Is Network Solutions a Smart Investment?
Network Solutions provides a variety of WordPress hosting plans designed to be simple, fast, and budget-friendly, offering features like professional email, cloud backups, and a free domain name. It delivers beginner-friendly tools as well as options suitable for agencies, creating a streamlined and scalable environment for building and managing WordPress websites. Network Solutions at a Glance
Easy Setup
Security Essentials
Servers
Technical Features
Customer Service
Overview
All About Network Solutions
Designed for both beginners and advanced users, Network Solutions delivers a wide range of WordPress hosting services, including managed plans with one-click installs, automatic updates, and strong security features. Its offerings include professional email, free domain registration with annual plans, and site management tools like staging environments. Additionally, it provides website builder tools, professional design services, and comprehensive support, making it a versatile platform for building and managing WordPress websites.
Key Features
Network Solutions provides powerful WordPress hosting with features designed to simplify website setup, management, security, and performance optimization.
1.Effortless WordPress Setup: One-click installers enable fast WordPress deployment without the need for manual server configuration, making it ideal for beginners and small businesses.
2.Automated Site Management: Managed services handle routine tasks like core, theme, and plugin updates, daily backups, and continuous security monitoring, reducing maintenance efforts.
3.Robust Security Measures: Comprehensive protection includes free SSL certificates, DDoS mitigation, malware scanning, and web application firewalls to safeguard WordPress websites from threats.
4.Flexible Scalability: Hosting plans can be adjusted to accommodate growing traffic, from a few thousand monthly visitors to high-traffic enterprise sites.
5.Optimized Performance: Built-in CDNs, such as Cloudflare, combined with speed-focused infrastructure, ensure fast global content delivery and improved site responsiveness.
5.Integrated Tools for Efficiency: Additional features like domain registration, professional email accounts, and one-click migration simplify overall site management.
6.User-Friendly Management Dashboard: A centralized, intuitive dashboard provides easy access to security settings, backups, and performance controls, making WordPress management straightforward and efficient.
WordPress Website Builder
Network Solutions for WordPress offers two primary approaches:
1.connecting a domain registered with Network Solutions to a WordPress.com site
2.Hosting a WordPress Multisite network directly on a Network Solutions plan.
In addition, Network Solutions provides essential services such as web hosting, domain registration, and robust security features to fully support and optimize WordPress websites.
1.Connecting a Network Solutions Domain to WordPress.com
To link a domain registered with Network Solutions to your WordPress.com website, start by accessing your WordPress.com dashboard and selecting “Use a domain I own.” Then choose the “Connect your domain” option and follow the instructions to update your domain’s name servers so they point to WordPress.com, enabling seamless integration and proper website functionality.
2.WordPress Multisite Network
A WordPress Multisite network enables you to manage multiple WordPress websites from a single installation, streamlining administration and updates. Each site within the network shares the same WordPress core files, plugins, and themes, while maintaining separate media libraries and databases for individual site content. This setup is ideal for organizations managing a group of related but independent sites, such as universities, agencies, or franchises. Plugins are installed at the network level by a super administrator and can be selectively activated for each site. Multisite configuration can be performed during a fresh WordPress installation or manually added later, depending on the hosting environment, providing flexibility and centralized management for multiple WordPress sites.
WordPress-Optimized Hosting
Network Solutions provides WordPress-optimized hosting, a type of managed hosting, as well as dedicated hosting, according to Network Solutions’ blog and HostAdvice. The WordPress-optimized hosting is tailored for WordPress websites and includes features such as automatic updates and advanced security measures. In contrast, dedicated hosting is designed for sites that demand high server resources, offering maximum performance and control for resource-intensive websites.
Managed WordPress Hosting
What It Is: A specialized hosting plan designed to optimize WordPress website performance and security.
Key Features
This hosting solution ensures faster loading times for WordPress sites, enhanced security with features like malware scanning, and automated updates for WordPress core, themes, and plugins, providing a secure, high-performance, and hassle-free website management experience.
Cloud-Based Backups
Every WordPress hosting plan from Network Solutions includes cloud backup functionality, ensuring your website’s data is securely protected and easily recoverable.
Ease of Use
Network Solutions is designed for ease of use by WordPress users, offering optimized hosting with one-click installation, automatic updates, and managed features that simplify website creation and maintenance. Its platform is suitable for both beginners and experienced users, thanks to a user-friendly interface and responsive 24/7 support via live chat, phone, and ticketing. The WordPress hosting is built for speed and reliability, with an easy, guided setup process, automated updates for WordPress core, themes, and plugins, and on-demand cloud backups to protect site data. For users seeking an even simpler experience, Network Solutions also provides an AI-powered website builder with a drag-and-drop interface, making it accessible for beginners while complementing the WordPress hosting environment.
