This brings up an important question for WordPress agencies: How does using AI on client projects affect pricing?

On the surface, it feels like a tricky question. AI is supposed to improve efficiency. A more efficient process should take less time to complete, which means lower costs. But it’s not that simple.

The point of increased efficiency is to make more profit. Faster results and decreased overhead shouldn’t mean that your business takes a financial hit, right? If that’s the case, then agencies have no incentive to use AI for, well, anything.

So, should we reassess the value of our services in the age of AI? And how do we present it to clients? Let’s try to find the answers.

Time-Based Billing Is Outdated

The hourly rate has been a standard for many freelancers and agencies. We charge based on how much time we spend on a given task. This policy worked well enough when everything was done by hand. However, it doesn’t fit with how most of our work is done today.

Let’s take a custom WordPress plugin as an example. In this scenario, our client needs a niche plugin that adds functionality to their website.

This type of project could have taken several hours before AI came into the picture. Much depends on your level of expertise, but it’s safe to say you’d need to conduct research, write the code, then test. There would inevitably be bugs to fix and more tests to run. It’s easy to get stuck on an issue that delays progress.

An hourly rate could make sense here, as you risk getting burned by a project-based fee. What if the project takes longer than anticipated? You might lose money on the deal.

Using AI accelerates the entire process. You should still conduct research, and there will still be bugs to fix. You’ll also want to test for security. But the increased efficiency will likely lead to faster turnaround times.

Here, a project-based fee is a more reasonable solution. You’re charging based on the outcome, rather than time spent. And the result is the most important part of the equation – regardless of how long it took.

Using AI Requires Different Thinking and Communication

Working with AI also means a shift in our approach on both the project and client sides. Agencies and developers must focus on the big picture more than the process of getting it done. Again, the idea is that time isn’t the most relevant factor.

AI-based workflows often turn us into orchestra conductors, rather than old-school code jockeys. We’re using plain language to guide the tool in the right direction. We spend less time on the foundational aspects and more on the structure and feel. It’s a different role that can take time to grasp fully.

This also affects how we communicate with clients. We should emphasize the value in what we build. Clients must understand the benefits of a new feature and how it moves them closer to their goals.

In that regard, it doesn’t matter if building a new plugin took you five days or five hours. The only question worth asking is: Did we provide the best possible solution within their budget?

This isn’t much different than other service-based industries. You probably didn’t care what tools the carpenter used to build your new deck. You were likely more excited about how it looked and functioned.

AI is akin to the carpenter’s power tools. In the right hands, it becomes easier to achieve the desired outcome. You still need a certain level of expertise, however.

AI Should Increase Your Agency’s Revenue

The bottom line is that AI provides a path to do more with less. Perhaps the biggest hurdle for agencies and freelancers is embracing this philosophy.

Remember, there have been many changes in how we build websites. We went from hand-coding HTML to using content management systems (CMS) like WordPress. Tools like WYSIWYG editors and page builder plugins incrementally increased our productivity. Little by little, web professionals adopted these solutions and adapted their businesses to take advantage of them.

AI is more of a revolutionary technology, as it increases our output exponentially. Naturally, a change this big leads to questions about how we work and how much we charge.

You may run into a client who expects lower pricing because of your increased efficiency – don’t fall for it. Your knowledge and experience are still guiding the ship, and they are worth a premium. Once you realize this, you can use AI to encourage growth. These new tools simply offer a faster way to get there.

here. He recently started a writing service for WordPress products: WP Product Writeup. He also has an opinion on just about every subject. You can follow his rants on Bluesky @karks.com.

Read more articles by Eric Karkovack

The post Should Your Agency Charge Less for AI-Assisted Solutions? appeared first on The NOKIA Blog.

There are also big differences between hosting providers. Some focus on low-cost shared hosting, while others offer managed WordPress hosting, cloud hosting, or plans built for businesses and agencies. The tools included with each plan can vary just as much. Backups, staging sites, caching, security, migrations, CDN access, and developer tools may be included, limited, or cost extra.

This comparison looks at six popular WordPress hosts: WordPress.com, Bluehost, Pressable, Cloudways, Kinsta, and SiteGround. Each provider has been tested and compared across the areas that matter when running a WordPress website.

The goal isn’t to name one host that works for everyone. A personal blog, WooCommerce store, client website, and busy online publication have very different hosting needs. Instead, the results should make it easier to see where each provider works well, where it falls short, and which type of WordPress website it suits best.

Best WordPress Hosting: Quick Recommendations

Not everyone needs to compare every plan and technical detail. These recommendations offer a quick starting point based on common WordPress projects. Each host has been selected for a different type of user, with performance, management tools, support, pricing, and the overall hosting experience taken into account.

Best Overall WordPress Host: WordPress.com

WordPress.com is our best overall host because it combines managed WordPress hosting with the flexibility and ease of use many websites need. It works well for blogs and business sites, with plans suitable for larger publications and WooCommerce stores.

Much of the technical work is handled for you, including caching, security, updates, SSL, and CDN access. All paid plans now support third-party plugins and custom theme uploads. Business adds daily backups, staging, SFTP, SSH, database access, WP-CLI, and other developer tools.

WordPress.com is run by Automattic, a company with deep ties to the WordPress open-source project and WordPress.org. That experience carries through to its managed hosting and support, which is useful when a problem involves both WordPress and the hosting platform.

There is less server maintenance to handle, while developers can choose Business when they need more advanced access. Those needing full server control may prefer cloud or VPS hosting.

Pricing varies between plans, so always compare promotional rates with the normal renewal price.

Further Information:

WordPress.com Plans & Pricing

• Personal: Supports third-party plugins and themes, custom CSS and code, along with security, support, and migration tools.
• Premium: Includes everything in Personal, with additional design, analytics, SEO, advertising, and monetization tools.
• Business: Adds daily backups, staging, SFTP, SSH, WP-CLI, database access, GitHub deployments, and other developer tools.
• Commerce: Includes the tools available with Business and adds WooCommerce and online selling tools.

All data correct as of August, 2026.

Best WordPress Managed Host: Kinsta

Kinsta is our choice for the best managed WordPress host. It is built for WordPress sites that need strong performance, reliable hosting, and useful management tools without the site owner having to manage the server.

Every WordPress site runs in its own isolated container, with access to Kinsta’s cloud infrastructure and a choice of 30 data center locations. Server caching, edge caching, a Cloudflare-powered CDN, security, daily backups, and performance monitoring are included.

Kinsta also provides a strong set of developer tools, including DevKinsta. SSH and SFTP are included with all WordPress hosting plans, WP-CLI is installed by default, and staging gives developers a separate platform to test changes. MyKinsta also offers database management, logs, analytics, and Kinsta’s APM performance tool.

The main drawback is price. Kinsta costs more than budget WordPress hosting, so it is harder to justify for a small personal site. But for businesses, busy publications, stores, and other sites where performance and support matter, the extra cost makes sense.

Further Information:

Kinsta Plans & Pricing

• Single Site Plans: Built for one WordPress website, with several levels based on traffic or bandwidth. All include CDN, edge caching, daily backups, staging, security, migrations, SSH, SFTP, and WP-CLI.
• Multiple Site Plans: Designed for users who manage several WordPress installations. These plans increase the number of sites and available resources while keeping them under one Kinsta account.
• Agency Plans: Made for agencies that manage larger collections of client sites. They provide higher limits and more capacity while retaining the same managed WordPress platform and development tools.
• Custom Plans: Available for WordPress projects that need more resources than the standard plans provide. These are better suited to very busy sites and projects with unusual hosting requirements.

All data correct as of August, 2026.

Best WordPress Blogger Host: Cloudways

Cloudways is our choice for the best WordPress blogger host, particularly for established blogs and publications that have grown beyond basic shared hosting. It provides managed cloud hosting while still giving site owners more control over server resources than most managed WordPress platforms.

With Cloudways Flexible, WordPress can run on cloud infrastructure from DigitalOcean, Vultr, Linode, AWS, or Google Cloud. You choose the provider, server size, and location, while Cloudways handles much of the server setup and management. Resources can also be increased as traffic grows.

WordPress tools include server caching, staging, cloning, automated backups, SSL, migrations, security tools, SSH, SFTP, Git, and WP-CLI. Multiple WordPress sites can also run on the same server, provided it has enough resources.

This flexibility is why Cloudways works well for established bloggers. A growing publication can increase its hosting resources without moving to another platform. The tradeoff is complexity. There are more server settings to understand than with WordPress.com or Kinsta. But for bloggers comfortable managing WordPress, that extra control can be useful.

Further Information:

Cloudways Plans & Pricing

• DigitalOcean: The most practical starting point for many WordPress blogs. Plans provide dedicated cloud resources, SSD or NVMe storage, vertical scaling, and a choice of server locations.
• Vultr: Offers a broad choice of data center locations and server configurations. It is useful when the main audience is closer to a Vultr location or a different server setup is required.
• Linode: Another option for blogs that want predictable cloud resources and a choice of server locations while keeping Cloudways responsible for much of the server management.
• AWS: Uses Amazon Web Services infrastructure and provides more server configuration choices. It is generally more expensive and is better suited to sites with requirements that justify the added cost.
• Google Cloud: Runs WordPress on Google Compute Engine through the Cloudways dashboard. Like AWS, it provides flexible server resources but usually costs more than the simpler cloud options.

All data correct as of August, 2026.

