If you don’t already know, this blog is hosted on Google Compute Engine using WordPress as our content management system (CMS) platform.
The reasons we chose GCE was simple.. cost. I personally believe if you want the best web host to host your web content, then go with someone big and reliable as Google.
There are Amazon, Microsoft, Google and others who provide cloud servers to host your content. Among these providers, I find Google the easiest to work with, as well as fastest and cheapest per machine.
Prior to hosting our content on GCE, we were at 1and1 web host. There, our content were hosted on a virtual dedicated server at the cost of around $80 per month.
For $80 per month, we were given 4 CPUs (virtual), 8GB RAM (virtual), 500GB drive and 1TB bandwidth.
The $80 was a fixed amount. It didn’t change, whether our traffic were low or high, we always paid $80.
We were with 1and1 the for over a year, when we discovered Google Compute Engine. With GCE, you only pay for what you used. When our traffic were high, we paid higher.
When traffic are low, you pay lower bills. In fact when we switched to GCE, our cost for that month dropped by a whopping 50%.
We were paying $40 for the n1-standard-1 package. That comes with around 2 CPU (virtual), 4GB RAM (virtual) and unlimited hard disk space (you pay for what you use).
Anytime our traffic drops, the cost drops as well. If traffic increases so is our cost. For over a year now, our cost hasn’t gone over $46. It’s the cheapest when compared to other providers who offer dedicated servers.
Another thing, if you’ve managed any Linux server, Ubuntu or CentOS then you should be comfortable with GCE. Pretty secured and fast. GCE is a great option for webmasters who want to lower their web hosting bills.
I have seen some webmasters spending $200 to $300 hosting their sites with managed host providers. That’s just crazy.
These managed hosting providers are promising caching, speed, security and CMS integration. Screw that. For $300, no way.
I will manage my site myself for $40 and there won’t be great difference when you compare your high-priced sites to mine.
I use optimized Nginx web server with PHP-FPM, WordPress with W3-Total Cache, few plugins and GCE.
That’s all you need. No high-priced hosts around here.
Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of hosting a website on Google Compute Engine?
Google Compute Engine offers cost-effective pricing based on actual resource usage, scalability, and reliability compared to other cloud server providers.
How does Google Compute Engine pricing work?
With Google Compute Engine, you only pay for the resources you use, making it a flexible and cost-efficient hosting solution that adjusts based on your website traffic.
What is the difference between Google Compute Engine and traditional web hosting providers?
Google Compute Engine provides a pay-as-you-go model, allowing you to scale resources based on demand, unlike traditional fixed-cost hosting plans.
Can Google Compute Engine help in reducing hosting costs?
Yes, Google Compute Engine can significantly reduce hosting costs by offering pricing based on actual resource consumption, leading to cost savings for website owners.
What is the pricing structure for Google Compute Engine compared to 1and1 web hosting?
Google Compute Engine offers a more cost-effective pricing structure, as you pay for the resources you use, unlike fixed monthly costs associated with traditional hosting providers like 1and1.
How can Google Compute Engine benefit websites with fluctuating traffic?
Websites with fluctuating traffic can benefit from Google Compute Engine's flexible pricing model, where costs adjust based on traffic volume, resulting in optimized spending.
Is Google Compute Engine suitable for website owners familiar with managing Linux servers?
Yes, website owners experienced in managing Linux servers like Ubuntu or CentOS will find Google Compute Engine user-friendly and compatible with their existing skills.
What makes Google Compute Engine stand out among other cloud server providers?
Google Compute Engine is known for its ease of use, speed, cost-effectiveness, and flexibility in resource allocation, making it a preferred choice for many website owners.