• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content

Managed WordPress Security for Pennies a Day. Call (619) 479-6637

Managed WordPress Security with Heart

MENUMENU
  • Why HackGuard.com? Why Choose HackGuard.com?
  • HackGuard.com WordPress Managed Services Rates WordPress Managed Services Rates
  • HackGuard.com Articles HackGuard Articles Library
    • Hack Guard Customer Testimonials
    • The Risks of Running Multiple WordPress Sites on Shared Hosting Account and More…
    • Top 20 WordPress Plugins to Avoid
    • Why Should I Maintain My Own WordPress Website’s Backups?
    • How to Improve Junk Email Filtering at Gmail
    • WordPress 6.0.3 Security Release – Updated?
    • About that “Weekly jQuery Migrate Status Update” email
    • How to Change a WordPress User from Subscriber to Administrator Role
    • WordPress 4.9.3 – Going into the tunnel and never coming out…
    • How Do I Migrate WordPress to a Different Domain Name?
    • Community Blogging: A Short Guide
    • WordPress Troubleshooting and How to Fix WordPress Errors
    • Is My Web Host Secure? Maybe not…
    • How to remove the subdirectory name from your WordPress website address
    • How can I improve the performance of my WordPress website?
    • How can I improve the performance of my WordPress blog (Part 2)
    • Protecting WordPress Against Brute Force Attacks
    • How do I reset my WordPress password?
    • How To Clear Cron Jobs in WordPress
    • xmlrpc.php and Pingbacks and Denial of Service Attacks, Oh My!
    • Free Website Monitoring Services, well, mostly free...
    • How to choose a secure web hosting company for a WordPress website
    • WordPress 404 Page Setup - Do You Have Five Minutes?
    • Can mod_pagespeed Improve Page Load Speed (external link)?
    • Yoast WordPress SEO Settings and Recommendations
    • Is Your Mom Missing Her BUMM?

wordpress

The Risks of Running Multiple WordPress Sites on a Shared Hosting Account and More…

The Risks of Running Multiple WordPress Sites on Shared Hosting Account and More.png

Listen Listen in to the Recast article, “The Risks of Hosting Multiple WordPress Websites on One Shared Hosting Account”

In today’s online-business focused world, maintaining multiple websites to enhance one’s online presence is crucial for businesses and individuals alike. I manage many WordPress websites personally. And while I would never host more than one WordPress website in a single shared account, I get that this might not be cost effective for everyone.

In this article, we’ll delve into the risks associated with managing multiple WordPress websites on a shared hosting account and discuss ways to mitigate those risks, along with some helpful tips relating to WordPress hosting and website management. Strap in as we navigate the stormy waters of shared hosting.

 

Let’s Talk About…

1.0 The Allure of Shared Hosting

2.0 Understanding the Risks

2.1. Server-Level Security Vulnerabilities

2.2. Account-Level Performance Issues

2.3. Limited Resources

2.4. Mass-hack Risks

2.5. Inadequate Support

3.0 Mitigating the Risks

3.1. Choosing a Reputable Hosting Provider

3.2. Regular Backups

3.3. Implementing Security Measures

3.4. Monitoring Performance and Testing

3.5. Segregation is Key

3.6. Considering Alternatives to Shared Hosting

4.0 Conclusion

5.0 My Top-Fifty WordPress Related FAQs

 

1.0 Let’s Start With The Allure of Shared Hosting

Shared hosting is like the starter pack of web hosting services. It’s affordable, easy to set up, and suitable for small to medium-sized websites. With its low price tag and beginner-friendly features, it’s no wonder that so many people opt for shared hosting when managing multiple WordPress websites.

2.0 Understanding the Risks

Despite its attractive features, shared hosting comes with a number of inherent risks, especially when you’re managing multiple WordPress websites within the same shared hosting account. Let’s take a closer look at some of these risks.

2.1 Server-Level Security Vulnerabilities

Shared hosting means your websites share a server with other users’ websites. This arrangement can expose your websites to security threats like hacking, malware, and DDoS attacks. If one website on the server is compromised, it can put your websites sharing the same server at risk as well.

2.2 Account-Level Performance Issues

As you share resources like CPU, RAM, and bandwidth with other websites, there’s a higher potential for performance issues like slow loading times and server crashes. Performance problems can negatively impact user experience and especially search engine rankings.

2.3 Limited Resources

Shared hosting plans come with limited resources. When you manage multiple WordPress websites on a shared hosting account, you are more likely to inadvertently exceed your allocated resources, which can lead to unexpected website downtime and reduced performance.

2.4 Mass-hack Risks

In a shared hosting environment, websites share the same space and file structure. If one of the shared websites harbors an exploitable plugin, theme, or other PHP file, there is nothing stopping a would-be hacker from damaging, deleting, or editing the files and databases that are sharing your account.