Best WordPress Developer Host: Pressable

Pressable is our choice for the best WordPress developer host. It is a fully managed WordPress platform from Automattic, the company behind WordPress.com and WooCommerce, and runs on its WP Cloud infrastructure. That WordPress focus is one of the main reasons it works so well for development work.

Developers get staging and sandbox environments for every site, along with SSH, SFTP, WP-CLI, Git, database access, and other tools needed for building and maintaining WordPress sites. DupliKits can also be used to create reusable site templates, which can save time when several projects start with a similar setup.

Pressable handles much of the hosting work in the background. Hourly and daily backups, caching, security monitoring, automatic scaling, a global CDN, and site migrations are included. There is also 24/7 support from a team that works with WordPress every day.

Pricing is higher than budget hosting, but that is not really what Pressable is competing with. The value comes from reducing server maintenance while keeping the development tools needed for regular WordPress work. For freelance developers and teams managing several sites, that balance makes Pressable a strong choice.

Further Information:

Pressable Plans & Pricing

• Signature 1: Supports one WordPress site, 30,000 monthly visits, and 20GB of storage. Suitable for developers managing a single business or client site.
• Signature 2: Supports three WordPress sites, 50,000 monthly visits, and 30GB of storage. Useful for developers who manage a small collection of client sites.
• Signature 3: Supports five WordPress sites, 75,000 monthly visits, and 35GB of storage. Offers more room for freelancers maintaining several active WordPress projects.
• Signature 4: Supports ten WordPress sites, 150,000 monthly visits, and 50GB of storage. Excellent for developers and small teams that manage a larger group of websites.
• Signature 5 and Above: Plans increase from 20 to 100 WordPress installations, with higher traffic and storage limits. They are aimed at larger development teams and agencies with many sites.

All data correct as of August, 2026.

Best WordPress Agency Host: SiteGround

SiteGround is our choice for the best WordPress agency host. It combines managed WordPress hosting with tools for building, testing, managing, and handing client websites once a project is complete and launched. GrowBig and GoGeek also allow multiple websites under one account, which makes them better suited to agency work than the single site StartUp plan.

SiteGround handles many routine hosting jobs, including WordPress updates, daily backups, caching, CDN access, SSL, security, and server maintenance. GrowBig and GoGeek also include WordPress staging, while developers have access to SSH, SFTP, WP-CLI, databases, and other common development tools.

The agency tools are the main reason for choosing SiteGround here. Team members can be added as collaborators without sharing the main account login. Finished websites can also be transferred to clients while the agency remains attached as a collaborator. GoGeek adds white label client access, so clients using Site Tools do not see SiteGround branding.

The main drawback is renewal pricing. SiteGround offers large discounts for the first year, but regular rates are much higher. Agencies should use those renewal prices when calculating the long-term cost of hosting client websites.

Further Information:

SiteGround Plans & Pricing

• StartUp: Supports one website, around 10,000 monthly visits, and 10GB of storage. It includes managed WordPress tools, daily backups, caching, CDN access, SSL, and email. The single site limit makes it less useful for agency hosting.
• GrowBig: Supports unlimited websites within its resource limits, around 100,000 monthly visits, and 50GB of storage. It adds more server resources, WordPress staging, on-demand backups, and collaboration tools. This is a good starting point for smaller agencies.
• GoGeek: Supports unlimited websites within its resource limits, around 400,000 monthly visits, and 100GB of storage. It provides more server resources and adds white-label client access, making it the strongest shared hosting plan for agencies managing client websites.

All data correct as of August, 2026.

WordPress.com is our choice for the best WooCommerce host. WooCommerce can now be installed on any paid WordPress.com plan, giving store owners more choice over how much hosting and how many store tools they actually need.

The close connection with WooCommerce is a major advantage. WordPress.com and WooCommerce are both part of Automattic, so the hosting platform is built and supported by people with a deep understanding of WordPress and WooCommerce. This becomes useful when a problem involves the store, WordPress, and the hosting environment.

For larger stores, the Commerce plan includes everything in Business, along with WooCommerce and additional selling tools. This includes real-time backups, staging, SFTP, SSH, database access, payment tools, shipping integrations, automated taxes, product recommendations, and other WooCommerce extensions.

WordPress.com also handles much of the hosting work, including caching, security, updates, SSL, and server management. Store owners can concentrate on products, orders, customers, and sales rather than maintaining the server. It may cost more than basic WooCommerce hosting, but the managed setup makes more sense as a store becomes busier.

Further Information:

WordPress.com Commerce Plans & Pricing

• Personal: WooCommerce can be installed alongside third-party plugins and themes. It provides a low-cost starting point for a very small store, but it does not include the advanced backups, staging, and developer tools available on higher plans.
• Premium: Includes everything in Personal, along with additional design, analytics, SEO, advertising, and monetization tools. WooCommerce can be installed, although growing stores may benefit from the stronger hosting tools available with Business.
• Business: Adds real-time backups, staging, SFTP, SSH, database access, WP-CLI, and other developer tools. WooCommerce can be installed normally, making Business a good choice for store owners who want to build their own WooCommerce setup.
• Commerce: Includes everything in Business and adds WooCommerce with a collection of store tools and extensions. It supports unlimited products and orders, payments, shipping integrations, automated taxes, product recommendations, abandoned cart emails, and other selling tools.

All data correct as of August, 2026.

Best Budget WordPress Host: Bluehost

Bluehost is our choice for the best budget WordPress host. Its lower-priced plans provide the tools needed to run a blog, portfolio, small business site, or other WordPress project without paying the higher monthly cost of premium managed hosting.

WordPress hosting includes managed updates, SSL, CDN access, malware scanning, backups, migration tools, and a domain for the first year. Bluehost also provides a 99.99% uptime SLA and several server locations. WordPress setup and site management are handled through a dashboard aimed at users who may not have much hosting experience.

Starter is the obvious choice for smaller sites, while Business provides more storage, supports more websites, and adds further security and backup tools. Higher performance plans are available when a site needs more resources, so there is room to move beyond the entry-level packages.

The main issue is renewal pricing. Bluehost offers large discounts for the initial term, but the regular price is considerably higher. That needs to be included when comparing it with other budget hosts. For a smaller WordPress site where keeping the initial cost low matters, Bluehost still provides a strong set of hosting tools for the money.

Further Information:

Bluehost Plans & Pricing

• Starter: Supports up to ten websites with 10GB of NVMe storage. It includes managed WordPress updates, CDN access, SSL, malware scanning, weekly backups, migration tools, and a domain for the first year. It is the best fit for blogs and smaller WordPress sites.
• Business: Supports up to 50 websites with 50GB of NVMe storage. It provides more room for growing sites and is better suited to users managing several WordPress installations or a busier business website.

All data correct as of August, 2026.

Most WordPress hosts include more than just server space. Backups, staging sites, caching, CDN access, SSL, security, and migration tools reduce the amount of work needed to maintain a site. A host may advertise backups but run them only weekly, or offer staging only on its more expensive plans.

There is also a difference between a tool being included and it being well connected to the hosting platform. The right setup depends on whether the project needs simple management or greater control.

Developer requirements can be very different from those of someone running a single blog. Staging sites, SSH, SFTP, WP-CLI, Git, database access, logs, and local development tools will save a lot of time. They are also useful when testing updates or tracking down a problem without making changes directly on a live site.

Cloudways provides the greatest server control of the hosts compared here, while Kinsta and Pressable combine strong development tools with a more managed setup. WordPress.com also provides many common development tools on suitable plans. SiteGround covers most everyday development needs, while Bluehost provides enough access for many smaller projects.

The main question is how much control is actually required. More server access is useful for some developers, but it also means taking responsibility for more of the hosting setup.

AI tools are starting to appear in WordPress hosting platforms. Many providers now use it to help monitor websites, detect security threats, improve performance, and simplify routine management tasks. Some platforms also include AI assistants that can answer questions, troubleshoot common issues, or help configure hosting settings.

While these tools can save time, they shouldn’t be the main reason for choosing a host. Performance, reliability, support, and security still matter more. AI is best viewed as a useful addition rather than a replacement for a well-managed hosting platform.

The table below shows how the six hosts in this comparison currently approach AI.

All data correct as of August, 2026.

WordPress.com currently has the most complete AI setup of the hosts compared here. Its AI website builder can create a new WordPress site, while WordPress Agent continues working inside the site after it has been built. It can help with content, layouts, images, pages, and other editing jobs.

The more interesting addition for developers is MCP support. WordPress.com can connect with outside AI agents such as ChatGPT, Claude, Cursor, and other compatible tools. These agents can read site information and, with permission, carry out tasks such as creating posts, managing content, working with media, and changing site settings. MCP is available across paid WordPress.com plans.

Other hosts are using AI in narrower ways, often concentrating on initial site creation, content generation, or hosting support. Those tools can still be useful, but they should not be a major reason to choose a host on their own. Hosting performance, support, backups, security, development tools, and long-term cost still matter much more.

How to Choose a WordPress Host

Choosing a WordPress host is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make for your website. Your hosting provider affects performance, reliability, security, and how easy your site is to manage. The right host will keep your website running smoothly and give you access to support when you need it.

No hosting plan suits every website. A personal blog has different needs than an online store or an agency managing client sites. Knowing what your website requires before comparing providers will help you narrow your options and avoid paying for services you won’t use.

When comparing hosts, look at uptime, page speed, server locations, backups, staging sites, security, support, and renewal pricing. These factors often matter just as much as the monthly cost.

