speed, scalability, and cost-efficiency compared to shared hosting. Here are a few benefits.
- SSD storage & global data centers reduce load times.
- No overcrowded servers (unlike shared hosting).
- Root access (unmanaged) or one-click setup (managed).
- Install custom caching (Redis, Varnish) or switch PHP versions.
- Free SSL, automated backups (managed), and firewall controls.
- Upgrade seamlessly from a blog to an eCommerce site.
All in all, DigitalOcean removes hosting bottlenecks and lets WordPress run at its full potential. That too, at a relatively affordable cost.
Want assistance with your WordPress project?
FAQs on WordPress on DigitalOcean
Can I migrate my existing WordPress site to DigitalOcean?
Yes! Use plugins like All-in-One WP Migration or manually transfer files/databases via SFTP/phpMyAdmin. Managed hosting offers smoother migrations with minimal downtime.
WPWeb Infotech also offers migration services to make things easier.
What if my site outgrows a Droplet?
DigitalOcean makes scaling seamless with vertical scaling and horizontal scaling. Vertical scaling involves resizing the Droplet, while horizontal scaling involves adding load balancers or using multiple Droplets.
Can I host multiple WordPress sites on one Droplet?
Yes, but there is a caveat. The App Platform supports one site per app, but you can create multiple apps under one account. For better performance, you can use separate Droplets or upgrade resources.
Does DigitalOcean offer free SSL for WordPress?
Yes, DigitalOcean does offer free SSL, whether you opt for unmanaged option or fully-managed cloud hosting. With the latter, it’s autoconfigured HTTPS on deployment.
Final Thoughts on DigitalOcean for WordPress
DigitalOcean offers a powerful, flexible hosting solution for WordPress. It’s a good option whether you prefer hands-on control and flexibility with Droplets or a hassle-free setup with the App Platform.
The choice between unmanaged and managed comes down to your technical appetite. Do you crave complete control or prefer to offload server management? Either way, you’re building on infrastructure that grows as the traffic increases.
So, do you want help with choosing the right hosting and building the best website? Then connect with our WordPress professionals today!
