Your web hosting provider offers your business a digital “address” on the internet. It makes sure people from all over can visit your website, creating a spot where they can check out what you offer.

But, there's a catch with web hosting.

Two Sides of the Coin

The great part? There are loads of hosting choices out there, fitting all kinds of budgets.

The tricky part? With so many options, finding the right one for your needs feels too much like hard work. It's cool to have many options, but it can be a bit overwhelming.

Don't stress, though – we're on your side!

By the time you finish this guide, you'll know how to pick a hosting plan that's just right for your website and doesn't break the bank.

Ready? Let's get started!

Choosing the Right Membership Web Host

Starting a membership site? Budget-friendly shared hosting might just be what you need.

Already have a site and thinking of switching hosts? Check how big your site is and how many visitors you get. 

This is because many hosting services set limits on storage and visitor count. Knowing these numbers helps you choose the right plan.

Wondering how to get these numbers? Google Analytics can show you your visitor count. For storage info, just ask your current host.

Key Points to Consider

Picking a web host for your online venture? Here's what you should look at:

• What’s their customer support like? – do they have phone support, chat, or email help?
• Must-have features – think uptime monitoring, automatic WordPress updates, and site backups.
• Any cool extras? – like free WordPress themes or add-ons
• Any uptime guarantees? –  If your site’s down you could lose money. Some web hosting providers offer money back if they slip up.
• Deals for paying upfront for a longer time, like a year.

Every hosting service has its unique offerings. It's all about what's important to you. Find one that checks your must-haves.

Now that we've covered the basics, let's explore some of the best hosting choices for WordPress businesses and membership sites, no matter their size or type.

Budget-Friendly Shared Hosting

If you're new to the whole membership website hosting scene, you'll be happy to know that you can get good, beginner-friendly hosting without spending a lot. Just a few dollars a month can get you started.

This is often called “shared” hosting because you're using the same server space as other websites.

Many of these budget plans offer all the storage and bandwidth you’re likely to need.

However, there's a catch. If your membership site becomes super popular and uses a lot of server resources, you might be forced to switch to a more expensive plan or relocate your site.

That proviso aside, shared hosting is still a great choice.

If you're just testing the waters to see if people are interested in what your membership site has to offer, starting with this affordable option just makes sense.

To kick things off, here are some top picks for budget-friendly shared hosting options…

Hostinger

Hostinger has carved out a niche for itself by offering top-tier features without the top-tier price tag.

From its tailored plans to its commitment to user experience, Hostinger is all about ensuring businesses, especially those mindful of their expenses, don't have to compromise on quality.

 Here's why Hostinger stands out in the crowded hosting landscape:

1. Value for Money

With Hostinger, cost-effective doesn't mean cutting corners. They offer top-tier services that rival many premium hosts, but without the premium price tag.

2. User-Friendly for All

Hostinger's intuitive interface ensures you spend less time scratching your head and more time building your online empire.

3. Scalability

Starting small? No problem. As your business grows, Hostinger grows with you. Their range of plans means you can upgrade as needed, ensuring you're always getting the best bang for your buck.

4. Reliable Performance

A budget host doesn't mean budget performance. With impressive uptime and swift load times, Hostinger ensures your business is always in the fast lane.

5. Round-the-Clock Support

Questions? Issues? Just want to chat? Hostinger's 24/7 support team is there, ensuring you're never left in the dark.

In a nutshell, if you're a business watching the bottom line but unwilling to compromise on quality, Hostinger is your go-to.

It's the perfect blend of affordability and excellence, making it a top choice for businesses keen on maximizing value without emptying their wallets.

Why Choose Hostinger?

• Get a free domain
• Migrate your site for free
• 24/7 support
• Plans starting as low as $2.99/month – with a limited offer of 3 free months (at time of posting)

InMotion Hosting 

InMotion is a standout choice for those seeking a potent mix of reliability and user-centric features, especially for WordPress membership platforms.