The articles below cover the main topics involved in choosing a WordPress host. Whether you’re building your first website or moving to a new provider, they’ll help you compare your options and make a confident choice.

WordPress Hosting for Different Needs

Choosing a hosting plan that matches your needs can improve performance, make your website easier to manage, and help you avoid paying for resources you won’t use. As your website grows, you can move to a plan with more storage, power, and management tools.

Whether you’re building your first WordPress website, running an online store, or managing client sites, understanding the strengths of each hosting option will make it easier to choose the right provider.

WordPress Performance & Security

A good hosting provider gives your WordPress website a solid foundation, but hosting is only part of the picture. Your website’s setup, the tools you use, and your security practices all affect performance, reliability, and keeping your visitors safe.

Many WordPress hosts include caching, content delivery networks (CDNs), backups, malware scanning, and SSL certificates. Knowing how these features work will help you get more from your hosting plan. Regular maintenance also helps keep your website running well. Updating WordPress, plugins, and themes, monitoring performance, and following good security practices can prevent many common problems.

The articles below cover the tools and techniques that can improve website speed, strengthen security, and simplify day-to-day management.

Managing Your WordPress Hosting

Launching a WordPress website is only the start. Regular maintenance helps keep your website secure, reliable, and running smoothly. Many hosting providers include tools that simplify routine tasks, but it still helps to understand how they work.

Common tasks include migrating websites, installing SSL certificates, updating PHP, managing domains, restoring backups, and monitoring uptime. Learning these skills will help you solve problems more quickly and get more from your hosting provider.

Whether you’re looking after one website or several client projects, a regular maintenance routine can reduce downtime and keep your websites in good shape.

The articles below cover the most common hosting management tasks and show you how to handle them with confidence.

• When Your WordPress Website Has Outgrown its Hosting

  How do you know when a hosting change is needed? Here are a few things to consider.

• Hosting Your Client’s WordPress Website

  Learn how to avoid common hosting mistakes when hosting WordPress sites for clients.

• Understanding Your Web Host

  Your host may not cover all your needs. Take these steps to ensure your website runs smoothly.

• Building a Performant WordPress Website

  Learn how to boost performance with better hosting, lighter themes, and smart optimzation strategies.

• What To Know About Your Client’s WordPress Website

  We cover what to check first, including themes, plugins, custom code, hosting, and unused tools.

• Add an SSL Certificate to Your WordPress Website

  A quick SSL certificate setup can mean big benefits for your site and visitors.

• WordPress Website Email Issues

  Learn how to test sending, check logs, change the from address, set up SMTP, or use a mail delivery service.

Final Verdict: Which WordPress Host Should You Choose?

WordPress.com is our best overall choice because it works for a broad range of WordPress projects while handling much of the hosting management. It is suitable for blogs, business websites, larger publications, and WooCommerce stores, with access to plugins, themes, staging, backups, security, caching, and development tools on suitable plans.

Kinsta is the better choice for users who want premium managed WordPress hosting and are willing to pay more for it. Cloudways suits established bloggers and publications that want greater control over server resources. Pressable is our choice for developers because its managed platform includes a strong set of WordPress development tools.

SiteGround makes sense for agencies managing several client websites, particularly when collaboration and site management tools are needed. And Bluehost remains the budget choice for smaller WordPress sites where keeping the hosting bill low matters more than having advanced management tools.

No host wins every category because WordPress websites have different requirements. The best option is the provider that has enough performance and resources for the site, includes the tools that will actually be used, and remains affordable after introductory pricing ends. For most WordPress users looking for a balance across those areas, WordPress.com gets our overall recommendation.

WordPress Hosting FAQs

WordPress hosting can look more complicated than it needs to be. Hosting companies use different plan names, prices, limits, and technical terms, even when the services are similar. These answers cover some of the most common questions about choosing and using WordPress hosting.

• What is the best hosting for WordPress?
  WordPress.com is our best overall WordPress host because it combines managed hosting with good performance, security, backups, CDN access, and WordPress support. Kinsta is our choice for managed hosting, Cloudways for bloggers, Pressable for developers, SiteGround for agencies, and Bluehost for smaller budgets.
• How much should WordPress hosting cost?
  Basic WordPress hosting can cost only a few dollars per month, while managed hosting may cost $20 to $50 per month or more. Larger sites and stores can cost considerably more. Always check the regular renewal price because introductory rates can make the first term look much cheaper.
• Do I need managed WordPress hosting?
  No. Smaller blogs, portfolios, and business sites can run well on lower-cost hosting. Managed WordPress hosting becomes more useful for busy sites, stores, and businesses that benefit from automatic backups, security, caching, staging, and WordPress-focused support.
• Can I change WordPress hosts later?
  Yes. WordPress sites can be moved between hosting providers. Many hosts provide migration tools or will move the site for you. Keep the old hosting active until the new site has been checked and the domain is pointing to the new server.
• Does better hosting make WordPress faster?
  Better hosting can improve WordPress performance by providing faster servers, more resources, caching, and CDN access. But hosting cannot fix every problem. Large images, heavy themes, slow plugins, external scripts, and database problems can still make a site slow.
• Is WordPress hosting different from regular web hosting?
  WordPress hosting is web hosting set up with WordPress in mind. It may include WordPress updates, caching, backups, security, staging, WP-CLI, and specialist support. WordPress can also run on regular hosting as long as the server meets its requirements.
• Do I need separate hosting for WooCommerce?
  No. WooCommerce runs on WordPress and does not require a separate type of hosting. But stores can need more server resources because carts, checkout pages, customer accounts, orders, and stock changes create more database activity than a typical WordPress site.
• How much traffic can WordPress hosting handle?
  There is no single number. A cached blog and a busy WooCommerce store can use very different resources even with the same number of visitors. Check the host’s traffic, bandwidth, storage, CPU, memory, and other resource limits before choosing a plan.

Read more articles by Paul Andrew

The post The Best WordPress Hosting in 2026 appeared first on The NOKIA Blog.

I’ve experienced both scenarios. Sometimes, there’s no rhyme or reason why clients come and go. You can do everything right, and still a client looks elsewhere when it’s time for a redesign or new project. Perhaps they were swayed by a sales pitch. Or, a new person comes in and wants to shake things up. It’s an unfortunate part of this business.

Regardless, there’s still work to be done. Their website may need to be migrated to a different host. Credentials need to be created for the new freelancer. There are project assets and notes to share.

It’s an awkward situation at best. But never fear, I have some tips for making the transition as smooth as possible. Keep reading to learn the do’s and don’ts of working with that new (or old) developer!

Keep It Professional

Maybe it sounds obvious. However, it’s easy to become emotional when letting go of a project (and its revenue). The same thing applies when you’re the new developer. Some clients will paint an unfortunate picture of their previous agency. Don’t get caught up in it.

Odds are, neither you nor the other party is evil or inept. There are always two sides to a story, and you’ll probably only hear one of them.

As such, there’s no reason to be rude or unhelpful. Answer questions, document processes, and respond within a reasonable period of time. These are common courtesies that will speed up the transition. After all, no one wants this thing to drag on for too long.

The funny part is that you may encounter the same developer again. For example, I’ve gained and lost clients to the same local agency. It’s a reminder to keep it professional and avoid burning bridges.

We may be competitors, but we’re all in the same boat.

Get Paid Before Doing the Work

These transitions can be especially frustrating if a client owes you money. They may expect you to work with their new developer with a promise to pay later. Avoid this scenario at all costs!

A client who is always late with payment is unlikely to make good on their debt after you’re gone. As such, getting paid should be a condition for transferring the site to someone else.

Create an agreement (in writing) that outlines what you need from them before you can do the work. Don’t provide a single file or login until that condition has been met. This places the ball firmly in their court. If they want to move on, they’ll need to settle their outstanding debt. It’s a perfectly reasonable request.

If the client balks at the idea, you may need to bring a lawyer into the fold. It’s not ideal, but it may be the only way you’ll get your money.

Think Before You Share Sensitive Information

Sharing credentials is part of any website transition. There are logins for hosting, content management systems (CMS) like WordPress, and third-party SaaS applications. Not to mention API keys and software licensing details.

You may be tempted to send a laundry list of logins to the new developer. However, it’s worth taking a step back and ensuring you aren’t exposing yourself to risk.

If you manage a client’s hosting or domain name, for example, be sure that anything you share is specific to their website. You wouldn’t want someone to have access to other client data. If possible, create delegate accounts that provide only the necessary permissions.

Also, create a new administrator account for their CMS, rather than sharing your login. This takes you off the hook for any user activity or, worse yet, a hacked password. And make sure your account is deleted when you’re out of the picture.

Software licensing can be tricky, especially if they aren’t under your client’s name. If you have a developer license for a WordPress plugin, consider your comfort level with allowing a client to continue using it. It might be worth recommending they purchase a separate license.

If you’re inheriting the site from another developer, think about what you’ll need. Ask about all of the above and find out as much as you can. The goal is to avoid any surprises once you take over.

Transitions Are a Part of the Job

It’s safe to say that no one enjoys transitioning a website from one developer to another. It’s often a messy process and can raise your anxiety levels, regardless of which side you’re on. But there’s an opportunity to make the best of a difficult situation.

Maintaining a professional attitude is a must. Treat it as just another business transaction and do your best to leave personal feelings out of it. Work with integrity and aim to produce the best possible outcome.