Likewise, keep in mind that WordPress websites are often compromised through legitimate administrator logins as well, in addition to the more common PHP script exploits that can occur on any website. In a shared hosting environment, this means that if one of the WordPress installations sharing the same account is compromised, the administrator login credentials could be used to gain unauthorized access

3.0 Mitigating the Risks

Now that we’ve identified some of the risks, let’s explore some strategies to mitigate them.

3.1 Choosing a Reputable Hosting Provider

Choosing a reputable hosting provider with a proven track record and high customer service reviews can significantly reduce the risks associated with shared hosting. Look for providers with robust security measures, reliable performance, and excellent customer support. It’s worth noting that bigger hosts aren’t always the better choice when selecting a web host because hackers tend to target them more aggressively than smaller, less well-known hosting companies.

3.2 Regular Backups

Performing regular backups of your WordPress websites to an external cloud service provider such as Google Drive, Dropbox or Wasabi is essential in case of security breaches or data loss. Backups allow you to restore your websites quickly, minimizing downtime and damage.

3.3 Implementing Security Measures

Take proactive steps to secure your websites, such as installing SSL certificates, keeping WordPress and plugins up-to-date, using strong passwords, implementing two-factor authentication, and installing a WordPress exploit monitoring plugin like Wordfence or iThemes Security.

3.4 Monitoring Performance and Testing

Monitor your websites’ performance using tools like GTmetrix, Pingdom and WebPageTest.
Regular monitoring helps you identify and address performance issues before they escalate.

3.5 Segregation is Key

By limiting the number of WordPress installations within your shared account, you can significantly reduce the risk of a mass-hacking “situation” affecting all of your websites.

Why? Because each website installed within the shared account presents multiple potential vulnerability points that could be exploited by hackers. By installing too many WordPress installations, you’re essentially increasing the attack surface of your shared account, making it more vulnerable to attacks.

By limiting the number of WordPress installations to no more than three per shared hosting account, you can significantly reduce the number of potential vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hackers, ultimately reducing the risk of a mass-hacking scenario affecting all of your websites.

3.6 Considering Alternatives to Shared Hosting

If you’ve read this article and feel that the risks of shared hosting outweigh the benefits, there are several alternatives that you can consider. One option is to use a virtual private server (VPS), which provides you with more resources, greater control, and better security than a shared hosting account. Another option is dedicated hosting (DS), which gives you exclusive use of a server for maximum performance and security.

Alternatively, you could consider hiring a managed WordPress services provider to help manage your WordPress website. These providers offer specialized support for WordPress websites and can help you with everything from security to performance optimization. By choosing one of these alternatives, you can enjoy the benefits of better security, more resources, and specialized support for your WordPress website.

4.0 Conclusion

Managing multiple WordPress websites on a shared hosting account can be an attractive option due to its affordability and ease of use, but it’s essential to understand the potential risks involved. By taking proactive steps to secure your websites, limiting the number of WordPress installations within your shared account, and considering alternatives like VPS, DS, or managed WordPress services, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with shared hosting. By following the strategies provided in this article, you can maintain a secure and high-performing online presence across all of your websites.

 

5.0 My Top-Fifty WordPress Related FAQs

In writing this article, it became apparent that some of the concepts presented may not be clear to a new web designer setting up shop for the first time. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to improve your existing websites, my hope is that these FAQs will help you navigate the world of WordPress hosting and website management.

1. Is shared hosting suitable for multiple WordPress websites? Shared hosting can be suitable for small to medium-sized WordPress websites, but it’s essential to understand the potential risks and take necessary precautions to mitigate them.

2. What are the main risks of managing multiple WordPress websites on a shared hosting account? The main risks include security vulnerabilities, performance issues, limited resources, cross-contamination, and inadequate support.

3. How can I improve the security of my WordPress websites on a shared hosting account? You can improve security by choosing a reputable hosting provider, performing regular backups, implementing security measures like SSL certificates and two-factor authentication, and keeping your WordPress core and plugins up to date.

4. What are some alternatives to shared hosting for managing multiple WordPress websites? Alternatives to shared hosting include virtual private servers (VPS), dedicated hosting, and managed WordPress hosting. These options provide more resources, enhanced security, and specialized support for WordPress websites.

5. How can I monitor the performance of my WordPress websites on a shared hosting account? You can use tools like Google Analytics, GTmetrix, Pingdom and WebPageTest to monitor your websites’ performance. Regular monitoring helps identify and address performance issues before they escalate.

6. How can I avoid cross-contamination between my websites on a shared hosting account? To avoid cross-contamination, implement security best practices, such as using strong passwords, keeping your WordPress core and plugins up to date, and monitoring your websites for suspicious activity. Additionally, consider using separate hosting accounts or even different hosting providers for each website to minimize the risk of cross-contamination.