Here's a deep dive into why InMotion is a great membership site hosting option:

1. Superfast Speed

Keep customers on your page and reduce pageloading frustrations. InMotion's UltraStack powered hosting with NVMe SSD storage can deliver website speeds up to 20x faster!

2. User-Friendly Management

Say goodbye to the backend hassles. InMotion's easy-to-manage server means you can channel your energy into creating content, not wrestling with technicalities.

3. Feature-Rich Hosting

InMotion goes the extra mile with features tailored for ease and efficiency. Think one-click WordPress setups, hassle-free site transfers, auto-updates, and more.

Plus, with free SSL certificates, your site's security is top-notch. And those unlimited email accounts? A cherry on top.

4. Affordable Plans for Every Stage

Whether you're launching your first site or scaling up, InMotion's diverse pricing plans have you covered. And with their competitive rates, you're sure to find a plan that aligns with your budget.

5. Unwavering Support

Run into a hiccup? InMotion's 24/7 live support is just a click away, ensuring any issues are resolved swiftly.

6. Risk-Free Exploration

Still on the fence? InMotion's 90-day money-back guarantee lets you test the waters without any strings attached.

To sum it up, InMotion Hosting is the trifecta of reliability, feature richness, and cost-effectiveness. For WordPress membership site creators, it's a choice that checks all the right boxes.

Why Choose InMotion?

• Free SSL Certificate
• Generous 90-day refund policy
• Unlimited email accounts for your domain
• 24/7 Live support
• Plans kick off at just $2.29/month

DreamHost

With over 20 years in the game, DreamHost is an industry veteran known for reliability and trustworthiness.

Here's a closer look at what DreamHost has to offer:

1. Decades of Trust

DreamHost's long-standing reputation speaks volumes. Two decades in the web hosting industry means they've seen it all, adapted, and consistently delivered.

2. Privacy and Security First

DreamHost takes your site's security seriously. With free Let’s Encrypt SSL certificates across all plans, they ensure both your site and your members' data remain protected. 

Add to that a robust anti-spam policy, and you've got a clean, secure online environment.

3. Open Source Enthusiasts

Being an officially recommended hosting provider by WordPress.org is no small feat. DreamHost's one-click WordPress installations simplify the process, ensuring your membership site is live in no time.

4. Unlimited Everything

Worried about traffic spikes or bandwidth limits? With DreamHost, those concerns are a thing of the past. They promise unlimited traffic and bandwidth, ensuring your site sails smoothly regardless of your member count.

5. Safety Nets

Automated daily backups mean you never have to fret about data loss. DreamHost has your back, ensuring your content is safe and sound.

6. Flexible Pricing

DreamHost prides itself on clear, affordable pricing. With a range of plans and zero hidden costs, you always know what you're paying for. 

And their 97-day money-back guarantee? It's one of the industry's most generous, allowing you to try their services with confidence.

Why Choose DreamHost?

• Complimentary Let’s Encrypt SSL certificates
• No limits on traffic and bandwidth
• Generous 97-day refund policy
• Plans start at $2.59/month

SiteGround

SiteGround stands as a top contender for WordPress membership sites, thanks to its superior security, support, and versatile hosting options.

Here's a breakdown of what makes SiteGround a preferred choice for membership website hosting:

1. Security First

SiteGround doesn't take chances when it comes to safeguarding your site. 

Their custom security setup boasts a web application firewall to fend off threats, and an AI-driven system to ward off harmful traffic. 

What’s more, it also offers complimentary Let’s Encrypt SSL certificates for secure data exchanges. In other words, they do all they can to ensure your membership site is fortified against potential risks.

2. Top-Tier Support

SiteGround's support is just a click or call away. Available 24/7 through live chat, phone, or ticketing, their team is both skilled and approachable. With SiteGround, you're never left in a lurch.

3. Feature-Packed Hosting

From daily backups and complimentary email accounts to a free CDN for lightning-fast site speeds, SiteGround makes sure your site runs smoothly and efficiently.

