When choosing a web host to support Paid Memberships Pro (PMPro), it’s crucial to understand the specific needs and requirements for optimal performance. This guide outlines key considerations and recommendations to ensure your membership site runs smoothly.
General Rules for Hosting a WordPress Site Running PMPro
- Avoid Shared Hosting: Shared hosting often lacks the resources needed for a membership site. Instead, opt for VPS (Virtual Private Server) or dedicated hosting.
- Budget for Quality: Expect to pay between $25 and $99 per month for a reliable hosting plan. Quality hosting is a worthwhile investment for your site’s performance and reliability.
- Choose Linux over Windows: Linux servers are our preference as they are more commonly tested and supported for WordPress and PMPro.
- Dedicated IP and SSL Certificate: Ensure your hosting plan includes a dedicated IP address and SSL certificate. These are essential for secure transactions and better site performance.
- Upgrade if Necessary: If you’re currently on a shared hosting plan, consider upgrading to a VPS or higher-level plan. In most cases, hosting upgrades are often simple and affordable.
- Manage Caching: Aggressive caching can interfere with membership functionality. Choose a host that allows you to disable caching or exclude specific URLs from being cached. View our documentation on caching for more information.
- Performance Without Caching: Ensure your site performs well even with caching disabled. Membership sites have dynamic content that cannot always be cached.
Why You Need to Upgrade Your Hosting
Running a membership site demands more processing power and memory than a typical website. Here are some reasons why upgrading your hosting is necessary:
- User Access Checks: PMPro verifies user access to each page before it loads, which requires processing time.
- API Calls: Interactions with payment gateway APIs take time and resources.
- Discount Code Validation: Validating discount codes involves additional processing.
- Report Generation: Generating sales and membership reports can be resource-intensive.
Lower-tier shared hosting plans rely heavily on aggressive caching to deliver performance at a low cost. However, membership sites require dynamic content handling that often conflicts with caching mechanisms.
Related: Compatibility Documentation
Working Towards Better Performance
We are actively collaborating with hosting providers and experts to optimize PMPro for better performance and scalability. Our goal is to enhance selective caching and improve overall efficiency. While we strive for these improvements, a robust hosting plan remains essential for running Paid Memberships Pro effectively.
By following these guidelines and investing in quality hosting, you can ensure your membership site operates smoothly and efficiently, providing a better experience for your members.
Plans We Recommend
Below is a list of hosting companies we have worked with through our customers. Each host has specific recommendations and guides to set up a successful membership site.
| Hosting Company | Recommended Plan to Choose | Special Setup Docs |
|---|---|---|
| Nexcess | The Maker plan is the best option for a growing membership site. The “Spark” plan will work for smaller sites. | No special setup steps needed |
| SiteGround | The GoGeek plan offers strong performance with caching disabled. | SiteGround + PMPro Set Up Guide |
| Bluehost | The Plus or Choice Plus plans are our recommended options for Bluehost. | Bluehost + PMPro Set Up Guide |
| WP Engine | Any WP Engine plan will properly run Paid Memberships Pro. | WP Engine + PMPro Set Up Guide |