Is Network Solutions Trusted and Secure?
Network Solutions ensures robust WordPress security with built-in daily malware scanning and removal, along with free SSL certificates on many hosting plans for secure connections. Optional add-ons like SiteLock and CodeGuard provide additional protection and daily backups. Domain security is also supported through Private Domain Registration and Domain Expiration Protection to safeguard personal information and prevent accidental loss.
Reliability and Performance
Network Solutions is recognized for its reliable uptime and strong performance, with expert reviews often noting fast initial page loading times and uptime that can exceed the advertised 99.9% guarantee. Small business owners benefit from an all-in-one solution that combines domain registration, hosting, security, and email management, simplifying website management by reducing the need to work with multiple providers. Many users also report positive experiences with knowledgeable and professional customer support available through phone and live chat, enhancing the overall WordPress hosting experience.
Support and Customer Service
Network Solutions provides a robust customer support system to assist WordPress users with any hosting or site-related issues. Their 24/7 support ensures that businesses can receive help at any time, minimizing downtime and maintaining smooth website operations. Users can access support through multiple channels, including dedicated phone lines for immediate assistance, live chat for real-time troubleshooting and quick answers, and email support for less urgent or more detailed inquiries. This comprehensive support structure makes managing WordPress websites easier and more reliable for users of all experience levels.
Also, Network Solutions integrates troubleshooting tools directly within the WordPress dashboard and Account Manager, offering a secure and user-friendly experience. For more advanced or persistent issues, WordPress users are encouraged to contact the support team for professional guidance and resolution.
Special Offers and Plans
Network Solutions provides a range of promotions and discounts for its WordPress hosting plans, including introductory pricing for new customers, which typically increases upon renewal. Annual hosting plans often include a free domain registration for popular extensions like .com, .net, or .org. Many WordPress plans are bundled with additional features such as a free SSL certificate for a limited term, professional email service, access to a website builder, and basic SiteLock malware scanning, offering an all-in-one, cost-effective solution for website owners.
Pricing
Network Solutions provides tailored WordPress hosting plans, starting with a Starter plan at approximately $7.99 per month, which includes a free domain, on-demand cloud backups, and email accounts. For general web hosting, plans begin at $2.99 per month for the Starter package, also offering a free domain for the first year with higher renewal rates. Advanced plans, such as Essential and Premium, deliver additional features, support multiple websites, and come at higher monthly costs, making it easy for users to choose a hosting solution that fits their WordPress or general website needs.
Specific WordPress Plan
1.Starter Plan: Around $7.99 per month
2.Free domain registration included
3.On-demand cloud backups for data protection
4.Professional email accounts included
Add-ons and Customizations
Network Solutions offers flexibility for building WordPress websites through its proprietary website builder or a standard WordPress installation. The proprietary builder allows users to easily customize colors, fonts, logos, and pre-built sections like contact forms, testimonials, and banners, as well as create and duplicate pages, with added AI-assisted content tools for convenience. For a traditional WordPress setup, users can install and activate plugins from the dashboard, add new themes or customize existing ones, and incorporate custom code as needed, offering maximum flexibility and third-party integration. For those seeking ease of use and pre-built features, the Network Solutions builder is ideal, while a standard WordPress installation is best for advanced customization and broader plugin support.
Cancelling your WordPress Hosting
To cancel your Network Solutions WordPress hosting, you can typically turn off the auto-renewal option in your account settings, allowing the plan to expire at the end of the billing period. Alternatively, you can contact Network Solutions customer support directly to request immediate cancellation. The most effective approach is to disable auto-renewal and, if required, submit a formal cancellation request in accordance with their terms of service. Start by logging into your Network Solutions Account Manager on their website and navigating to the Renewal Center. Under "Products & Services," select the WordPress hosting plan you wish to cancel, choose the option to disable auto-renewal, agree to the conditions, and confirm by clicking the disabled button. This ensures your hosting plan will not renew automatically and allows for proper termination of the service.
How to Pause your WordPress Hosting
Most hosting providers, including Network Solutions, do not offer a formal "pause" option, as hosting fees cover server space regardless of usage. However, you can temporarily make your WordPress site inaccessible to the public by enabling a "maintenance mode" or "coming soon" plugin, keeping the hosting active while hiding site content. Alternatively, you can disable auto-renewal to let your hosting plan run until the end of the current term, at which point the service will be suspended, effectively preventing future charges while maintaining control over your site.