7. How can I tell if my shared hosting account has enough resources for all of my WordPress websites? Monitor the usage of your allocated resources, such as CPU, RAM, and bandwidth, using your hosting provider’s control panel or analytics tools. If you notice consistent over-usage, consider upgrading to a higher-tier shared hosting plan or switching to an alternative hosting solution with more resources.

8. How often should I back up my WordPress websites on a shared hosting account? The frequency of backups depends on the nature and complexity of your websites. As a general rule, perform daily backups for websites with regular updates and frequent changes. For less dynamic websites, weekly or bi-weekly backups may be sufficient. Always store backups off-site to ensure their safety.

9. Can I improve the performance of my WordPress websites on a shared hosting account without switching to another hosting solution? Yes, you can improve performance by optimizing your websites, such as compressing images, minifying CSS and JavaScript files, using caching plugins, and employing a content delivery network (CDN). However, if resource limitations are the main cause of performance issues, you may need to consider alternative hosting solutions.

10. Is it better to have separate shared hosting accounts for each WordPress website? Having separate shared hosting accounts for each WordPress website can minimize the risk of cross-contamination and improve resource allocation. However, this approach may increase your overall hosting costs. Weigh the benefits against the costs to determine the best solution for your specific needs.

11. Can I host both my personal and business WordPress websites on the same shared hosting account? You can host both personal and business WordPress websites on the same shared hosting account, but it’s important to evaluate the risks and potential consequences. If one website experiences a security breach or performance issues, it may impact the other websites on the same account. In such cases, it might be wiser to use separate hosting accounts or different hosting solutions for each website.

12. How important is customer support when choosing a shared hosting provider for multiple WordPress websites? Customer support is crucial when choosing a shared hosting provider, especially when managing multiple WordPress websites. Reputable providers offer knowledgeable and responsive support teams that can help you address technical issues, optimize website performance, and maintain a secure environment.

13. What are the key factors to consider when choosing a shared hosting provider for multiple WordPress websites? Some key factors to consider include the provider’s reputation, security measures, resource allocations, performance, customer support, and pricing. Analyze each factor based on your specific requirements and weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

14. How can I ensure my WordPress websites remain up to date and secure on a shared hosting account? To keep your WordPress websites secure and up to date, regularly update the WordPress core, themes, and plugins, use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and employ security plugins or services. Additionally, stay informed about the latest security threats and best practices to maintain a secure environment.

15. Can I use a single SSL certificate for all my WordPress websites on a shared hosting account? A single-domain SSL certificate can secure only one domain. If you want to secure multiple domains on the same shared hosting account, consider using a multi-domain SSL certificate (also known as a SAN or UCC certificate) or purchasing individual SSL certificates for each domain.

16. Can I host an e-commerce store along with other WordPress websites on a shared hosting account? Yes, you can host an e-commerce store alongside other WordPress websites on a shared hosting account. However, e-commerce websites often require more resources and higher security measures compared to regular websites. Before hosting an e-commerce store on a shared hosting account, ensure the account has adequate resources, robust security features, and supports e-commerce plugins or platforms like WooCommerce.

17. How can I manage the database of multiple WordPress websites on a shared hosting account? You can manage the databases of your multiple WordPress websites using your hosting provider’s control panel, usually cPanel or Plesk. These control panels offer database management tools like phpMyAdmin, allowing you to create, modify, and manage databases for each of your websites.

18. Can I host a membership site along with other WordPress websites on a shared hosting account? You can host a membership site alongside other WordPress websites on a shared hosting account. However, membership sites often involve sensitive user data and may require more resources, especially if you have a large number of members or regularly updated content. Evaluate your shared hosting account’s resources and security measures to ensure they meet the needs of your membership site.

19. How can I optimize the loading speed of multiple WordPress websites on a shared hosting account? To optimize the loading speed of your WordPress websites, use image compression tools, enable browser caching, minify CSS and JavaScript files, and employ a content delivery network (CDN). Additionally, choose a hosting provider with servers close to your target audience, and use performance monitoring tools to identify bottlenecks and areas for improvement.

20. What is the best backup solution for multiple WordPress websites on a shared hosting account? The best backup solution depends on your specific needs and budget. You can use WordPress backup plugins like UpdraftPlus or WP Time Capsule to schedule automatic backups. Alternatively, you can utilize your hosting provider’s built-in backup tools or subscribe to a third-party backup service. Ensure you store backups off-site and have multiple copies for added security.

