Tag: seo

Best Hosting for WordPress Sites: SiteGround vs. Kinsta vs. Cloudways

Posted on by Hively

Choosing the right hosting provider can make or break your website. And if you’re anything like most small business owners or creators I talk to, you’re not just looking for any hosting—you want something fast, reliable, and headache-free.

I’ve worked with a lot of hosting platforms over the years, and today I’m breaking down three of the best WordPress hosting options for 2025: SiteGround, Kinsta, and Cloudways. Whether you’re just starting out or growing fast, this comparison will help you make the right call.

🏆 Quick Verdict: Why I Recommend Kinsta

If you want premium speed, top-tier support, and a hosting platform that just works, Kinsta is my top pick for managed WordPress hosting in 2025. It’s built on Google Cloud, automatically handles updates and backups, and has one of the cleanest dashboards I’ve used. For non-techies and power users alike, it strikes that rare balance between simplicity and serious performance.

SiteGround: Great Starter Option with Solid Support

SiteGround has long been a favorite for small business owners—and for good reason. It offers:

  • Affordable pricing for beginners
  • Free daily backups
  • Excellent customer support
  • Built-in caching for better speed

However, in recent years, some users have noticed slower performance on shared hosting plans, especially as traffic grows. It’s a solid choice if you’re just getting started, but if you need scalable speed and power, you may quickly outgrow it.

Best for: Budget-conscious beginners with lower-traffic sites
Check SiteGround Hosting →

Cloudways: Flexible but Tech-Heavy

Cloudways is a unique hosting platform that lets you choose your own cloud provider (like DigitalOcean, AWS, or Google Cloud). It’s extremely customizable and offers:

  • Pay-as-you-go pricing
  • Blazing fast load times
  • Advanced performance tools

But here’s the catch: it’s not beginner-friendly. The dashboard can feel overwhelming, and you’re expected to handle more of the configuration and security setup yourself.

Best for: Developers or advanced users who want complete control
Explore Cloudways →

Kinsta: Fast, Secure, and Worry-Free Hosting

Kinsta is built for WordPress from the ground up and takes the guesswork out of performance, security, and scalability. Here’s what I love:

  • Google Cloud infrastructure for lightning-fast speed
  • Free premium CDN and SSL
  • One-click staging and backups
  • Outstanding support from WordPress experts
  • Built-in performance monitoring

What really sets Kinsta apart is how stress-free it is. You don’t need to worry about caching plugins, manual updates, or fixing weird errors in cPanel. Everything is handled in one intuitive dashboard. Yes, it’s a bit pricier than the others—but you truly get what you pay for.

Best for: Small businesses and creators who want premium performance without the tech headaches
Get Started with Kinsta →

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Host for Your Website

When it comes to the best WordPress hosting in 2025, there’s no one-size-fits-all. If budget is your top concern, SiteGround is a strong entry point. If you love tinkering, Cloudways offers powerful flexibility. But if you want speed, support, and peace of mind all in one, Kinsta is my personal go-to.

Still unsure? I break down more in-depth hosting recommendations on my resources page →

The Beginner’s Guide to SEO for Small Business Websites (Without the Overwhelm)

Posted on by Hively

If you’ve ever Googled “how to get my website to show up on Google” and instantly felt overwhelmed, you’re not alone. SEO (Search Engine Optimization) can sound technical and intimidating, but the truth is—you don’t need to be an expert to make real progress.

Whether you’re a small business owner, solo creative, or DIY website builder, this guide will walk you through beginner SEO tips in plain English—no jargon, no stress.

What Is SEO (And Why Should You Care)?

SEO is the process of optimizing your website so it appears in search engine results—ideally when people are looking for exactly what you offer. Good SEO helps your site show up higher on Google, which means more visibility, more traffic, and more potential customers.

Think of it like this: your website is a shop, and SEO is the sign out front that tells people you’re open for business.

3 Beginner-Friendly Ways to Optimize Your Website for Search Engines

1. Use Keywords (Naturally!)

Keywords are the phrases your ideal customers are typing into Google—like “best photographer in [your city]” or “custom jewelry near me.” Tools like Ubersuggest or Keywords Everywhere can help you find these terms. Sprinkle them into your page titles, headers, and blog content—but keep it natural. If it feels forced, skip it.

2. Install a WordPress SEO Plugin

If you’re using WordPress, start with a beginner-friendly SEO plugin like Rank Math or Yoast SEO. These tools guide you step-by-step through optimizing each page, from writing meta descriptions to improving readability and internal links.

3. Improve Site Speed and Mobile Friendliness

Google favors websites that load quickly and look good on phones. Use free tools like PageSpeed Insights to check performance, and choose a solid hosting provider like SiteGround or Kinsta to give your site a reliable foundation.

Keep It Simple, Keep It Consistent

You don’t have to “do all the SEO” at once. Start with the basics, focus on writing helpful content, and use tools that make optimization easier, not harder. SEO for small business websites isn’t about hacking the algorithm—it’s about helping real people find what they’re looking for.

And hey, if you’re here, you’re already taking a smart first step.