It’s also important to protect your interests. A client who’s leaving must live up to their end of the bargain. Don’t allow them to walk away without paying their outstanding balance. Also, be careful about the information you share with a new developer.

The most positive aspect is the experience you’ll gain. Learning to manage clients coming and going will serve you well. Doing so will allow you to focus on the task at hand while avoiding all the negatives. That’s great, because you’re likely to need those skills again and again.

here. He recently started a writing service for WordPress products: WP Product Writeup. He also has an opinion on just about every subject. You can follow his rants on Bluesky @karks.com.

Read more articles by Eric Karkovack

The post How to Work With Your Client’s Next (Or Previous) Developer appeared first on The NOKIA Blog.

Designers, photographers, illustrators, and other creative professionals also have practical requirements. Staging makes it possible to test layout changes privately. Automatic backups protect client work, while collaboration tools can help freelancers and agencies manage several websites. Good support is also valuable when a technical problem interrupts a project or affects a live site.

This collection compares WordPress hosts based on the features that matter most to creatives. These include performance, media handling, storage, theme and plugin support, staging, backups, client management, and long term cost.

Some options are suited to a single portfolio, while others provide the tools needed to manage client websites or run a creative agency. The best choice depends on the type of work being presented and how much control the website owner needs.

Quick Recommendations

Each of these hosts suits a different type of creative website. WordPress.com offers the simplest overall package, while Kinsta and Pressable provide stronger tools for studios and client work. Cloudways gives experienced users more control, and Rocket.net is a good match for image heavy portfolios.

WordPress.com is the best choice for creatives who want managed hosting with little technical maintenance. Kinsta is better suited to established studios that place greater value on performance, staging, and developer tools. Pressable is worth considering when several client websites need to be built, tested, and managed from one account.

Cloudways offers more flexibility but requires greater technical confidence. Rocket.net offers managed performance and a built in CDN for visual websites with an international audience. SiteGround and Hostinger cost less at the start, although their renewal prices are considerably higher.

Prices shown are monthly equivalents based on the billing terms displayed by each provider.

What Creatives Should Look for in WordPress Hosting

Creative websites often contain large images, complex layouts, video, animation, and interactive features. These elements can place more pressure on hosting than a basic blog or small business website.

• Image and media performance: Look for server caching, CDN access, and enough storage for a growing media library. Image compression and support for WebP or AVIF can also help portfolio pages load faster.
• Theme and design tool support: The host should support custom themes and third party plugins. Designers using page builders, animation plugins, or Advanced Custom Fields may also benefit from higher PHP memory and stronger server resources.
• Staging and development tools: Staging allows design changes, theme updates, and new layouts to be tested privately. SFTP, SSH, WP CLI, Git, database access, and PHP controls are also useful for custom and client websites.
• Client and team management: Freelancers and agencies may need collaborator accounts, separate permissions, site cloning, and a central dashboard for managing several projects. Site transfer and billing handover tools can also simplify client delivery.
• Backups and site recovery: Automatic backups provide protection when an update, code change, or plugin conflict causes a problem. Check how often backups are created, how long they are stored, and whether the website can be restored with a single click.
• Pricing and renewal costs: Check the regular renewal rate rather than relying on the introductory price. Storage, traffic, staging, backups, email, and additional websites may depend on the plan, so the cheapest option is not always the best value.

Top WordPress Hosts for Designers & Creatives

1. Best Overall for Creatives: WordPress.com

WordPress.com is a good choice for creatives who want managed hosting without spending much time on server maintenance. Updates, security, backups, caching, and performance tools are handled for you, leaving designers to manage their website through a familiar WordPress dashboard.

The Business plan is the best fit for a professional portfolio or creative business. It includes 50GB of storage, a global CDN, staging, real time backups, and 250GB of separate VideoPress storage. Custom themes and third party plugins are supported, so designers are not limited to the themes and tools supplied. SFTP, SSH, WP CLI, Git commands, and GitHub deployments are also available for more advanced projects.

The main drawback is cost. Each website requires its own plan, which may not suit freelancers or agencies managing a large number of client sites. However, it remains a practical option for individual designers, photographers, illustrators, and creative businesses that want strong performance without dealing with the technical side of hosting.

• Recommended plan: Business.
• Best for: Professional portfolios and creative business websites.
• Key strength: Managed hosting with strong media and development tools.
• Main drawback: A separate plan is required for each website.

Read moreThe joy of art

Further Information:

2. Best for Creative Studios: Kinsta

Kinsta is well suited to established designers and creative studios that need dependable managed hosting for a professional portfolio, company website, or online store. Its platform handles caching, security, backups, and server maintenance, while the MyKinsta dashboard provides access to staging, analytics, redirects, and other WordPress tools.

Every plan includes a global CDN, automatic daily backups, free migrations, application performance monitoring, and malware removal. Designers can create a staging copy before changing a layout, installing a new plugin, or updating a custom theme. Site transfer and user access controls are also useful when a studio works with outside developers or needs to hand a project over to a client.

The main limitation for visual websites is storage. The entry plan includes 10GB, which may be restrictive for a large photography or video portfolio. Visitor, bandwidth, storage, and CDN limits can also lead to additional charges. Kinsta costs more than shared hosting, but its performance and management tools make it a strong option when the website supports an established creative business.

• Recommended plan: Single 20GB
• Best for: Established creative studios and professional portfolios
• Key strength: Managed performance and development tools
• Main drawback: Limited storage on the entry plan

Further Information:

3. Best for Freelance Designers: Cloudways

Cloudways is a good option for freelance designers who want more control than a typical managed WordPress plan provides. Websites run on cloud servers, with Cloudways supplying the dashboard, security tools, caching, backups, staging, and technical support.

The Flexible Micro plan includes 2GB of RAM, one virtual CPU, 50GB of storage, and 2TB of transfer bandwidth. It can host multiple WordPress installations, although every site shares the same server resources. Designers can create staging sites, clone existing projects, change the PHP version, and access files through SFTP or SSH. Monthly and hourly billing also make it possible to increase server resources as client work grows.

Cloudways requires more technical knowledge than WordPress.com or Kinsta. The dashboard includes server settings that may be unfamiliar to less experienced users. Cloudflare Enterprise is a paid addition on Flexible plans, while offsite backup storage is charged separately. Business email is not included. These extra costs need to be considered, but the flexible setup remains useful for freelancers managing several client websites.

• Recommended plan: Flexible Micro
• Best for: Freelance designers managing several websites
• Key strength: Flexible cloud resources and server controls
• Main drawback: More technical than fully managed alternatives

Further Information:

4. Best for Managing Client Websites: Pressable

Pressable is designed for WordPress professionals who build and maintain websites for clients. Its dashboard provides access to production, staging, and sandbox environments, giving designers separate spaces for development, testing, and client review.

The Signature plans include automatic backups, a global CDN, edge caching, free migrations, malware monitoring, and WordPress support. Granular collaborator permissions allow developers, designers, and clients to receive different levels of access. Pressable also provides site templates through DupliKits, which can save time when several projects use the same plugins, theme, or starting configuration.

The Signature 1 plan is suitable for a single client website, while higher plans support several installations. Storage and monthly visits are limited, and additional usage can result in extra charges. Pressable is also more expensive than placing several sites on one shared hosting account. However, its staging, sandbox, cloning, and collaboration tools make it a practical choice for designers who include hosting and maintenance in their client services.

• Recommended plan: Signature 1
• Best for: Designers building and maintaining client websites
• Key strength: Staging, sandbox, and collaboration tools
• Main drawback: Additional charges for storage and visitor overages

Further Information:

5. Best for Small Creative Studios: SiteGround

SiteGround is a practical choice for designers and small creative studios that need to host several websites without paying for each installation separately. Its custom Site Tools dashboard provides access to domains, email, backups, caching, security, and development tools.

The GrowBig plan supports unlimited websites and includes 50GB of storage, a CDN, daily backups, on demand backups, collaborators, and WordPress staging. Designers can test theme and layout changes before publishing them, while collaborator accounts allow clients or team members to access individual websites. Email hosting is included, which can reduce the need for another paid service.

The introductory price is low, but the renewal rate is much higher. SiteGround also uses shared hosting, so demanding WooCommerce sites or portfolios with heavy media libraries may require a more powerful plan. Even so, GrowBig offers a useful balance of storage, development tools, and multiple site support for small studios. Agencies needing Git, white label access, and priority support should consider the GoGeek plan.

• Recommended plan: GrowBig
• Best for: Small creative studios hosting several websites
• Key strength: Multiple websites with staging and collaboration tools
• Main drawback: A large price increase at renewal

Further Information:

6. Best for Portfolio Performance: Rocket.net

Rocket.net is a managed WordPress host built around Cloudflare Enterprise. Its global CDN caches website content closer to visitors, which can improve the delivery of portfolio images, fonts, scripts, and other visual assets to an international audience.

The Starter plan includes one WordPress website, unmetered visitors, 10GB of storage, 50GB of bandwidth, unlimited PHP workers, and a 99.99% uptime guarantee. Security features include a web application firewall, malware protection, and automatic updates. Daily backups are retained for 30 days, while free migrations are available for existing websites.

The 10GB storage allowance is the main concern for photographers and other creatives with large media libraries. Storage overages cost $2 per GB, so images should be resized and compressed before being uploaded. Video should usually be hosted through a separate video platform. Rocket.net is not the cheapest option for a single website, but its CDN, managed security, and straightforward pricing make it a strong choice when portfolio performance matters more than storage capacity.