21. How can I handle email accounts for multiple WordPress websites on a shared hosting account? Most shared hosting providers offer email services along with web hosting. You can create and manage email accounts for each of your WordPress websites using your hosting provider’s control panel (such as cPanel or Plesk). These control panels allow you to set up email accounts, configure email forwarding, and manage spam filters. Alternatively, you can use third-party email hosting services like Google Workspace or Microsoft Office 365 for more advanced email features and integration with other productivity tools.

22. Can I upgrade my shared hosting account to a higher plan if I need more resources for my multiple WordPress websites? Yes, you can typically upgrade your shared hosting plan to a higher-tier plan that offers more resources if needed. Most hosting providers offer seamless upgrades without any downtime or significant disruptions to your websites. However, if you still experience performance or resource limitations after upgrading, you may want to consider alternative hosting solutions like VPS, dedicated, or managed WordPress hosting.

23. How do I know if I need to switch from shared hosting to another hosting solution for my multiple WordPress websites? Some signs that you may need to switch from shared hosting to another hosting solution include consistently slow loading times, frequent downtime, exceeding allocated resources, persistent security issues, or the need for more control and customization. If you encounter these issues even after optimizing your websites and upgrading to a higher-tier shared hosting plan, consider alternative hosting solutions like VPS, dedicated, or managed WordPress hosting.

24. Can I host a WordPress multisite network on a shared hosting account? Yes, you can host a WordPress multisite network on a shared hosting account, but it’s important to ensure your hosting provider supports multisite installations and provides sufficient resources for your network’s needs. Due to the increased complexity and resource requirements of multisite networks, you may want to consider VPS, dedicated, or managed WordPress hosting solutions for better performance and scalability.

25. How can I monitor the traffic of multiple WordPress websites on a shared hosting account? You can monitor the traffic of your multiple WordPress websites using web analytics tools like Google Analytics, Jetpack Stats, or Matomo. These tools provide insights into visitor behavior, traffic sources, and website performance, helping you make data-driven decisions to optimize your online presence. Additionally, check your hosting provider’s control panel for server-side traffic statistics and resource usage information.

26. Is it possible to manage multiple WordPress websites from a single dashboard on a shared hosting account? Yes, you can manage multiple WordPress websites from a single dashboard using WordPress management tools like ManageWP, InfiniteWP, or MainWP. These tools allow you to update WordPress core, themes, and plugins, perform backups, monitor performance, and manage security across all your websites from one central location, making it easier to maintain multiple WordPress websites on a shared hosting account.

27. Can I use different domain registrars for my multiple WordPress websites on a shared hosting account? Yes, you can use different domain registrars for your multiple WordPress websites hosted on a shared hosting account. Just ensure that you configure the DNS settings properly for each domain in your hosting provider’s control panel to avoid any issues.

28. How can I improve the search engine rankings of my multiple WordPress websites on a shared hosting account? To improve the search engine rankings of your multiple WordPress websites, implement SEO best practices such as optimizing your website structure, creating high-quality and relevant content, using descriptive and keyword-rich URLs, optimizing title tags and meta descriptions, and incorporating internal and external links. Additionally, ensure your websites load quickly, are mobile-friendly, and have a secure HTTPS connection.

29. Is it necessary to use a content delivery network (CDN) for multiple WordPress websites on a shared hosting account? While it’s not necessary to use a CDN for multiple WordPress websites on a shared hosting account, using one can improve website performance, especially for visitors located far from your hosting provider’s server. A CDN stores copies of your website content on servers located around the world, ensuring faster loading times and reduced server load. This can be particularly beneficial for websites with a global audience or high traffic.

30. How can I secure the login pages of my multiple WordPress websites on a shared hosting account? To secure the login pages of your multiple WordPress websites, implement security measures such as using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, limiting login attempts, and changing the default “wp-admin” and “wp-login” URLs. Additionally, consider using security plugins like Wordfence or iThemes Security to add an extra layer of protection to your websites’ login pages.

31. Can I migrate multiple WordPress websites to a different shared hosting account or hosting solution? Yes, you can migrate multiple WordPress websites to a different shared hosting account or an alternative hosting solution, such as VPS, dedicated, or managed WordPress hosting. To perform the migration, you can use WordPress migration plugins like Duplicator, All-in-One WP Migration, or Migrate Guru, or you can follow a manual migration process by transferring files and databases. Before migrating, ensure you have proper backups of all your websites and verify that your new hosting provider meets your requirements.

32. How can I prevent spam on my multiple WordPress websites on a shared hosting account? To prevent spam on your multiple WordPress websites, you can use anti-spam plugins like Akismet, Antispam Bee, or CleanTalk. These plugins help identify and block spam comments and form submissions. Additionally, you can implement security measures like reCAPTCHA or honeypot fields on your comment and contact forms to deter automated spam bots.

