WordPress hosting: choosing a suitable host and setting up the server

Hosting is often chosen in a hurry: the first offer that comes along, or wherever the previous developer happened to put the site years ago. The result is a slow site, a PHP version that is several years out of date, no backups, or order e-mails that land in spam. Zezz is not a hosting company and we do not resell server space. We help you choose an Estonian or European host that fits the size of your site and set the server up so that WordPress runs properly on it.

The outcome is a working hosting account in your name: domain and DNS pointed correctly, SSL certificate in place, PHP version and limits suitable for WordPress, caching and automatic backups switched on, and e-mail sending configured. If the site already exists somewhere, we move it to the new host without downtime.

What the work includes

Hosting recommendation. We look at the size of the site, its traffic and technical needs (WooCommerce, multiple languages, integrations) and advise whether shared hosting is enough or whether you need a VPS or managed WordPress hosting. In Estonia we often work with Zone.ee, for example, but the choice depends on your situation.
Account and domain. We create the hosting account in your name, point the domain and configure the DNS records. The account and the domain always remain your property.
SSL certificate. We install a certificate (usually Let’s Encrypt), set up automatic renewal and redirect all traffic to HTTPS.
PHP and server limits. We select a PHP version supported by WordPress, set the memory limit, upload size and execution time to match the site, and check that the required PHP extensions are present.
Caching. We enable server-side page caching and object caching (Redis or Memcached) where the host offers them, and configure WordPress to use them.
Backups. We set up automatic daily backups of files and the database and check that they can actually be restored.
E-mail sending. We route WordPress e-mail through SMTP and add SPF, DKIM and DMARC records to the domain so that order confirmations and form notifications reach the inbox.
Staging environment. Where the host supports a staging copy, we set it up so that updates can be tested before going live.
Migration. If needed, we move the existing site to the new server, check everything and switch DNS only once the new location works.

Typical situations

Most often we are asked about a new site that has no hosting yet and an owner who does not know what to look for. The second typical case is a site on a cheap foreign host where the PHP version is years old, support is slow to respond and the server sits on another continent, which makes the site slow for Estonian visitors. The third is an online shop that has outgrown shared hosting: the site freezes at peak times and order confirmation e-mails never arrive. The fourth is a site whose hosting is held in a former developer’s name while the owner wants the account under their own control.

What we need from you

Access to the domain registrar account, or the right to change DNS records.
For an existing site, access to the current hosting and a WordPress administrator account.
A decision on whose name the hosting contract goes in, and a contact person for invoices.
An overview of the site’s needs: traffic, whether it is a shop, integrations, languages.

What is not included

The hosting fee itself: you sign the contract directly with the host and the invoice comes from them.
Optimising the site’s code and content for speed, which is a separate service.
Day-to-day mailbox administration; a deeper analysis of e-mail delivery is separate work: e-mail deliverability.
Monthly server monitoring and WordPress updates, which we offer as part of website maintenance.

Who it suits

The service suits a company launching a new WordPress site, or one whose current hosting is slow, outdated or held in someone else’s name. If you also need WordPress installed on an empty server, see WordPress installation. If the site is already on decent hosting and you only need to move it to another server, the more specific service is server migration.

approx. 2 h Typical scope

50 € Hourly rate + VAT

100 € Estimated total

Get an exact price

This is an estimate, not a quote. We’ll review your site free of charge first and tell you the exact time required. If the job turns out smaller, you pay less – we bill for the time actually spent.

How this job works

Send an enquiry

Send us your site address and a couple of sentences about the problem. We usually reply the same or the next working day.
We review it and give you the price

The assessment is free. You’ll know the exact time and price before you decide on anything.
We do the work and report back

We take a backup before making changes. When the work is done you get a summary of exactly what was done and what to keep an eye on going forward.

Frequently asked questions

Does Zezz provide hosting itself?

No. We do not sell or resell server space. We recommend a host that fits your site, set up the account in your name, and the hosting invoice comes directly from the host.

Which host do you recommend?

It depends on the size and needs of the site. In Estonia we often work with Zone.ee, but a small site is fine on shared hosting, while a larger shop may need a VPS or managed WordPress hosting. We decide after the free review.

What should I look for in a WordPress host?

Supported PHP versions and how easily they can be upgraded, automatic backups and a way to restore them, server location (Estonia or Europe for Estonian visitors), support in a language you can work in, and the option to create a staging copy.

Does moving to a new host mean downtime?

Usually not. We copy the site to the new server, test it there and switch DNS only when everything works. The old server stays running in parallel for a few days.

How much does it cost and how fast is it done?

We start with a free review and estimate and bill by actual time spent. Account setup is usually done within a couple of working days; migrating an existing site adds time depending on its size.

Testimonials

What our clients say

Long-standing partnerships say more than any slogan. Several of the clients below have been with us for over seven years.

We have worked with Birk for eight years now. This time we wanted a new website for the company, and the goals were set high from the very start – in visuals, functionality, manageability and SEO. Thanks to Birk’s professional approach we got a website of a high standard that met our expectations 100%. The collaboration went smoothly because Birk is a very good and direct communicator, helpful, dependable and conscientious.

Karina Riive LIGNAMETS OÜ, FARMLAND PURCHASING MANAGER

We ordered a feature-rich bespoke online store from Zezz. It was also important that it integrate with our accounting software. Zezz handled the task well and has been our day-to-day web development partner since 2018. Overall score 8/10 – there is always room to do better.

Aivo Kuldmeri WESTBERG KAUBANDUS, MANAGING DIRECTOR

As a client you sometimes feel that you don’t know exactly how, and sometimes not even exactly what. But our collaboration has produced a website that our own people value and others try to copy. Thank you for the patience, the good ideas and the understanding. Thank you for visualising it and making it visible. I liked that Zezz keeps its word and stays flexible.

Mart Tilk MANAGER, MÄRJAMAA SPORTS CENTRE

See our clients and testimonials

Get in touch

Let’s talk about your project

The first hour of consultation is free and comes with no obligation. We usually reply the same or the next working day.

The first hour is free – even if we don’t end up working together
You get a concrete price and timeline, not a vague “about”
No sales pressure and no automated follow-up calls

+372 5685 6556 hello@zezz.ee

Request a quote

Describe what you need in a couple of sentences. We’ll get in touch and arrange a free consultation.

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