4. WordPress-Ready

WordPress has officially endorsed SiteGround as a hosting provider. And with SiteGround's one-click WordPress setup, launching your membership site is a breeze.

5. Transparent Pricing

SiteGround's array of plans cater to different needs, ensuring you find your perfect match. And if you're hesitant, their 30-day money-back guarantee offers a risk-free trial.

In a nutshell, SiteGround combines security, support, and all the features you need, making it a great pick for WordPress membership site hosting.

Why Choose SiteGround?

• Advanced security measures
• 24/7 support
• Generous 30-day refund policy
• Complimentary email accounts
• Plans begin at a mere $2.99/month

All these options are great for starter and small  enterprises. As your memberships site grows and you become more establish, however, you may find you outgrow shared hosting and upgrade to…

Fully Managed WordPress Site Hosting

When you pick this hosting option, your website sits on servers built just for WordPress.

Thanks to this special setup and better access to server resources, your website:

• Loads more quickly
• Can welcome more visitors at the same time
• Improved uptime
• Is protected by security measures

A big plus of managed hosting is that they handle the updates. Your WordPress site and its plugins get updated, depending on which hosting you go with.

Good service often comes with a cost. Most of the better managed WordPress hosting plans are around $30 each month.

These plans can grow with your business, so it's rare for membership sites to become too big for their hosting.

But, if your site does get really popular, you might need to upgrade your plan and pay a bit more each month to keep everything running well.

Now, let's look at some of the best starting managed hosting choices…

Flywheel

Marketed at busy creatives, Flywheel stands out as a premier choice for those seeking professionally managed hosting, with a special nod to their exceptional customer service.

Here's what sets Flywheel apart in the managed membership site hosting arena:

1. Tailored for Success

Flywheel has designed their services with WordPress sites in mind, ensuring you have all the tools you need for success.

2. Speed is Key

With server-level caching, a built-in CDN, and SSD storage across all plans, Flywheel ensures your site is lightning fast, offering a smooth experience for all your members.

3. Support with a Human Touch

Flywheel takes pride in its support. Available 24/7, their team is always on standby, ready to assist with migrations, troubleshooting, or any questions you might have.

4. Flexible Pricing

Flywheel offers a range of plans to cater to various needs. Whether you're launching your first membership site or managing a large community, they've got you covered.

5. Risk-Free Exploration

Not sure if Flywheel is the right fit? Their 30-day money-back guarantee lets you try out their services without any financial commitment.

All in all, Flywheel delivers a mix of top-notch managed hosting, round-the-clock support, and a suite of features, making it a top pick for WordPress membership site enthusiasts.

Why Choose Flywheel

• Integrated CDN for faster content delivery
• Speedy SSD storage
• 24/7 dedicated support
• 60-day refund policy
• Plans starting at just $13/month

Kinsta

A speedy and dependable hosting partner, Kinsta's focus is on ensuring your WordPress membership site operates without a hitch.

Here's a closer look at what makes Kinsta shine:

1. Blazing Fast Performance

Kinsta leverages the power of Google Cloud Platform’s top-tier network, ensuring rapid site loads. Coupled with server-level caching and a complimentary CDN, your site's speed is nothing short of impressive.

2. Fortified Security

Kinsta doesn't compromise on safety. With free SSL certificates, DDoS detection, hardware firewalls, and constant uptime checks, your site remains shielded. 

And with daily backups and a promise to fix any hacks at no extra cost, your peace of mind is guaranteed.

3. Round-the-Clock Expertise

Kinsta's support is both 24/7 and expertly tailored. Their team, packed with WordPress specialists, is always on standby to assist. 

Plus, their extensive knowledge base and informative blog ensure you're never short of resources.

4. Flexible Pricing Options

Kinsta offers a range of plans to cater to diverse needs. Whether you're just setting up or managing a bustling membership community, they've got a plan for you. 

And with their 30-day money-back policy, you can explore their offerings risk-free.

