If you’ve been around blog ambitions for a while you know that I love, use, and recommend WordPress for blogging. While I know that it isn’t the platform for everyone, I’m bias and think WordPress is the best. I get it though, sometimes blogging on WordPress can be overwhelming and complicated for bloggers. There are a lot of bloggers that would rather focus on their content and audience than worry about some of the hassles that come with owning their own WordPress site (like maintaining and updating WordPress, getting hacked, which plugins to use, horrible customer service, complicated c-panels, etc).
If you’d rather not worry about your WordPress site, there’s a new option in the market today: StudioPress Sites
I am an affiliate for StudioPress, but I’m only sharing this with you because I know it’s going to be an awesome option for your blog.
What are StudioPress Sites?
In short, StudioPress sites is hosting specifically for WordPress. Not only is WordPress ready to go for you, it is always backed by the power of the Genesis Framework. Here are more specific details:
- When you sign up with StudioPress sites, you’ll get 20 of StudioPress’ bestselling themes at your fingertips (no additional charge). You can customize any of those or add your own child theme from third parties.
- You’ll also have a selection of the top recommended plugins available to download with only one-click.
- Speaking of plugins, StudioPress Sites gives you the option of automatically updating plugins and themes. Say goodbye to the red circle plugin notifications. This goes for WordPress updates too.
- StudioPress knows that having your site load fast is important. They’ve optimized their infrastructure to ensure optimized load time from their end.
- We’ve all read the horror stories of bloggers going viral only to have their blogs shut down by their host because they were getting too much traffic for their plan. With StudioPress Sites, you’ll “never face the experience of your site crashing just because you succeed in getting big traffic”.
- StudioPress Sites are SEO ready. I’ll save you the technical jargon, but Sites will have your site optimized for search and social. I spent some time on the phone with Brian Gardner telling him how important Pinterest is for bloggers. When you host your blog with StudioPress sites you don’t need to do any coding or use a plugin to apply for Rich Pins. Simply apply. Boom.
- As with anything StudioPress, I know you will have great customer support. Folks who want you to be successful and will help you out if any hiccups with your hosting come up. Since they’re WordPress only, they’ll understand your site. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve reached out to my host and they aren’t familiar with WordPress. With Sites, you won’t have that frustration.
Go check out StudioPress Sites for yourself. It’s WordPress made easy. With StudioPress sites you’ll be able to get solid, reliable hosting with a great looking, optimized theme. Sites will help you worry less about setting up and maintaining WordPress so that you can focus on what you do best: publish awesome content and connect with your readers.
Check out StudioPress Sites and see if it’s the right option for you.
Update! I just built my first StudioPress site and it was super easy. I made a video so that you can see what StudioPress Sites is and how easy it makes it for you to set up a WordPress site.
I am a brand new blogger, as in I have not started yet. I am following your check-list on how to start a blog, however I came across this post and I am wondering if this is a better route instead of the self-hosted route? I am creating a healthy living blog with a focus on motherhood, being healthy, and eventually offering fitness programs via the site. Starting off free, but ideally will eventually be able to sell. What would you recommend? The self-hosted route as listed in your step by step process for starting a blog or using Studiopress? I think I will go with the Foodie theme regardless of which option I choose. So I at least have that narrowed down. Thank you for your help!
Cassie
Hi Cassie,
StudioPress Sites is what’s considered managed self-hosting. You still own it, StudioPress just helps you take care of it. If StudioPress is in your budget for hosting, I HIGHLY recommend it.
Why StudioPress over shared hosting from Siteground or BlueHost
-Speed. Your blog will load fast. A problem that most food bloggers have. Faster site = happier readers.
-Security. The folks at StudioPress will make sure you’re protected from hackers.
-Support. The best of the best.
-Long term. Most bloggers need to upgrade their hosting plans frequently as they grow in order to keep up with the size of their audience. this can be a long process and sometimes expensive. You’ll be good on the StudioPress content plan for a long time.
-Less hassle. You won’t have to worry about as much of the techy stuff.
In the end, both are good options. You definitely get your money worth with StudioPress sites.
Siteground is just a more affordable option, but a little bit more work. Yet still doable. Hope that helps!
Thanks for sharing Kristie! Haven’t heard of this yet but I’m very interested to try out. I signing up free?
Hi Emmerey, it is not free to sign up. There is a 30 day return policy, but I’m sure you’d love this option for hosting your blog.
Great to know. Thanks Kristie 🙂
Hi Kristie – I have been thinking about either tweaking my theme or switching themes. As my blog has evolved, I don’t often use the circle categories we created on my original blog move. Would it be easy to switch to a new studio press theme or should I try another pretty darn cute theme? You mentioned above that the fee for having someone to migrate is $40 – is that through studio press? thank you!
Kristy
Hi Kristy, switching to a new theme is pretty easy. You could go with a theme from StudioPress or Pretty Darn Cute. I also really like Restored316 themes.
The migration fee mentioned in the video is for StudioPress Sites, which is a WordPress hosting solution. Unless you wanted new hosting, that probably isn’t the option your looking for. Shoot me an email and let me know what you’re wanting in your site and we’ll discuss options!
I’m interested for sure in learning more. I’ve had a website on squarespace for years now for a brick and mortar business. I recently started a blog and really don’t like word press. I now have genesis and a restored 316 child theme which I love. Not being very tech savvy, would that work here? Is it a headache to switch over? Really quite a blogging newbie!
I guess my first question would be: what is it that you don’t like about WordPress?
The switch over wouldn’t be a headache, but I wouldn’t want to recommend you switch until knowing more about your pain points with WordPress. I love Restored316 themes, especially the Cultivate theme you are using. Stunning!
It sounds pretty perfect Kristi! If I was doing it again I would definitely try this. It seems so much more user friendly. I suppose you can’t transfer everything over automatically?
*Sorry..forgot the e on your name!
That’s okay, it happens. There is a DIY migration option or a $40 have someone do it automatically for you option!
I love WordPress and the StudioPress themes and use both on my site. StudioPress themes are easy to use and beautiful. If I ever change from the Foodie Pro theme, I would more than likely choose another StudioPress theme.
Love StudioPress, and Foodie Pro too! Foodie Pro is one of the included themes in the Sites hosting plan.