Key highlights
- Powering 43% of the web, WordPress makes it easy to customize and grow your site.
- Whether it’s a blog or an eCommerce site, there’s a WordPress support plan made for you.
- From themes to plugins, each plan lets you build and grow your site as your needs expand.
- Join millions of WordPress users, keeping their sites smooth with updates and backups.
- Get help anytime with WordPress’s 24/7 support and a community of millions!
Introduction
Choosing the right WordPress support plan for your website can be daunting. With so many options out there, how do you know which one provides the best value for your needs? Whether you’re a beginner blogger or own a full-fledged eCommerce store, ongoing support is crucial for keeping your site secure, fast and optimized. But with so many choices, where should you start?
Unsurprisingly, many businesses struggle with website maintenance, data protection being their biggest concern. So, how can you ensure you’re making the right decision for your site?
This blog will break down the most popular WordPress support plans, compare the features and help you understand which plan offers the best value based on your specific needs.
Understanding WordPress support plans
When managing a WordPress website, maintaining the site’s performance and keeping your website secure is essential for long-term success. WordPress support plans provide a safety net, ensuring your site runs smoothly and continues to meet your goals, no matter your level of technical expertise.
Before diving into the support plans, it’s important to know the different WordPress platforms, as they impact the support and services you’ll need. Understanding your platform will help you choose the right plan for your site.
Overview of WordPress platforms
Before diving into the specifics of support plans, it’s important to understand the different WordPress platforms available and how they fit into your website’s ecosystem.
Being the most flexible and customizable option, WordPress is an ideal choice for small business owners looking to create a unique and fully tailored online presence. You can choose your hosting provider, install custom themes and plugins and have complete freedom over the design and functionality. However, this also means you are responsible for maintaining and securing your entire site, which is why having a WordPress support plan is vital.
WordPress.org (Self-hosted)
WordPress.org is the version of WordPress that you download and install on your own web hosting. This version offers complete control and flexibility, allowing you to customize every aspect of your site.
- Hosting: You must purchase your own hosting and domain name.
- Themes & customization: Full access to thousands of themes and plugins. You can modify themes and use custom code for advanced customization.
- Plugins: Full access to a vast library of plugins to add additional features for WooCommerce websites such as SEO tools and more.
- Support: No direct support, but you can find help through forums, tutorials or third-party developers.
- Control & flexibility: Complete control over your website’s design, functionality and performance.
- Pricing: The WordPress software itself is free, but you’ll need to pay for hosting, domain and potentially premium themes or plugins.
WordPress.com (Managed hosting)
WordPress.com is a fully managed platform where the hosting and maintenance of your website is handled for you. It’s a great option for beginners or those who prefer a hands-off approach, as it takes care of technical details such as updates and backups.
- Hosting: Managed and provided by WordPress, you don’t need to buy hosting or managing server configurations.
- Themes & customization: Limited compared to WordPress.org. You can choose from pre-selected themes, but customization options are restricted, especially on lower plans.
- Plugins: Limited or no access to third-party plugins unless you’re on a Business or VIP plan.
- Support: Support is available with options for email and live chat, depending on your plan.
- Pricing: Free plan available with limited features. Premium plans provide more storage, advanced customization and additional features.
- Ease of use: Ideal for users who want a simple, hassle-free setup with minimal technical knowledge.
Why choose a WordPress support plan?
You may wonder, “Why do I need a WordPress support plan?” The answer lies in the complexity of website maintenance and the ever-evolving nature of the internet. A website is not a set-it-and-forget-it asset—it’s an ongoing project that requires constant attention. Regular updates, plugin management, website monitoring and performance optimization are all essential components to keep your WordPress site running at its best.
With WordPress powering over 43% of all websites, it’s evident that it plays a dominant role in the web ecosystem. This widespread usage makes having a dedicated support plan even more crucial. Here are some benefits why you should consider a support plan:
- Ongoing website maintenance: Websites need constant upkeep to ensure they remain functional and secure. WordPress itself regularly updates its core software and keeps up with these WordPress site maintenance services.
- Security: WordPress websites are often targeted by hackers. A good support plan will offer robust security measures like malware scanning, firewalls and vulnerability patching to protect your site from cyber threats.
- Optimization: As your website grows, so does the demands on its performance. A support plan typically includes performance optimization, ensuring your site loads quickly and runs smoothly, even during traffic surges.