• Recommended plan: Starter
• Best for: Portfolios serving visitors in several countries
• Key strength: Cloudflare Enterprise CDN included with every plan
• Main drawback: Only 10GB of storage on the Starter plan

Further Information:

7. Best Budget Option: Hostinger

Hostinger offers low cost managed WordPress hosting for designers creating a first portfolio, personal website, or small creative business site. Its custom dashboard handles WordPress installation, updates, backups, domains, email, and other common hosting tasks.

The Unlimited plan is the better choice for creative work. It includes 50GB of NVMe storage, daily backups, a CDN, and support for unlimited websites. One click staging allows designers to test theme updates and layout changes before publishing them. Email accounts, ecommerce support, and AI tools are also included, although some features are only available during the initial contract period.

The advertised monthly price requires payment for 48 months in advance. The plan renews at a much higher rate, so the full contract cost should be considered before signing up. Unlimited website claims are also governed by a fair usage policy, which means the account still has resource limits. Hostinger does not provide the same level of server control or advanced management tools found as other hosts, but it offers useful features for creatives working with a smaller budget.

• Recommended plan: Unlimited
• Best for: New portfolios and budget conscious creative businesses
• Key strength: Generous storage and multiple website support
• Main drawback: The lowest price requires a four year commitment

Further Information:

Performance Tips for Creative WordPress Websites

Good hosting can only do so much if images, video, fonts, and animation are not properly managed. The following steps can help keep a visual WordPress website responsive.

• Resize images to match the largest dimensions at which they will be displayed.
• Use WebP or AVIF files where browser support and image quality allow.
• Compress portfolio images before uploading them to WordPress.
• Use lazy loading so images outside the visible area are not loaded immediately.
• Serve images, scripts, and stylesheets through a CDN.
• Host long or high resolution videos through a dedicated video platform.
• Limit unnecessary font files, background videos, and complex animations.
• Test important portfolio pages on mobile devices and slower connections.
• Monitor storage and bandwidth use as the media library grows.

How the Hosts Were Assessed

Each host was assessed using its published plan details, feature documentation, pricing, and suitability for creative WordPress websites. The recommendations place particular weight on the following factors:

• Performance when serving images and other visual content.
• Storage, bandwidth, and visitor limits.
• Support for custom themes, plugins, and design tools.
• Staging, backups, site cloning, and recovery options.
• Developer access through SFTP, SSH, WP CLI, or Git.
• Tools for managing team members and client websites.
• Introductory pricing, renewal rates, and additional charges.

The final rankings reflect how useful each hosting service is for designers, photographers, freelancers, and creative studios. Pricing and plan limits were checked against the information published by each provider while this article was being prepared.

Final Verdict

WordPress.com is the best overall choice for designers and creatives who want managed hosting with strong media support. The Business plan includes 50GB of storage, separate VideoPress storage, staging, backups, a CDN, and developer tools. It is particularly well suited to professional portfolios and creative business websites.

Kinsta is a stronger option for established studios that value managed performance and detailed site controls. Pressable provides useful staging, sandbox, cloning, and collaboration features for designers maintaining client websites. Cloudways offers more server control and flexible resources, although it requires greater technical confidence.

SiteGround works well for small studios that want to host several websites from one account. Rocket.net is suited to portfolios with an international audience, but its storage limits need careful management. Hostinger is the most affordable option at the start and provides enough storage for a new portfolio, though its long contract and higher renewal rate should be considered.

Read more articles by Paul Andrew

The post Best WordPress Hosts for Designers & Creatives in 2026 appeared first on The NOKIA Blog.

That tendency fades as you build your business. You move on to the bigger fish in the pond in an effort to make more money and expand your reach. Any small fish left in your portfolio could potentially hold you back from leveling up.

Even so, you’ll still hear from potential clients who want you to take on their small project. Or you might be asked to undercut a competitor’s price on a large WordPress site. Either way, it may lead to mixed feelings. How should you respond?

Established agencies don’t need to take every project. It’s worth considering where you draw the line, however. How small is too small? Does a lower upfront cost mean there’s no potential for future profit? And, is it ever worth taking on a large project for a bargain price?

These are important questions to ask as your business evolves. Let’s explore the pros and cons of “going low”. We’ll also share some tips for determining the minimum requirements for accepting a project.

Does the Project Offer Any Additional Benefits?

Money is an important part of any project (we all need to keep the lights on and the AI tokens flowing). However, there are other potential benefits. That may be enough to make a small or heavily-discounted project worthwhile.

For example, consider working with a charity or other non-profit organization. These clients are often bootstrapped and have a limited budget. As such, the project is more about doing good than making a big profit. This is both a source of pride and something you can use in your marketing efforts.

Likewise, some projects can open the door to a specific industry or clientele level. If you don’t have experience in the enterprise WordPress space, offering a discount could increase your chances of booking the gig. You exchange a bit of money for prestige in your portfolio. Proving your worth to one such client could make others take notice.

This won’t be the case for every project. There will always be clients looking to cut costs however they can. Others won’t have the resources to work with your agency. Still, some opportunities are beneficial beyond money.

Consider the Potential for Future Profit

Just because a project starts with a smaller profit doesn’t mean it has to stay that way. There is usually a path to increasing your revenue in the long term.

Maintenance packages are a great vehicle for keeping clients in the loop while creating dependable income. WordPress requires routine software updates, security monitoring, and hosting. Clients may also want to add new features as their website evolves. These are all things you can and should charge for.

Such recurring revenue is important for every agency and freelancer. New projects are harder to come by, and budget-conscious clients may be wary of spending big on redesigns. Maintenance and related subscription services improve your business’s sustainability.

This strategy also mirrors what we see in other industries. Clients are acquired with a lower starting cost, while the “real” money comes in the form of future services.

Book enough of these arrangements and you won’t be as susceptible to the boom/bust cycle of new design and development projects. Note that this is part of a bigger plan, rather than something to do on a one-off basis. So, think about how it fits into your business before making a decision.

Find the Price Point of Diminishing Returns

Every agency should have a minimum project price. This helps you avoid losing money and gives you more room to focus on your goals. But how do you determine that number?

You could come up with an arbitrary amount. Some agencies won’t touch a project for under $5,000, for example. It sounds reasonable. However, you still risk losing money on the proposition. It’s better to study your workflow and resources before setting a minimum.

The first consideration is the cost of taking a project from start to finish. Time spent on design and development is a part of the equation. But don’t forget about client communication, the revision process, and testing. Commercial theme and plugin licenses can also be a factor.

If your agency has employees, think about who will do the work. Their salary counts toward the ultimate cost. You might also consider where else they could be spending their time. For instance, will a small project take them away from a bigger one?

The same thing applies to solo freelancers. Lesser projects don’t always mean less work. They can overwhelm your calendar and take time away from your top clients.

Don’t leave it to guesswork! Set a minimum price based on facts. The result should be a profit margin you’re comfortable with.

Accept WordPress Projects That Are Worth Your While

Experience will help you determine which projects to accept and which ones to turn down. Yet, there’s value in digging deeper before deciding. There could be more to the story than you think.

Some projects offer long-term benefits that are easy to miss. You may find opportunities to stabilize your agency via recurring revenue. They might also be a gateway to establishing a new niche. In some cases, it’s worth taking a leap of faith.

Understanding the time and resources involved is key to the decision-making process. This will put you in a position to say “yes” or “no” with confidence. You’re also less likely to experience regret after the decision!

Take time to figure out what makes the most sense for your business. That will free you to move onward and upward.

here. He recently started a writing service for WordPress products: WP Product Writeup. He also has an opinion on just about every subject. You can follow his rants on Bluesky @karks.com.

Read more articles by Eric Karkovack

The post How Low Will You Go for a WordPress Project? appeared first on The NOKIA Blog.

There are also plenty of nuances that can impact maintenance. The original developer may have used methods you aren’t familiar with, or that go against best practices. Not to mention that you may be the latest in a long line of others to work on the site. If you’re lucky, you’ll find documentation that explains who did what. Short of that, you’re on your own.

That being said, it’s important to know what you’re working with. That’s the key to bringing the site up to snuff with regards to performance and security. Plus, avoiding breakage is crucial to building strong client relationships.

So, what should you know before you start work? We have a checklist of items to look for. Some are obvious, others obscure, but all will give you a better understanding of what makes your client’s WordPress website tick.

1. The Site’s Active Theme and Plugins

This may seem obvious, but it’s important to know what third-party software is installed on your client’s website. This includes the site’s active theme and plugins. But you’ll want to go deeper than knowing their names.

Take note of each item’s version number and when it was last updated. You may find software that’s outdated or even abandoned by its author. It’s a potentially dangerous situation, as there could be unpatched vulnerabilities lurking beneath the surface. There may be compatibility concerns as WordPress and other dependencies evolve.

You may also identify plugins that are installed but not being used. These items waste resources while also increasing security risks. If you’re unsure of a plugin’s purpose, ask your client.

As for the site’s theme, make a point to inspect its template structure. For example, is it a block or a classic theme? Is a child theme in use? Review the template’s code and determine if there are any areas of concern.

2. Custom Code

Adding custom code can enhance a website’s functionality. The problem is that there are multiple ways to implement it, and there’s no guarantee of quality. And it’s not always apparent when or how it’s being used.

This is critical information to know, as the site may depend on custom snippets for e-commerce features or other key functions. As such, switching themes or deactivating a plugin could cause problems.