Email
Network Solutions provides email services for WordPress users through its hosting plans, including dedicated WordPress packages that come with included emailboxes. Users can also opt for separate Professional Email or Professional Email Plus plans, compatible with any domain, offering features like spam filtering and mobile access. Both options allow the creation of custom email addresses that match your domain, helping WordPress site owners maintain a professional online presence.
cPanel
Network Solutions uses a custom-built control panel designed specifically to simplify management of WordPress hosting plans. Unlike the traditional cPanel, this interface is tailored for WordPress, offering tools such as site staging to test changes before publishing them live. The control panel can be accessed through the Network Solutions Account Manager, providing an intuitive and streamlined way to manage WordPress websites.
Network Solutions vs Others: A Comparison
1.Network Solutions vs SiteGround
For WordPress users, Network Solutions offers an affordable and straightforward entry point, with basic plans that include a free domain and email, making it ideal for beginners or small websites. In contrast, SiteGround is often preferred by those prioritizing high performance, advanced customization, and top-tier support, leveraging technologies like LiteSpeed and caching for faster WordPress sites. While SiteGround excels in speed and user experience, its renewal costs can be higher, whereas Network Solutions, as a long-established provider, maintains a strong reputation for reliability and professional services.
2.Network Solutions vs DreamHost
Network Solutions is an ideal choice for WordPress users seeking built-in business tools, such as free LLC formation and SShield cybersecurity, which are often included in their packages. While DreamHost offers developer-friendly options and a wide range of features, Network Solutions’ managed WordPress plans are tailored for business users, providing daily malware scans, a free domain, and professional business email accounts to support a secure and fully functional WordPress website.
3.Network Solutions vs Namecheap
Network Solutions is well-suited for WordPress users seeking managed services and extensive marketing support, offering AI-powered website builders, daily malware scans, and professional services like SEO and local listing management for a comprehensive, business-ready solution. In comparison, Namecheap appeals to budget-conscious users who prefer flexibility and control, making it ideal for those comfortable managing their own WordPress security, marketing, and site customization.
Bottom Line: Is Network Solutions Worth It for WordPress Users?
For WordPress users, Network Solutions is best suited for beginners or small business owners who value an all-in-one hosting package and responsive customer support over advanced features, modern interfaces, or long-term cost efficiency. It provides essential tools like domain registration, email, and managed WordPress services, making it a convenient entry point for those seeking simplicity and hands-on assistance rather than extensive customization or high-performance capabilities.
Pros
Optimized WordPress performance with reliable cloud hosting and a 99.9% uptime guarantee for consistent site stability.
Easy WordPress setup through 1-click installation, making it ideal for beginners and small business owners.
Strong built-in security, including free SSL certificates and daily malware scans, to protect WordPress sites from threats.
AI-powered website builder and WordPress-friendly tools that simplify site design and content creation.
Full-service platform offering domains, hosting, email, and marketing solutions, streamlining WordPress site management in one place.
Cons
The proprietary hosting dashboard and control panel feel outdated.
Fewer built-in performance features for WordPress.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What features does Network Solutions offer for WordPress hosting?
Network Solutions provides WordPress-optimized hosting with one-click installations, automatic updates, cloud-based backups, and robust security features like SSL certificates, malware scanning, and DDoS protection. Their plans also include professional email, free domain registration, staging environments, and an intuitive management dashboard to simplify WordPress site setup and maintenance.
Can I use a custom domain with my WordPress.com site through Network Solutions?
Yes, you can connect a domain registered with Network Solutions to a WordPress.com website. By accessing your WordPress.com dashboard and selecting “Use a domain I own,” you can follow the instructions to update your domain’s name servers, enabling seamless integration and proper website functionality.
How do I cancel or pause my Network Solutions WordPress hosting?
To cancel WordPress hosting, you can disable auto-renewal in your Network Solutions account, allowing the plan to expire at the end of the billing term, or contact customer support for immediate cancellation. While pausing hosting isn’t offered, you can make your site temporarily inaccessible with a “maintenance mode” plugin or let the plan run until the term ends by stopping auto-renewal.
Does Network Solutions provide email services for WordPress websites?
Yes, many WordPress hosting plans include emailboxes, and users can also purchase Professional Email or Professional Email Plus plans for enhanced features like spam filtering, mobile access, and custom domain email addresses, helping WordPress site owners maintain a professional online presence.
How does Network Solutions compare to other WordPress hosting providers like SiteGround, DreamHost, and Namecheap?
Network Solutions is ideal for beginners or small business owners seeking an all-in-one solution with managed services, professional email, and responsive support. Compared to SiteGround, it offers a simpler, more affordable entry point, while DreamHost focuses on developer-friendly features and Namecheap appeals to budget-conscious users who want flexibility and control over their WordPress sites.