- Troubleshooting and problem resolution: Websites can experience downtime, broken features or plugin conflicts. Support plans offer troubleshooting to resolve issues promptly, preventing disruptions to your site-and the best part is that no technical expertise is required on your end to handle these issues.
WordPress support plans comparison
The right WordPress support plan for you depends on factors such as your website’s size and the level of support you need. Additionally, it will also depend on whether you prefer a hands-off experience or want more control over your monthly WordPress website maintenance. Below is a detailed breakdown of the most common WordPress support plans: Free, Premium, Business and VIP.
Here’s a detailed, interactive table that compares key features of each WordPress support plan. This breakdown will help you understand what you’re getting with each plan and make an informed decision based on your needs.
Feature/Plan | Free | Premium | Business | VIP |
---|---|---|---|---|
Storage | 1GB | 5GB | 30GB | Unlimited |
Themes | Basic | Premium | Premium | Custom Themes |
Plugin Support | Limited | Full | Full | Full (Custom Plugins) |
Customization | Limited | Moderate | Advanced | Full Custom Development |
Backups | No | Daily | Daily | Daily (with staging environment) |
Security | Basic | Advanced | Advanced | Comprehensive (24/7 monitoring, proactive scanning) |
SEO | Basic | Advanced | Advanced | Premium (with dedicated SEO specialists) |
Performance optimization | No | Yes | Yes | Yes (custom tuning) |
24/7 Support | No | Yes (Email) | Yes (Chat) | Yes (Dedicated Account Manager, Phone Support) |
Uptime Monitoring | No | Yes | Yes | Yes (proactive response) |
eCommerce Support | No | Yes | Yes (with WooCommerce support) | Yes (custom eCommerce development) |
Multisite Network | No | No | Yes | Yes |
Custom Development | No | Limited | Yes | Full Custom Development |
Pricing | Free | $8-$25/month | $25-$60/month | Custom Pricing (Typically higher) |
Features breakdown
Free plan
The free plan is ideal for individuals or bloggers just starting out. It offers the most basic features, including a limited amount of storage, a basic set of themes and no support for plugins or customizations. It doesn’t include backups and the security features are minimal. There is also no ongoing support available. However, it’s a good entry-level option for those who want to explore the WordPress dashboard without any financial commitment.
Premium plan
This plan is best for those who need more storage and flexibility. It includes up to 5GB of storage, premium themes and full plugin support. You’ll also get daily backups, enhanced protection and email support for troubleshooting. It’s perfect for personal bloggers or small websites that need a more polished look and feel but still want to keep their costs low.
Business plan
This plan is a step up and is designed for growing small businesses or eCommerce sites. It provides up to 30GB of storage, full plugin support, advanced customization options and daily backups. With 24/7 chat support, you’ll get more responsive help when you need it. Performance optimization features are also more robust and they support multisite networks. If you’re running a WooCommerce store, this plan includes essential eCommerce tools to manage your online business effectively.
VIP plan
This plan is designed for large enterprises or professional developers with more complex needs. It offers unlimited storage, full customization and custom plugin development. You get advanced data protection with proactive monitoring, dedicated phone support and Maintenance packages for complete peace of mind for your website so you can focus on your business. If you need advanced functionality, custom development or high-traffic management, this plan is the most tailored to large-scale, high-performance WordPress websites.
Pros and Cons of each plan
Plan | Pros | Cons |
Free | No cost involved Simple to set up and use Ideal for personal blogs or very small sites | Very limited features (no custom themes, plugins or backups) No support (only community forums) Limited customization and functionality No security or performance optimization |
Premium | Affordable for small websites and blogs Includes premium themes and plugin support Daily backups for added security Enhanced security features and performance optimization Email support for troubleshooting | Limited storage and customization compared to higher tiers Not ideal for large-scale businesses or eCommerce No phone support |
Business | Full plugin support and advanced customization options Daily backups and advanced security 24/7 chat support for immediate assistance Includes eCommerce support (WooCommerce) and multisite network support | Higher price point compared to Premium Lacks the flexibility and custom development features of the VIP plan May not be ideal for very large websites or highly specialized needs |
VIP | Fully customizable with custom development options Unlimited storage and multisite network support Comprehensive security, backups and performance optimization Dedicated account manager and phone support Best for large-scale, high-traffic sites with complex needs | High pricing, making it inaccessible for small businesses or individuals Not necessary for sites that don’t require enterprise-level support Overkill for small or basic websites |
In-depth breakdown of WordPress support features
When choosing a WordPress support plan, it’s important to understand the key features that come with managed plans as well as what’s included and excluded from each tier.