The first place to look for custom code is the theme’s functions.php file. It often serves as a catch-all for random snippets. You never know what you might find!

Custom plugins are also a popular spot for such code. If you don’t recognize a plugin by name and it’s not listed in the official repository, there’s a good chance it’s a bespoke project. Also, be sure to look for any must-use plugins in the /wp-content/mu-plugins/ folder.

Once you identify any custom code, you’ll want to inspect it. Your favorite AI model can help you learn more about what it does and help you spot any potential issues.

3.  Web Hosting Provider and Configuration

Web hosting is an important piece of the puzzle, as it impacts site performance, security, and stability. Find out who hosts your client’s website, the hosting package they use, and the server’s configuration.

Pay special attention to the account’s available resources. A hosting package with insufficient memory or CPU cycles will result in slowness or downtime. Shared accounts can also be problematic regarding the spread of malware.

Also, be sure to note which PHP version is running. Old versions are less performant and no longer receive security patches. You’ll want to upgrade, provided the site’s theme and plugins are compatible.

Lastly, ask your client for access to their account, as you’ll need it to manage the server’s configuration and contact technical support. Some hosts provide developer accounts that allow access to technical features only – a good solution for clients who don’t want to share their billing information.

4. Third-Party APIs and Connections

Modern websites often rely on connections to third-party APIs and SaSS providers. It could be something simple, like an analytics suite, social media feed widgets, or a mailing list service. There are also complex integrations with automation tools, payment gateways (particularly on WooCommerce sites), and content delivery networks (CDNs).

Similar to custom code, these connections can be implemented in myriad ways. Some have official plugins, while others may be added via a bespoke web application or directly applied to a theme. In some cases, you may not see any trace of them inside the WordPress admin.

Keep track of every third-party connection you can find, because they may play a critical role in the site’s functionality. At the very least, they impact privacy laws such as GDPR.

Unsure of what outside services the site connects to? Your browser tools’ Network tab will display each call. Privacy scanning tools like Blacklight can also help with spotting tracking scripts, cookies, and related items.

5. Who Manages Their Domain’s DNS

Sometimes, inheriting a WordPress site means moving to a new web host. That usually requires a change to their domain’s DNS configuration. So does connecting to CDNs, mail delivery apps, and services that require domain ownership verification.

It’s good to know where your client’s DNS is hosted and who manages it. For some clients, their internal IT department will handle these tasks. But a small organization may ask you to take charge.

Keep this information on record – you never know when you’ll need it.

The More You Know (About Your Client’s Website)

The beauty of WordPress is that you can build a site any way you see fit. There are very few limits when it comes to code and design. But that knowledge doesn’t always transfer to the next developer in line. Such unfamiliarity makes maintenance harder. You also risk missing something important during a redesign.

So, take some time and dig into the site’s inner workings. Find out where it’s hosted and what services it connects to. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you’re unsure of something.

The more you know, the better service you can provide. It could save you from a few headaches and help you build trust with your clients.

here. He recently started a writing service for WordPress products: WP Product Writeup. He also has an opinion on just about every subject. You can follow his rants on Bluesky @karks.com.

Read more articles by Eric Karkovack

The post 5 Things To Know About Your Client’s WordPress Website appeared first on The NOKIA Blog.

Then, just as you think you’ve figured it out, things become hectic. Your to-do list grows faster than you can complete tasks. Unexpected events, such as a broken site, force you into a panic. How will you ever keep up with the demand?

Hiring another developer or project manager can help. However, that’s not always feasible. Budgets only stretch so far.

This is where consistency swoops in to make life easier. By creating processes for getting things done, you’ll have proven steps to take. Better still, you can improve them as you go. The result is better efficiency and less chaos in your day.

The great thing is that you can make a process for just about anything. Tasks like design, troubleshooting, and even client communications are on the table. You can even personalize them to match your needs.

So, how does it work? We’ll show you a few examples of processes that will bring consistency to various parts of your business. Let’s get started!

Start With a Theme and Plugins You Trust

The design-and-build process starts with your chosen theme. Many themes tend to cater to a niche or try to be everything to everyone. The first option isn’t ideal for working with clients in different industries, while the latter may be too bloated and complex. Neither is right for scaling at an agency level.

Look for a theme you can use as the foundation of every new project. For example, starter themes offer handy features without an opinionated design. This flexibility lets you take the design and functionality anywhere you want to go. And there are options for both classic and block themes.

It’s also worth sticking with the same page builder plugin across the board. There are several on the market, and it’s tempting to try them all. But every tool has a learning curve. As such, you’ll spend too much time figuring out how things work instead of getting things done. Using multiple page builders also complicates future maintenance. Not to mention juggling several commercial licenses.

This approach extends to plugins that handle forms, SEO, e-commerce, and other common functionality. Using a set of preferred tools on your projects can lead to more predictable outcomes. Efficiency and expertise come from repeated use.

You’ll reduce friction throughout the project’s lifecycle and always have a solid starting point.

Create Processes To Organize Your Business Tasks

The more clients you have, the more you’ll benefit from organization. Using different billing policies, contract formats, or communication methods becomes messy. The right tools and processes can help you clean things up.

It’s time to simplify. Examples include limiting your maintenance fees to tiered packages, using a single app for billing and invoicing, and storing client information in a customer relationship management (CRM) app. The more you can consolidate these tasks, the better.

Client communication is another area where simple is better. Using email is fine if you have a small client roster. However, a ticketing system can make it easier to keep track of messaging. You could use an outside service or install one on your WordPress website. Take things a step further by designating times of the day for replying.

We can’t forget about your to-do list itself. Project management can be a nightmare without organization. Plenty of apps exist for staying on task, or you could vibe code your own. The point is to know where you stand with each project and have an archive of notes to reference as needed.

Since WordPress is our specialty, you might consider using it to build an admin portal. The free and low-cost options are budget-friendly, and you can tie everything into a single package. Imagine not having to visit multiple sites or download a bunch of apps to run your business!

Trust the Process

Creating consistent processes will turn your agency into a well-oiled machine. Doing things the same way and using the same tools allows you to focus on your clients. That’s a growth path you can’t build if you’re bogged down with menial tasks.

You can also pass this knowledge to new employees and contractors. It keeps everyone on the same page and avoids confusion. Onboarding becomes easier, and work happens faster.

Get started by examining how you work. Look for pain points and complicated tasks that you dread. Think about where you spend the bulk of your time.

here. He recently started a writing service for WordPress products: WP Product Writeup. He also has an opinion on just about every subject. You can follow his rants on Bluesky @karks.com.

Read more articles by Eric Karkovack

The post How Consistency Benefits Your WordPress Agency appeared first on The NOKIA Blog.

WordPress Freelancers and agencies often do more than design and development. A full-service company may also maintain and host its clients’ websites.

Providing web hosting has several benefits for freelancers. First, it’s a vehicle to add recurring revenue to your business via reselling or an affiliate program from an established host. That steady flow of money can improve your financial health.

You’ll also have more control over each site’s environment. That helps ensure compatibility and keeps things running smoothly. Plus, you’ll know what to expect regarding performance, security, and support.

However, hosting client sites is also a serious responsibility. It puts you on the hook for technical difficulties. In addition, managing multiple WordPress websites is challenging. One false move could mean a string of crashed or hacked sites.

With that in mind, we have some tips for hosting your client’s WordPress websites. We’ll show you how to keep a watchful eye on each site without breaking your budget.

insanely cheap to, well, insanely expensive. It’s tempting to go the inexpensive route with a shared hosting account.

Hosts often allow multiple WordPress installs on an account. It makes sense from a business perspective. You pay for a couple of hosting packages and run all of your client sites on them.

This strategy has a couple of serious flaws. The first is that server downtime could impact every site you host. It’s bad enough when one site is down, let alone a few dozen.

Malware is the other major concern. Malicious code can easily spread from one site to another in a shared hosting environment. Once a site is compromised, it’s only a matter of time until the others are hit.

The lesson here is to keep each website on a separate hosting account. Make sure your host isolates sites via a container or other barrier. That will help prevent a security nightmare. Again, it’s easier to deal with one hacked site than having multiple infections.

And it doesn’t have to be inconvenient. Many hosts offer a centralized dashboard to access each site, and there are also third-party services that do the same.

Lock Down Your WordPress Installs

On many hosts, the famous “5-minute WordPress install” has been replaced with a one-click process. Still, older sites may have been installed manually via SFTP. Thus, it’s important to check each install to verify its integrity.

WordPress file permissions are an area of concern. For instance, allowing public access to the site’s wp-config.php file is an invitation to hackers. The file includes your database login and other sensitive information. A lot of damage can be done if it falls into the wrong hands.

The WordPress developer documentation has a handy guide for setting the correct file permissions. Follow its advice and ensure files only have the required permissions.

You might also want to disable file editing within the WordPress dashboard. That will prevent a malicious actor (or adventurous client) from editing theme or plugin files.

Add the following line to each site’s wp-config.php file: define( 'DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true );

Other ways to secure the sites you host:

The goal is to enhance each site’s security, which provides peace of mind for you and your clients.

Ensure You Have Enough Server Resources

Every website you host will have different needs. For example, a brochure site’s functionality isn’t as complex as a WooCommerce shop. Plus, some will inevitably receive more traffic.