33. How do I choose the right themes and plugins for my multiple WordPress websites on a shared hosting account?

When choosing themes and plugins for your multiple WordPress websites, consider the following factors:

  • Reputation: Opt for themes and plugins from reputable developers with positive reviews and a history of regular updates.
  • Compatibility: Ensure the themes and plugins are compatible with your version of WordPress and other installed plugins.
  • Performance: Choose lightweight themes and plugins that won’t slow down your websites or consume excessive resources.
  • Security: Look for themes and plugins with a strong focus on security and no history of vulnerabilities.
  • Functionality: Select themes and plugins that meet your specific needs without adding unnecessary features or complexity.

34: Best Practices for Managing Multiple WordPress Websites on a Shared Hosting Account

Some best practices for managing multiple WordPress websites on a shared hosting account include:

    • Regularly update WordPress core, themes, and plugins.
    • Implement strong security measures, such as using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and employing security plugins.
    • Optimize website performance using caching plugins, image optimization, and minification of CSS and JavaScript files.
    • Monitor resource usage and traffic to ensure your websites are not exceeding the allocated resources on your shared hosting account.
    • Regularly back up your websites and store backups off-site.
    • Use a centralized management tool like ManageWP, InfiniteWP, or MainWP to streamline the maintenance of multiple WordPress websites.

35: Ensuring Privacy of Multiple WordPress Websites on a Shared Hosting Account
To ensure the privacy of your multiple WordPress websites on a shared hosting account, follow these steps:

  • Use SSL certificates to encrypt data transferred between your websites and visitors.
  • Implement strong authentication measures, such as strong passwords and two-factor authentication, to prevent unauthorized access.
  • Regularly update WordPress core, themes, and plugins to address potential security vulnerabilities.
  • Use privacy-focused plugins like WP GDPR Compliance or Cookie Notice to help you comply with data protection regulations like GDPR.
  • Review and update your websites’ privacy policies to accurately reflect the data collection, usage, and sharing practices of your websites.

36. How can I set up staging environments for my multiple WordPress websites on a shared hosting account?

To set up staging environments for your multiple WordPress websites, follow these steps:

  1. Check if your hosting provider offers a built-in staging feature, and if so, use it to create staging environments for your websites. You can find a list of hosting providers that offer staging features here.
  2. If your hosting provider doesn’t offer a staging feature, you can use WordPress plugins like WP Staging, Duplicator, or All-in-One WP Migration to create staging environments.
  3. Alternatively, you can set up a manual staging environment by creating a subdomain or subdirectory for each staging site, copying the files and database, and adjusting the configuration settings.

Remember that staging environments consume resources on your shared hosting account, so ensure you have adequate resources available to accommodate them without affecting your live websites.
37. How can I monitor the uptime of my multiple WordPress websites on a shared hosting account?
To monitor the uptime of your multiple WordPress websites, you can use website monitoring tools like Uptime Robot, Pingdom, or StatusCake. These tools automatically check your websites at regular intervals and notify you if they detect any downtime. Monitoring uptime helps you identify and address potential issues with your shared hosting account and ensure your websites remain accessible to your visitors.

38. What should I consider when choosing a shared hosting provider for hosting multiple WordPress websites?

When choosing a shared hosting provider for hosting multiple WordPress websites, consider the following factors:

  • Resources: Ensure the provider offers adequate resources (storage, bandwidth, and processing power) to support all your websites.
  • Scalability: Check if the provider allows seamless upgrades to higher-tier plans or alternative hosting solutions as your websites grow.
  • Reliability: Look for a provider with a strong track record of uptime and performance.
  • Support: Choose a provider that offers responsive and knowledgeable customer support, preferably with experience in WordPress-related issues.
  • Security: Evaluate the provider’s security features, such as SSL certificates, backups, and malware scanning.
  • Price: Compare prices and features among different providers to find the best value for your needs.

39. How can I manage the media files of multiple WordPress websites on a shared hosting account?
To manage the media files of your multiple WordPress websites, you can use media management plugins like WP Media Folder, FileBird, or Enhanced Media Library. These plugins help you organize and manage your media files more efficiently by offering features such as folders, categories, and tags. Additionally, consider using image optimization plugins like ShortPixel, Imagify, or Smush to reduce file sizes and improve website performance.

40. How can I track the success of my multiple WordPress websites on a shared hosting account?

To track the success of your multiple WordPress websites, use web analytics tools like Google Analytics, Jetpack Stats, or Matomo. These tools provide valuable insights into visitor behavior, traffic sources, conversion rates, and other key performance indicators (KPIs). Regularly monitoring and analyzing this data can help you make informed decisions to improve your websites’ performance, user experience, and overall success.

41. Can I use a single security plugin to protect multiple WordPress websites on a shared hosting account?

While you can’t use a single security plugin installation to protect all your websites on a shared hosting account, you can install the same security plugin on each of your WordPress websites. Plugins like Wordfence, iThemes Security, or Sucuri provide a range of security features, including firewall protection, malware scanning, and login security, to help keep your websites safe. Regularly update and configure the security plugins on each website to ensure maximum protection.