All things considered, Kinsta's combination of speed, security, and expert support positions it as a top contender for WordPress membership site enthusiasts.

Kinsta Highlights

• Advanced server caching
• Complimentary CDN for faster content delivery
• 24/7 specialized support
• Generous 30-day refund policy
• Plans starting at a mere $7/month

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WP Engine

WP Engine stands out as a trusted name in the WordPress hosting world, known for its unwavering reliability and top-tier performance.

Here's a breakdown of what makes WP Engine a prime choice:

1. Speed is Front and Center

With their unique caching solution, an integrated CDN, the latest PHP version, and HTTP/2 protocol, your site's speed is optimized for a smooth member experience.

2. Security You Can Trust

WP Engine goes above and beyond in safeguarding your site. From proactive WordPress security measures, regular patches, daily backups, to a free SSL certificate, they ensure your site remains fortified against threats.

3. Test Before You Go Live

Their one-click staging environment is a game-changer. Test out updates, tweaks, or major changes without any risk to your live site.

4. Always There to Assist

WP Engine's support is more than just round-the-clock; it's expertly tailored. Their team, filled with WordPress specialists, is always ready to guide, troubleshoot, or assist in any way possible.

5. Plans for Every Need

With competitive pricing and a variety of plans, WP Engine caters to all, from budding sites to bustling communities. And their 60-day money-back guarantee ensures you can explore their offerings without any commitment.

In essence, WP Engine's blend of managed hosting, top-notch support, and stringent security measures make it a top pick for any WordPress membership site.

Why Choose WP Engine

• Unique caching for faster loads
• Integrated CDN for global reach
• Generous 60-day refund policy
• 24/7 expert support
• Plans kick off at $20/month

Once your membership site reaches stratospheric levels of success, you’ll want (and be able to afford) the apex of all web hosting services: dedicated enterprise web hosting.

Dedicated Enterprise Web Hosting

Enterprise hosting plans offer a broader range of resources, including enhanced storage, increased processing power, and more generous visitor and bandwidth allowances. 

Additionally, they provide greater autonomy over your web environment.

Such flexibility opens up a world of possibilities.

For instance, you can integrate custom scripts into your hosting account, facilitating seamless interactions with external services. Or, you might tailor the WordPress software to better align with your membership site's unique needs.

However, with greater control comes heightened responsibility (and a steeper price tag).

Your chosen plan might require you to play a more active role in ensuring everything functions seamlessly. The hands-on support you might be accustomed to with managed hosting might be less comprehensive here.

While enterprise hosting might not be your initial go-to, it's there for those who need its expansive capabilities. For those considering this route, several top-tier providers offer excellent enterprise solutions.

Cloudways Cloudflare Enterprise Hosting

Cloudways offers top-notch hosting with its Cloudflare Enterprise Hosting, designed especially for big WordPress membership sites.

Here's why Cloudways Cloudflare Enterprise Hosting stands out:

1. Strong Performance and Security

Cloudways focuses on fast performance and tight security. They protect against DDoS attacks on layers 3, 4, & 7, making sure your site stays safe.

2. Smart Firewall

Their web application firewall updates on its own, always ready to block the newest threats, keeping your site secure.

3. Easy-to-Use Tools

Cloudways gives you tools that make managing your site simple. This includes handy website tools, automatic updates, and a special tool to boost performance.

4. Backup and CDN Features

With daily backups and a free CDN, Cloudways makes sure your data is safe and your site loads quickly for users everywhere.

5. Fast Site Loading

Cloudflare's CDN with dedicated IPs ensures your site loads quickly. Their special caching system also helps deliver content faster and saves on server costs.

In short, Cloudways Cloudflare Enterprise Hosting offers fast speeds, good security, and helpful features, making it a top pick for big online businesses.

Why Choose Cloudways Cloudflare 

• Protection from DDoS attacks
• Daily backups for your data
• Free CDN for faster site loading
• Pricing that fits your needs

Pantheon Enterprise Hosting

Pantheon stands out as a premier choice for those seeking enterprise-grade hosting, tailored to support large-scale membership platforms.

