1. Installation & Setup
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Self-Managed (DIY):
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Manual install on your server
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Need to configure everything yourself
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Managed Hosting:
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1-click WordPress installs
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Pre-optimized servers
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2. Performance
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Self-Managed:
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You handle optimizations (caching, CDN, etc.)
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Performance depends on your skills
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Managed:
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Built-in caching (Redis, Varnish)
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Auto-scaling during traffic spikes
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Global CDN included
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3. Security
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Self-Managed:
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You're responsible for:
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Core updates
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Plugin vulnerabilities
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Firewalls
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Managed:
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Automatic updates
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Malware scanning
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DDoS protection
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Daily backups
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4. Maintenance
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Self-Managed:
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You handle all updates and troubleshooting
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Need technical knowledge
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Managed:
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Automatic core updates
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Staging environments
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Expert support team
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5. Cost Comparison
| Feature | Self-Managed | Managed Hosting |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $25/month | $1+/month |
| Setup Time | Hours | Minutes |
| Security | Your job | Included |
| Optimization | Manual | Automatic |
| Support | Limited | WordPress experts |
Best Choice For:
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Self-Managed: Developers who want full control
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Managed Hosting: Businesses that want to focus on content, not tech
Pro Tip: Many managed hosts offer specialized WordPress plans with:
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Free SSL certificates
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Pre-installed plugins
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Staging sites
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SEO tools