Core features of managed WordPress support plans
Backup and restore services
Regular backups are a lifeline for your WordPress website. Managed support plans often offer automated daily backups to keep your data safe. In the event of an issue, you can easily restore your website to a previous version without losing important content.
Security monitoring and updates
Security is a top priority for any website. Managed plans include continuous monitoring for malware and threats, along with automatic updates to both WordPress core and plugins.
Performance optimization
Speed is a critical factor in user experience and SEO. Managed support plans typically include performance optimization to help reduce page load times and improve overall site speed. This includes caching solutions, image optimization and other performance tweaks.
24/7 human and chat support
Support plans often include access to 24/7 customer support. The higher-tier plans offer dedicated support teams that provide real-time assistance via chat, email or phone. Lower-tier plans may rely more heavily on automated, AI-powered chat systems to provide solutions for common issues.
Unlimited support plans: What’s included?
Unlimited support plans offer extensive services that go above and beyond standard support, ensuring that your website remains up and running smoothly no matter what. Key features of unlimited plans include:
Proactive maintenance
Rather than waiting for you to report issues, proactive maintenance involves regularly checking and fixing potential issues before they cause problems. This includes updating plugins, monitoring site health and making necessary adjustments to ensure optimal performance.
Plugin management and troubleshooting
Managing and troubleshooting plugins can be a time-consuming task, especially when there are compatibility issues or updates that need to be installed. Unlimited plans typically include support for plugin installation, updates and conflict resolution.
Site speed optimization and SEO enhancements
Site speed optimization and SEO enhancements are often included in unlimited plans. This can include techniques like image compression, script minification and optimizing database queries to speed up your site.
What’s not included in WordPress support basic plans?
While basic WordPress monthly support may cover essential features, they often come with limitations. Here are some things you won’t find in lower-tier or free support plans:
- Limited access to themes – Basic plans typically offer limited access to premium themes or customization options. You may only be able to use free or default themes, which can limit the look and feel of your site.
- Restricted support hours – Lower-tier plans might limit the availability of customer support to specific hours. For example, you may only be able to contact support during business hours or may have to rely on automated help outside of those times.
- No custom development- Basic plans generally don’t include custom development options. If your site requires unique functionality or design customizations, you’ll need to upgrade to a higher-tier plan or hire an external developer.
- Fewer security features – Basic support plans might not include comprehensive security monitoring or advanced protection against hacking attempts. While they may offer some basic protections (like automatic updates), they won’t be as robust as those in higher-tier plans.
- No dedicated support- In lower-tier plans, you may not have access to a dedicated support team or account manager. Support might be provided via a general support desk or AI-powered tools, which may not be as effective for resolving complex issues.
Which WordPress support plan is right for you?
Does your website require frequent updates? Are you focusing on growing your business or managing a content-heavy site that needs constant optimization? Your answers to these questions will guide you in selecting a plan that not only keeps your site secure but also helps it thrive.
In this section, we’ll break down the best options for different types of WordPress users, helping you make an informed decision based on your goals, budget and technical expertise.
For beginner bloggers
If you’re just starting out and looking for simplicity, WordPress’s free or premium plans are a great choice. These plans are designed for ease of use and allow you to create content without the need for technical expertise. Basic WordPress customization options are available, which makes it perfect for beginners who want a hassle-free setup.
- Perfect for: Personal blogs, hobbyists and new bloggers who need a simple platform.
Small businesses and eCommerce sites
For small businesses or eCommerce sites, WordPress paired with a managed hosting service by Bluehost offers the best of both worlds. With Bluehost cloud hosting, you get the flexibility of managing your own WordPress website, plus the added benefits of high-performance servers and top-notch data protection. This setup also supports eCommerce features, including payment gateways, product management and scalability as your business grows.
Perfect for: Small businesses and online stores looking for scalability and customization.
Professional developers and agencies
For developers and agencies working with multiple sites or clients, high-tier managed hosting solutions offered by Bluehost are ideal. These plans give you full access to premium themes for advanced optimization. You’ll have the flexibility to customize sites, optimize performance and troubleshoot issues quickly, making it a perfect fit for professional-level needs.