42. Can I use a single caching plugin to improve the performance of multiple WordPress websites on a shared hosting account?

Similar to security plugins, you can’t use a single caching plugin installation for all your websites on a shared hosting account. However, you can install the same caching plugin on each of your WordPress websites to improve their performance. Popular caching plugins like W3 Total Cache, WP Super Cache, or WP Rocket can help reduce loading times and server load by caching static content, minifying files, and implementing other performance optimizations.

43. How can I manage user accounts and permissions for multiple WordPress websites on a shared hosting account?

To manage user accounts and permissions for your multiple WordPress websites, you can use user management plugins like User Role Editor, Members, or Advanced Access Manager. These plugins allow you to create custom user roles, modify existing roles, and control access to various features and content on your websites. By managing user accounts and permissions effectively, you can ensure that only authorized users have access to sensitive areas of your websites and reduce the risk of unauthorized changes or security breaches.

44. How can I optimize the databases of multiple WordPress websites on a shared hosting account?

To optimize the databases of your multiple WordPress websites, you can use database optimization plugins like WP-Optimize, Advanced Database Cleaner, or WP-Sweep. These plugins help clean up unnecessary data, such as revisions, spam comments, and expired transients, and can also optimize the database tables for better performance. Regularly optimizing your databases can help reduce server load and improve the performance of your websites on a shared hosting account.

45. Can I use a single backup solution for multiple WordPress websites on a shared hosting account?

Although you can’t use a single backup solution installation for all your websites on a shared hosting account, you can install the same backup plugin on each of your WordPress websites. Plugins like UpdraftPlus or WP Time Capsule allow you to schedule automatic backups, store them off-site, and restore your websites if needed. Regularly backing up your websites ensures that you can recover your data in case of a security breach, server failure, or other unexpected events.

46. How do I handle email for multiple WordPress websites on a shared hosting account?

To handle email for your multiple WordPress websites on a shared hosting account, you can:

  1. Use your hosting provider’s email service, if available, to create email accounts for each domain.
  2. Set up email forwarding rules to redirect emails to your preferred email accounts.
  3. Use a third-party email service like G Suite, Zoho Mail, or Microsoft 365 for more advanced features and better deliverability.
  4. Use SMTP plugins like WP Mail SMTP, Post SMTP, or Easy WP SMTP to configure your WordPress websites to send emails through a third-party SMTP server, which can improve email deliverability and reduce the chances of your emails being marked as spam.

47. Can I use a single maintenance mode plugin for multiple WordPress websites on a shared hosting account?

You can’t use a single maintenance mode plugin installation for all your websites on a shared hosting account. However, you can install the same maintenance mode plugin on each of your WordPress websites. Plugins like SeedProd, WP Maintenance Mode, or Under Construction Page allow you to create custom maintenance mode or coming soon pages that inform visitors when your websites are temporarily unavailable due to updates, maintenance, or development work.

48. Can I use a single SEO plugin to optimize multiple WordPress websites on a shared hosting account?

Although you can’t use a single SEO plugin installation for all your websites on a shared hosting account, you can install the same SEO plugin on each of your WordPress websites. Popular SEO plugins like Yoast SEO, Rank Math, or All in One SEO Pack provide a range of features to help you optimize your websites for search engines, including XML sitemaps, meta tags, schema markup, and content analysis.

49. How can I automate updates for multiple WordPress websites on a shared hosting account?

To automate updates for your multiple WordPress websites, you can:

  1. Enable automatic updates for WordPress core, themes, and plugins in each website’s wp-config.php file or by using plugins like Easy Updates Manager or Companion Auto Update.
  2. Use a WordPress management tool like ManageWP, InfiniteWP, or MainWP to centrally manage updates for all your websites from a single dashboard.

Remember that automatic updates can sometimes cause compatibility issues or break your websites, so it’s essential to have regular backups and monitor your websites closely for any issues after updates.

50. Can I use a single analytics solution for multiple WordPress websites on a shared hosting account?

You can’t use a single analytics solution installation for all your websites on a shared hosting account, but you can use the same analytics service, like Google Analytics, to track the performance of each website. To do this, set up separate tracking codes for each website within your analytics account and add the tracking code to each website using a plugin or by manually inserting it into the website’s header or footer. By using a single analytics service, you can easily monitor the performance of all your websites and compare data across multiple sites.

 


Disclaimer:
This post was written by Jim Walker for informational purposes only, was not solicited, nor paid for respectively.