That’s why hosting is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. Hosts offer tiered services that account for storage and bandwidth. They may also limit the number of domains, dashboard users, or site visitors. Crossing these thresholds can be costly.

Also, pay attention to server resources like memory, CPU cycles, and PHP workers. Shared hosting environments don’t usually guarantee a minimum. More expensive accounts, such as VPS and dedicated servers, assign these resources to your account.

It pays to understand what your host offers and how it impacts your websites. A site with too few resources won’t perform well and may break. Meanwhile, hosting a small site on a higher tier could be wasteful.

You can avoid problems by assessing each site you host. Pay particular attention to the following factors:

• Monthly traffic (via Google Analytics or other apps);
• Security risks (online transactions, user accounts);
• The amount of content;
• Special functionality (shopping carts, members-only areas, resource-intensive plugins);

Site stability, performance, and security are vital to success. Using the right hosting will go a long way toward ensuring it.

Keep an Eye Out for Hosting Changes

We know that WordPress, themes, and plugins all require regular maintenance. That’s something we often manage for our clients. But hosts also maintain their infrastructure.

A host will apply new software versions and security patches to their servers. They’ll also upgrade hardware from time to time. You’ll want to know when this happens.

PHP upgrades are a prime example. An outdated theme or plugin could be incompatible with the latest version, which leads to a buggy or broken site.

Staying in the know can help prevent these types of issues. Web hosts often announce maintenance plans ahead of time. They may publish to a blog, add a dashboard alert, or send an email.

Make an effort to inform yourself of what’s happening. It can save you from a future headache or two.

Be a Good Host

Hosting your client’s WordPress websites keeps you in the loop. You’ll be able to watch over each site and ensure its health. It’s also a path to making some extra money.

When things run smoothly, the burden on your time should be minimal. Ensuring things stay that way is part of the job, though.

The first step is to choose your hosting provider wisely. Look for a host that follows best security practices and has a deep understanding of WordPress. They should also offer enough resources to run each site without issue.

From there, it’s all about being proactive with the sites in your portfolio. Keep them updated and take extra security measures. In other words: control the things you can.

Some things are beyond our control. We can’t predict downtime or a host being sold. However, we can put ourselves and our clients in a position to succeed. We hope the tips above will help you get there.

here. He recently started a writing service for WordPress products: WP Product Writeup. He also has an opinion on just about every subject. You can follow his rants on Bluesky @karks.com.

Read more articles by Eric Karkovack

The post Tips for Hosting Your Client’s WordPress Website appeared first on The NOKIA Blog.

However, AI also presents opportunities to broaden our horizons. We can use it to do things we haven’t tried before. Even better, we can experiment with ideas that seemed too ambitious a few years earlier. For example, consider projects that had a big learning curve or were time-consuming. Perhaps they don’t seem as daunting in the age of artificial intelligence.

The right tool could be the key to offering new and improved services to your clients. It’s a vehicle for increasing revenue and strengthening customer relationships. What’s not to love?

Let’s look at how AI can help you expand your agency’s service offerings. We’ll cover potential service ideas and considerations before presenting them to clients. You might even find the perfect growth opportunity for your business.

Find Tasks AI Can Do Faster and Better

Time is often the biggest barrier to creating new services. We’re busy enough without having to learn something new or focus on tedious work. More than anything, these are the tasks AI can help us tackle.

If you often find yourself knee-deep in code, you can use AI to lift the burden and increase productivity. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Performance and Security Audits

Is your client’s website running at peak performance? Is it chock full of vulnerable code? Some plugins can help you find general answers. However, a full audit is often the best way to diagnose and fix issues.

The problem is that it takes significant effort to go through each line of code. You also need to know what to look for during the inspection process. Not everyone has the depth of knowledge in PHP, JavaScript, and other languages found in a WordPress website.

AI tools can save you a ton of time. Even a relatively lengthy code audit can be performed in the background (freeing you to enjoy a cup of coffee or two). Plus, some models are adept at finding security issues and performance bottlenecks.

The big caveat here is that AI can point out issues, but you may not be able to fix every one of them. For example, avoid making changes to WordPress core or third-party plugins. Those changes would be overwritten during a software update. You could, however, alert a plugin author of what you found.

On the other hand, the results can lead you to find better options or use AI to build a custom solution. Regardless, it’s a service you can charge for.

Custom Plugin Development

There are two truths in agency life: No two projects are the same, and no WordPress plugin can cover every niche. That’s what makes custom development an appealing service.

Here again, we face limits on our time and coding abilities. But even an expert developer may not have enough room in their schedule for a complex plugin. Then there’s the future commitment to maintenance. It’s a lot to put on your virtual plate.

AI models make perfect development companions. They can use WordPress documentation to follow best practices and generate plugins with relative ease. Some more advanced apps can also create a logical file structure for you.

This opens multiple possibilities for your agency. You can create one-off plugins to cover client needs. You might also level up by creating more general-purpose plugins for use across multiple sites. A plugin with enough appeal could be sold in the marketplace.

In every case, there’s an opportunity to boost your revenue. Add custom plugin development to your project and maintenance fees.

Content Starters and Analysis

It seems like content is always a sticking point when working with clients. We’re either waiting for clients to deliver it or we’re tasked with cleaning it up. Then there is also the ever-evolving challenge of SEO.

We still don’t recommend using AI to generate production-ready content. It’s simply too generic and won’t reflect branding without human intervention. However, it can help in several areas.

For one, you can use it to create “starter” content. This is text clients can review and edit to match their needs. The final results might be completely different – but that’s not the point. Seeing content on their screen might be the impetus they need to keep the project moving forward. That saves you time and a few headaches.

AI can also analyze content for accessibility and SEO best practices. Use cases include simplifying language, determining keyword density, improving titles, and generating meta summaries. It’s also handy for researching competitors.

Now, these common tasks can be completed in a fraction of the time. Adding them to your service list provides more value to clients. In addition, the SEO analysis could be a source of recurring revenue.

AI Could Be Your Agency’s Growth Engine

Perhaps AI’s value to your business is all about perspective. Sure, you could use it to make less-good versions of what you’re already doing. Generating slop and calling it a day isn’t great for your long-term viability. We won’t argue that some people have chosen this path.

However, AI is also capable of helping you be the best version of yourself. It just requires a more thoughtful approach. Use these tools to tackle the busy work while keeping a close eye on the results. Most importantly, be the decision maker in what you build. In other words, don’t accept AI’s initial output as the final answer.

Treating this technology as a partner is a path to growing your agency. The extra time and mental bandwidth you gain will allow you to identify new revenue opportunities. The ideas above are just the tip of the iceberg.

Ask yourself: What can AI do better and faster? How can it strengthen what I do best? How can I use it to improve client services?

The answers might lead you to something great!

here. He recently started a writing service for WordPress products: WP Product Writeup. He also has an opinion on just about every subject. You can follow his rants on Bluesky @karks.com.

Read more articles by Eric Karkovack

The post How AI Can Help You Expand Your Agency’s Service Offerings appeared first on The NOKIA Blog.

Our clients are also starting to grasp the implications of using AI. Or, they’re at least interested in what the technology can do for them and their website.

Once again, that’s a double-edged sword. It’s great that AI improves our efficiency and coding capabilities. Agencies and freelancers now have access to a valuable resource that can help take our businesses to new heights.

However, it may also lead to a shift in client expectations. They’re going to want more from us in less time. Oh, and they’ll also want it cheaper than before. It’s understandable, if not completely realistic.

So, how do we keep clients from asking for the moon at the speed of light (and for the price of a cup of coffee)? It’s all about process and communication.

You’re Still the Expert

One might assume that AI is smarter than humans. Sure, it may be fast and answer questions with unwavering confidence. For some, this leads to a false belief that these apps can and should do everything for us without our input.

But AI isn’t a perfect fit for every task. And even in those areas where it excels, humans should still verify the results.

Using ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini on its own won’t solve every problem. Much depends on the person using these tools. A skilled developer will know what to ask for, as will a content writer or marketer.

When it comes to generating WordPress plugins, future maintenance is also a concern. As such, the ideas behind the software must have a solid foundation. The details matter.

Without human intervention, there is no way to guarantee accuracy, security, or even the appropriateness of the results. AI can perform the task, but shouldn’t be left to make all the important decisions.

This is why your expertise is still a necessary ingredient for success. These apps are most useful when we’re there to guide them.

There’s More Time To Get Things Right

In the right hands, AI speeds up the development process. What used to take days can now be done in an afternoon. There’s no question that the technology saves us time.

The question is: What should we do with this extra time? Do we want to rush to launch our project or step back and consider what else we can improve?

Building custom layouts and functionality has traditionally been an obstacle – particularly for small agencies and solopreneurs. We only have so much time to dedicate to a project, and those items typically have the highest priority. They also require a lot of trial and error. Bugs must be squashed, and adjustments are made as we go deeper into the process. It’s easy to go down a rabbit hole.

That often led to little extras being left behind. Worse yet, things like accessibility or performance were half-baked, rather than being fully thought out. Projects didn’t always reach their full potential.

AI affords us more time to consider those other important aspects. Instead of development headaches leading to a mad scramble, we can now take a more holistic approach to site building. We can test thoroughly and make improvements.

Theoretically, AI facilitates a faster turnaround time. It’s also an opportunity to ensure quality.

Project Outcomes Are Your Value Proposition

Some clients will undoubtedly expect you to lower your prices. They may even ask you about your use of AI and how it impacts cost. It sounds reasonable, but there’s a flaw in this logic.