Perfect for: Developers, agencies and large websites that need advanced functionality and full control.
Why is Bluehost a leading WordPress provider?
Bluehost has long been recognized as one of the top hosting providers for WordPress users. Officially recommended by WordPress, Bluehost offers optimized hosting solutions tailored specifically for WordPress websites. Bluehost has over 2 million websites hosted globally and it is trusted by bloggers, small businesses and developers alike to power their WordPress sites
Why is Bluehost a leading WordPress provider?
- Ease of use: Bluehost makes WordPress setup simple with one-click installations, which is perfect for beginners.
- Excellent customer support: Access 24/7 WordPress-specific support via phone, chat or email.
- High-performance servers: Optimized for fast website performance and reliability.
- Specialized WordPress support: Get help from a team of WordPress experts for issues for plugins, updates and security.
Bluehost WordPress Solution provide expert assistance. For beginners, it provides 1-click WordPress installation, free domain registration and 24/7 customer support. Small businesses benefit from optimized performance, SEO tools and eCommerce solutions, while advanced users can enjoy VPS and dedicated hosting for more control.
Bluehost WordPress Hosting Plans
Basic plan
- Pricing: Starts at $1.99/month
- Features: 1 website, 50GB SSD storage, free SSL, 24/7 unlimited website
support and a free domain for the first year.
Plus plan
- Pricing: Starts at $3.99/month
- Features: Unlimited websites and storage, free SSL, free domain and marketing tools.
Choice Plus plan
- Pricing: Starts at $3.99/month
- Features: Includes Plus features, plus domain privacy and automated backups.
Pro plan
- Pricing: Starts at $9.99/month
- Features: Includes Choice Plus features, plus email protection, a dedicated IP and more resources.
Note: The prices are subject to change with future updates. Explore the latest Bluehost pricing.
Maximize your website’s potential with Bluehost WordPress Commerce Solution
As you consider the various WordPress monthly support plans, it’s crucial to ensure they include essential tools. Optimizing your website for search engines is a fundamental aspect of online success. Bluehost WordPress Commerce Solution offers a tailored package that includes it all:
- Enhanced security: Protect your site with advanced security features that guard against malware and other vulnerabilities.
- Yoast SEO: Optimize your content effortlessly with advanced SEO tools that ensure your site meets the best SEO standards, improving visibility and increasing traffic.
- YITH WooCommerce Affiliates: Expand your reach and boost your marketing efforts by setting up an affiliate program directly through your WordPress site, encouraging others to promote your products and services.
- YITH WooCommerce Ajax Search: Enhance the user experience on your e-commerce site with Ajax search capabilities, allowing customers to get instant search results without reloading the page.
- YITH Subscriptions: Offer subscription-based products or services, providing a steady income stream and enhancing customer loyalty by delivering consistent value.
- Performance boosting: Benefit from built-in caching and CDN services to enhance your site speed and user experience.
- Managed updates: Automatic updates for WordPress core, themes and plugins, ensuring your site stays current without manual intervention.
- Expert support: Access to WordPress experts who can provide guidance and help resolve any issues swiftly.
Final thoughts
Choosing the right WordPress support plan is an essential step for keeping your website running at its best performance. As we’ve seen, different WordPress monthly support plans offer varying levels of maintenance and custom development—so it’s important to assess your needs before making a decision.
Bluehost is a top-tier provider for WordPress users, offering a wide range of hosting plans to fit various needs. Ready to get started? Choose the perfect Bluehost WordPress hosting plan today and get your WordPress site up and running with the help of WordPress experts. If you’re building a business site or an online store, start with Bluehost WordPress Commerce Solution and turn your vision into a thriving online presence.
FAQs
Yes, a WordPress support plan ensures your site is regularly updated, secure and optimized, providing peace of mind and minimizing downtime or technical issues.
Choose a plan based on your site’s size, the level of support you need and your technical expertise. Managed plans are best for hands-off maintenance, while unmanaged plans suit advanced users.
For high-traffic sites, the Bluehost Business or VIP hosting plan is ideal. These plans offer enhanced performance, increased storage and better scalability to handle high traffic and data demands effectively.
Yes, customer support is included in all Bluehost WordPress hosting plans, offering 24/7 assistance for any technical or website management issues.