Here's a closer look at what makes Pantheon a compelling choice:

1. Unwavering Speed and Reliability

Pantheon is renowned for its WebOps platform, optimized for WordPress. This ensures your site not only loads in a flash but also operates without a hitch, offering your members a smooth browsing experience.

2. Effortless Site Management

With Pantheon, site management becomes a breeze. Features like one-click core updates ensure you're always running the latest, most secure version of WordPress.

3. Growth Without Boundaries

Pantheon's infrastructure is built to scale. As your membership base grows, your site can expand seamlessly, free from the constraints of traditional hosting limits.

4. Fortified Security

Safety is paramount at Pantheon. Their cloud hosting platform is layered with robust security measures, safeguarding your website and its data. This lets you concentrate on content and community, confident in your site's defenses.

5. Flexible Pricing

While specific rates aren't listed upfront, Pantheon is known for offering competitive pricing tailored to diverse needs. Whether you're launching a new venture or managing a bustling membership hub, Pantheon has a plan tailored for you.

In essence, Pantheon's mix of swift performance, steadfast reliability, and diverse features positions it as a top-tier choice for WordPress membership sites. 

For detailed pricing on their enterprise plans, it's best to reach out directly.

Why Choose Pantheon

• Infrastructure built for growth
• Hassle-free one-click updates
• Speedy and dependable WebOps platform
• Tailored pricing to fit your needs

Final Thoughts

There’s no shortage of hosting options for your WordPress membership site.

Almost every hosting plan is compatible with WordPress. There are even specialized WordPress-only packages designed to ensure your website is speedy and secure with near enough 100% uptime.

Shared hosting prices begin at just a few dollars a month. With these non-prohibitive prices, you can partner with a trusted company and launch your membership site right away.

If you're leaning towards premium managed WordPress hosting or considering an upgrade to your current hosting setup, you might find yourself investing around $30 a month.

However, the slightly elevated costs come packed with additional features and advantages, making it a valuable investment for your membership site, especially if you anticipate growth.

If you liked this article, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn for more tips on running and growing your membership site.

We created this post to help you walk through all the numbers.

So, how much does a membership website cost? Most membership sites will cost anywhere from $210 per year to $11,200 per year to maintain. The low-end is if you build it yourself, use the cheapest hosting, the best-priced membership site software and use a payment processor that only charges per transaction. The high-end includes the most expensive hosting, membership site software and payment processors.

Here's a breakdown of how we came up with these numbers:

• Domain: $10-$15 per year
• Hosting: $8-$300 per month
• Membership Site Software: $97-$5,000 per year
• Payment Processor: 3%/transaction – $200 per month

This does not include the cost to have someone build your membership site for you. Here's what that would look like:

What a Web Developer Would Charge to Build Your Membership Website

Again, this can vary wildly depending on who you hire, how much experience they have, if they specialize in membership websites and what kind of add-ons they provide.

But, bottom line, what will a developer charge to build a membership website? The price will range from $200 at the low-end to $20,000 at the high-end.

The low-end is if you hire a freelance web developer on Upwork (as an example), they charge $20/hour and it takes them 20 working hours to build your site (which should be more than enough). Here's an example of a freelancer just like this:

The high-end is for an agency that specializes in building premium membership websites that often include detailed integrations with a 3rd-party software like Infusionsoft. These companies generally don't advertise their prices, but we've seen (and worked with) a number of them and they generally charge in the $15,000 – $20,000 range.

What Membership Site Software Costs

Of course, the biggest consideration when it comes to cost is the software you choose to power your membership site. Again, the pricing here can fluctuate wildly:

• MemberGate: $5,000 one-time fee
• Kajabi: $399 per month
• Podia: $790 per year
• WishList Member: starting at $299 per year

And, this is the most important piece of software for your membership site. That's why it's so important to make sure you pick the right software without overpaying for something that really isn't any better OR has a bunch of features you simply don't need.