Successful outcomes are your biggest value to clients. How you get there isn’t the point. It’s a debate we’ve had before in the WordPress ecosystem.

The advent of page builders led to similar questions. Since we’re no longer building layouts by hand, does that mean our design skills are worth less money?

That’s like asking a carpenter if they charge less because they use power tools instead of a screwdriver. Likewise, automation in other industries doesn’t necessarily lead to lower prices. New vehicle prices go up every year, despite the presence of robots on the assembly line. And better software doesn’t lead to discounts from your accountant.

One reason we invest in new technologies like AI is to produce better results. If anything, we should look to increase our profit margins, not lower them. This shouldn’t be a race to the bottom.

It’s a discussion worth having with clients who challenge your pricing model. Yes, anyone can use AI. But anyone can use a page builder or even an SEO plugin. That doesn’t guarantee results.

We can produce outcomes that are tailored to client needs. AI is but one tool we can use to get there. It’s no substitute for our skills and experience.

AI Means More Is Possible, Within Reason

AI opens a world of possibilities for WordPress agencies and our clients. It can also lead to imaginations running wild. That’s why setting realistic expectations is important.

It’s up to us to set the tone. We must consider how we talk about AI and any claims we make about its capabilities. Our messaging should reflect how this technology helps us better serve clients, while avoiding hyperbole about miracle cures for every challenge.

That’s hard to do in an ecosystem where others are pumping out big promises. Then again, it’s no different than other can’t-miss solutions from years past. As always, agencies and freelancers should be the voices of reason.

Doing so builds trust with clients. That’s still the cornerstone of a successful business, regardless of the technology we use.

here. He recently started a writing service for WordPress products: WP Product Writeup. He also has an opinion on just about every subject. You can follow his rants on Bluesky @karks.com.

Read more articles by Eric Karkovack

The post Keeping Your WordPress Client Expectations Realistic in the AI Era appeared first on The NOKIA Blog.

Adopting this technology has significantly changed our role. It’s no longer about poring over each line of code. Now, we’re closer to a symphony conductor, orchestrating projects as a large language model (LLM) does the dirty work.

We can certainly appreciate the increase in productivity. Fewer moments spent knee-deep in documentation or support forums means more time to get things done.

This also makes it tempting to remove humans from the picture. Some agencies and development shops have cut staffing in favor of AI. It makes sense on a few levels. An AI tool is cheaper than an employee or freelancer. And the gains in efficiency mean one person can do the work of many.

But there’s a fine line between increasing output and relying too heavily on AI. Here’s why humans should still be a part of the process.

Knowledgeable Humans Are Essential for Quality Assurance

There’s something to be said for a well-trained eye. A seasoned developer can envision how an app should work. Their experience helps them effectively structure projects and avoid common pitfalls. They understand the importance of performance and security.

On the other hand, AI models are great at generating code, but they don’t think like a human. They may use techniques that aren’t as efficient for a particular purpose. They can also misinterpret what we’re asking them to do. Like their human counterparts, AI tools aren’t perfect.

Even the most advanced coding tools can make mistakes. It could be as simple as a syntax error. However, they may also produce work that doesn’t account for edge cases or future maintenance.

That’s why a human should carefully review all AI output. Generated code should be tested with a mix of manual observation and automated tools. It’s no different than a senior-level developer keeping a watchful eye on what their team is producing.

Remember, automation isn’t an excuse to lower your standards. If anything, it provides an opportunity to squash bugs and refine functionality. Building with AI works best when done in tandem with a knowledgeable person.

Developers Can Shift Their Focus to the Bigger Picture

Solo developers and teams alike have traditionally struggled with the little things. Tight deadlines and shoestring budgets make it hard to get the details right. So often, it’s a race to the finish line, rather than a quest to create the best possible result.

The details are often what make a WordPress plugin or theme great. This happens when we go beyond software that merely works and focus on things like the user experience. AI gives us a chance to take a larger view of our projects.

We no longer have to write code by hand. That may bring a tear to your eye (or make you leap for joy). The bright side is that you now have time to create a comprehensive plan for each project. You can define how it looks, how it works, and how it will adapt to future needs. Even if you were doing these things before, you’ll have a chance to think bigger and better.

All of a sudden, deadlines are a little less important. You’re free to explore options and test them. Most of all, you can afford to make a mistake or two along the way. Rewriting a code snippet isn’t a disaster that puts you behind. Rather, it was just a failed experiment you encountered along the way.

The additional room for creativity could be a difference-maker. We can go from “we’ll get to it later” to “let’s get it right from the start” – that’s powerful for developers of all stripes.

People and AI Are Better Together

Every WordPress developer should be exploring AI and how it can benefit their workflow. We’re well beyond the point where it’s just a curiosity. The future of our industry depends on how we use and adapt to this technology.

The sad truth is that AI will continue to cause some businesses to reduce their staff. It seems like an unavoidable consequence.

We must be careful, though. To borrow from WordPress terminology, this doesn’t mean we should cut people out of the loop. Humans are still integral to building great software. As such, we shouldn’t cede everything to the machines quite yet.

Things like quality control and holistic thinking are too important – and it’s what we do best. We should use AI as a vehicle to put those traits into action. Doing so will put us on a path to greater efficiency and better outcomes.

here. He recently started a writing service for WordPress products: WP Product Writeup. He also has an opinion on just about every subject. You can follow his rants on Bluesky @karks.com.

Read more articles by Eric Karkovack

The post Why Humans Should Still Be a Part of WordPress Development appeared first on The NOKIA Blog.

It’s more than just business as usual, though. WordPress also boasts a global community of users and contributors. As such, agencies don’t have to operate in a vacuum. There’s an opportunity to connect with people and pay it forward.

Community engagement is a win-win situation. First, you’re helping others learn and use WordPress more effectively. There’s a great sense of satisfaction that comes with getting involved.

There are also benefits to your business. It puts your name out there and helps you build relationships. That could result in booking more clients. At the very least, you’ll create goodwill and establish a strong reputation.

Giving back is also easier than you think. Here are a few ways to say thanks to the WordPress community!

Join or Host a Local Meetup

If you want to impact the WordPress community at a grassroots level, Meetups are a great place to start. They’re local get-togethers that welcome people of all skill levels, including beginners.

These events open up a world of possibilities. You might have meetings dedicated to a specific subject, guest presentations, or group projects. It’s also an opportunity for attendees to help each other with site issues or plugin suggestions.

Agencies are uniquely positioned to help. Your team of experts can give talks and connect with your local community. That makes you a trusted resource – one that prospective clients will remember when it’s time for a new website or other project.

Finding a place to hold regularly scheduled meetings is challenging in some communities. So, hosting a meetup at your office or another space is a huge help.

Plus, not every city has a meetup. In that case, you might consider establishing one. It brings people together and builds enthusiasm for the WordPress project.

Being part of the meetup space requires a commitment. However, connecting with others one-on-one is worth the effort.

Set Aside Time To Contribute to WordPress

The WordPress project includes several teams tasked with building and maintaining the software. There are also teams dedicated to providing technical support, writing documentation, language translation, and reviewing themes/plugins.

Joining one or more teams is an opportunity to improve WordPress and its community. This could include anything from fixing bugs, building new features, or improving the user experience. That’s only scratching the surface of the potential impacts.

Contributions of all kinds are welcome – even if they don’t involve writing code. So, think about which team(s) interest you and fit your skillset. It’s also worth considering how much time you can dedicate to the project.

The Five for the Future program is a compelling option for agencies willing to commit 5% of their time to the project. Individuals are also welcome to join.

However, the type or number of contributions you make isn’t as important as your willingness to participate. One way to look at it is that every contribution helps someone. That makes a difference!

Build Free Plugins, Themes, or Educational Resources

There’s also a more traditional approach to paying it forward. Your agency is likely building custom plugins or themes for your projects. And teaching is a key part of working with clients. Why not level up and share what you know?

Once again, this benefits everyone. The community receives something useful. Meanwhile, you increase your visibility across the WordPress ecosystem. It’s a way to generate leads while doing good.

What you share and how you share it are up to you. It might be as simple as posting your GitHub repository link on social media. Or, you might opt to distribute your work via the official WordPress theme and plugin directories.

We should note that some responsibilities are involved with either approach. Plugins and themes must be maintained and supported. Community engagement is part of the deal. It’s also a good idea to keep sales pitches to a minimum if your goal is to give back.

Offering educational resources, such as online courses or tutorials, is also a possibility. Being a guide to users or developers will showcase your expertise. Do it well, and you’ll have loyal visitors returning to your site or YouTube channel.

Say Thanks to WordPress and Its Community

If your agency builds websites with WordPress, it benefits from the open-source software. It also stands to reason that you’ve benefited from the knowledge shared by community members. Every code snippet or piece of advice is valuable.

Giving back is simply the right thing to do. It says that you care about the project and the people surrounding it. Consider the potential boost to your business as good karma.

It’s also a chance to connect with other people and organizations. You never know what may come of these relationships. Friendships, business ventures, and side projects could be in store.

So, think about ways to give back and pick one that’s right for you. It will help you grow as a person and a web professional.

here. He recently started a writing service for WordPress products: WP Product Writeup. He also has an opinion on just about every subject. You can follow his rants on Bluesky @karks.com.

Read more articles by Eric Karkovack

The post How WordPress Agencies Can Give Back to the Community appeared first on The NOKIA Blog.