 

Filed Under: Call (619) 479-6637 Tagged With: Hosting Alternatives, Managing Multiple Websites, server security, Shared Hosting, Site Backups, Web Hosting Risks, Website Performance, website security, wordpress, WordPress Hosting

Community Blogging: A Short Guide

Yesterday a client asked me this question about WordPress guest editing and publishing (a.k.a. community blogging):

+++++

Hi, Jim. Wondering if you had any knowledge or ideas on the following.

I’m interested to find out whether there exists some sort of WordPress plug-in that would allow our readers to input a story and art directly into our site, and submit it to be published on our site. Once we got an email notification, we could edit it and publish it.

My thinking is that our readers could do some of the work for us, thus improving our coverage AND making our news more timely and relevant. My cursory Google search didn’t really turn up anything.

Any thoughts or direction on that?

+++++

So today I put my thinking cap on. And wrote this article to better answer his question on how to handle guest or community publishing:

WordPress is nicely suited to allowing readers the ability to post new content and media. And like any publishing platform, your prospective writer must first have an account on your website in order to post or edit articles respectively.

 

1

First, let’s add an “Author” to WordPress

Out of the box, WordPress allows you to add potential authors to your website. See the “Add New User” area within your WordPress Dashboard. Once you set your writer up with the role of “Author” that person will be able to add or edit his or her media and articles.
Quick Edit Link

Maybe you have an article written and like to have a guest “Author” take over the editing of an article?
That’s easy! Within your list of “Posts”, use the Quick Edit option to assign the new “Author” to your article (picture at right).

About the “Author” role

An assigned “Author” will only be able to edit his or her articles and media.

  1. The good.
    An “Author” may only add or edit his or her article.
  2. The not so good.
    An “Author” may publish articles as he or she see’s fit, without restriction or editorial review.

In the example at right, I’ve set my “Author”, as username “archereditor1” to a single article. While the “Author” “archereditor1” may be able to view all posts or pages, he cannot edit any articles but his own.

 

1

But what if you would like to have finer control of the editorial process or simply prevent an “Author” from publishing?

There are a number of plugins available to do just that. Edit Flow, User Access Manager or Capability Manager Enhanced are solid options.

These WordPress plugins will help to ensure “Authors” are limited in regard to what they can do within your WordPress Dashboard.

* If you have some ambitious editor article writing goals, then I recommend checking out the Edit Flow plugin.

* If you wish to set up groups of writers and limit access to specific articles then User Access Manager should do the trick.

* If your goal is to allow a single “Author” the ability to write articles as he or she wishes, while retaining control of publishing, then Capability Manager Enhanced may work just fine.

 

Capability Manager Enhanced pluginWith Capability Manager Enhanced, first set up your “Author” as described above (#1).

After installing the plugin, click the “Users” link within your WordPress dashboard, and you’ll see below that a new link option, “Capabilities“.

 

At first, you may be overwhelmed by all of the boxes; reminiscent of the days when Mom forced you to go to Bingo! with her and your baby brother on Friday nights (such simpler times…). But I digress. It’s a lot less complicated than it looks at first glance.

Just follow the numbers:

Setting roles and capabilities

In #1 above, be sure to select “Author” then the Load button to start. Set other editing options as needed, then scroll down and click the Save button near the bottom of the page.

 

Submit for review onlyOnce saved, your budding “Author” may write to his or hers heart’s content but will not be able to publish!

Oh, and the bonus feature:
Recall the note above on using Quick Edit to assign a given “Author” to an article?

Well, once Capability Manager Enhanced is installed, you may likewise assign your post or page “Author” via an option drop-down menu near the bottom of the page or post. The option setting appears like the picture at right.Assign an Author

 

 

All done!

I do hope you’ve found this article describing how to limit WordPress “Author” article writing and publishing helpful.

If you have suggestions or additions to this WordPress publishing related article please be sure to email me anytime, jim at HackRepair.com

Enjoy!

 

Pro tip.
Like to further reduce your guess Author’s dashboard options, check out the Remove Dashboard Access plugin.

___
Editorial reviewers – Thank you! Elizabeth Pampalone, Christina Hills, Joyce Walker

Filed Under: Call (619) 479-6637 Tagged With: article editing, Author, editing user role, guest author publishing, Publishing, security, User Role limiting, wordpress, WordPress publishing

Is Your Mom Missing Her BUMM?

For most, website security is about as boring as watching paint dry. But you don’t have to be super smart to develop a reasonable website security plan.

My hope in this short website security article is to entertain and education you on how easy it can be to implement a basic website security plan for your website.

Do you have two minutes to learn whether your Mom is missing her BUMM?

 

BUMMer! You don't have a security plan?
BUMMer! You don’t have a security plan?

 

Let’s start with your BUMM

 

Backups

 

Updates

 

Maintenance

 

Monitor

 

 

Let’s face it, most of us are simply too overwhelmed with day to day “stuff” to worry about the “what ifs” of website security, including worrying about Mom’s blog…

So let’s fix your Mom up with a practical WordPress security plan.

 

Let’s Build Your WordPress Security Plan Today

 

Backups

Do you have at least one backup of your website files and database saved this week? Backups are your numero uno first line of defense against accidental or not so accidental damage to your WordPress blog.

You may not be able to control every aspect of your WordPress versions, plugins, or scripting, but you can easily control your backups schedule. The added benefit of regular backups is the “I’m so smart!” feeling you’ll experience in the event a WordPress update goes unexpectedly sideways.

 A daily and a weekly backup is recommended.

 Recommendation: Set BackWPup, Updraft Plus or Backup Buddy to back up your site to Google Drive or Dropbox. 

Articles: How to Set Up Google Drive For Backing Up Your WordPress Blog

 

Updates

WordPress version updates and plugin updates are a regular occurrence. Don’t ignore these. And if you maintain regular backups you’ll find that even a tragically failed update can be recovered from without too much pain and suffering. Theme updates can be a bit more problematic, though very important as well.

 Set a reminder in your calendar to update your WordPress blog and all plugins monthly, or more often if you can manage it.

 Set your calendar to plan a theme update every six months (if one is available).

 Recommendation: Try Google Now Reminders (for reminders)

 

Maintenance

Website maintenance, the “oopsy” aspect of website security tends to be overlooked by most budding WordPress bloggers. Periodic maintenance includes deleting inactive themes and inactive plugins no longer needed; easy enough to reinstall later so why take a chance. And old test blogs, development or staging sites, and scripts should be deleted if not actively maintained as well.

Surprisingly, a good percentage of websites are compromised every day due to folks dutifully maintaining their primary blog, but forgetting to delete the old test site or blog they had installed years before. Old scripts are hacker magnets.

 Don’t like hackers? Make sure to delete those old or inactive scripts.

 

Monitor (inside and out)

Monitoring is way easier than you might think. Services like Uptime Robot, Changedetection.com, and even Google Alerts are free, easy to setup monitoring options.

Every computer OS has a range of free to low-cost software for monitoring websites and content as well. There are no lack of free monitoring options, so if your excuse is, “website monitoring costs too much,” well, I have a secret for you, some of the best website monitors cost nothing but the three to five minutes required to set them up.

The question I hear most often regarding monitoring, is, “What do I monitor?”
That’s a fair question. Content is one and uptime is the other.

I use Changedetection.com and Google Alerts to monitor my own website for text changes and my brand respectively. Anytime my website address is newly listed within Google I’m sent an email (from Google Alerts). If my site is compromised, and some hacker peeps decides to brag about their conquest and Google indexes their rants, I’ll receive a notice same day. Yes, hackers I’m watching you!

As for uptime, Uptime Robot is fairly accurate. Downtime happens. Though frequent downtime may be as much your fault as your web hosters server. Hackers can easily overwhelm most websites via botnets; available at your local Dark Net shop for a million hits per penny ($0.01). If your site is offline more often than normal that may mean you are being attacked. And if you are being attacked and the last time you logged into your blog was, “I can’t seem to remember the last time I logged in…,” well, that could be a hint.

Did I log in from China yesterday?
Hmm, I must have been sleep walking…

Internal monitoring? Absolutely! Monitoring who logs in and when can be one of the best proactive steps you can take in monitoring the security of your blog.  See the plugins Stream and WP Security Audit Log plugins for more details.

Recommendation: Test drive Uptime Robot, Changedetection.com, Google Alerts and Stream. You’ll be glad you did.

Articles: Video: How to monitor your website for malicious content using Google Alerts, How Can I Monitor File Changes Within My Website?

 

Following the general security plan items outlined above may just save you hours of future frustration and heartache. So get your BUMM up and help yourself, not the hackers!

HackGuard.com | Managed WordPress Update ServiceAnd if you simply don’t have the time to maintain a secure website and can afford 30 cents a day, HackGuard.com just may be the answer you are looking for. Call (619) 479-6637 today.

 

 Please pass this article along to a friend, family, or clients.
The acronym B.U.M.M is free for use and not trademarked.
This review is 100% affiliate link free. Plugin authors were not asked to contribute to this review. No monies were paid to write this article.

 

Filed Under: Call (619) 479-6637 Tagged With: security, security plan, wordpress

Proactive WordPress Security Management for Pennies a Day™

© Copyright 2022 HackGuard.com™, HackRepair.com™,
The Hack Repair Guy™, Hack Repair Guy™
Copyright and Trademark Statement | Privacy Policy

Call HackRepair.com for website security help, (619) 479-6637.
Content Approved By Jim Walker, The Hack Repair Guy