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MouseClickTutorials.com
Teaching people how to make websites...
...and how to make websites make money!
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Why Namecheap?
Why Rocket.net?
Rocket.net offers high-performance managed WordPress hosting with built-in security and global speed optimization, making your site fast and secure without extra plugins. For help narrowing down the right provider, explore this guide to choosing the best web host.
Why Bricks Builder?
Bricks Builder is a powerful WordPress page builder that combines speed, flexibility, and customization, helping you design stunning websites without coding.
🟢
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🖥️ Get Your Domain & Hosting. Learn WordPress and How to Create Content. Make Money Online in a Way That Actually Works.
Learn mouse click by mouse click how to build websites and unlock earning paths that make sense.
- 💻 1. Setup > A. Domain / B. Hosting / C. Link Domain / D. Setup WP Admin User / E. Setup Email / [ More in Setup ]
- 💻.2. Explore > A. Site Login & Dashboard / B. Themes / C. Plugins / D. Widgets / E. Settings / [ More in Explore ]
- 💻.3. Create > A. Pages & Posts / B. Nested Pages / C. Cats & Tags / D. Menus / E. Content / F. Try Bricks Builder / [ More in Create ]
- 💲 4. Earn > A. Online Marketing Clarity / B. Affiliate $ / C. Display Ads $ / D. E-Commerce $ / [ More in Earn ]
-
💡 [ The Kind of Hosting That Keeps WordPress Sites Stable ]
-
⚙️ [ Other Hosting Types (When They Might Make Sense) ]
1. Setup > C. Link Domain
1. Setup > C. Link Domain
How to Link Your Domain to Hosting
What You Need to Get Started
I don't earn commissions from this link
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Understanding Nameservers
Nameservers are an essential part of the process when linking a domain to hosting. They act as a directory, translating the domain name (e.g., example.com) into the IP address of the server where the website is hosted. Without nameservers, a domain cannot connect to its corresponding hosting server, making it impossible for users to access the website.
When setting up hosting, the hosting provider (e.g., Rocket.net) supplies specific nameservers. These need to be updated in the domain registrar’s settings (e.g., on Namecheap). The updated nameservers essentially tell the internet where to find the website’s files, ensuring visitors can access the site by typing the domain name into their browser.
For example:
- Primary Nameserver:
ns1.rocket.net
- Secondary Nameserver:
ns2.rocket.net
Updating nameservers is a straightforward process, and this tutorial will outline the steps to ensure they are configured correctly.
Understanding Propagation
Propagation is the process that occurs after nameservers are updated, allowing the changes to spread across the internet. This process ensures that the domain name can be recognized and connected to the correct hosting server by internet service providers (ISPs) worldwide.
Propagation can take anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours, depending on various factors, including the domain registrar, the hosting provider, and the user’s local ISP. During this time, the domain may not appear live consistently, as some networks update more quickly than others.
This delay is normal and requires no additional action. It’s simply part of how the Domain Name System (DNS) operates to ensure that the domain points to the correct hosting server globally. Once propagation completes, the website will be fully accessible from anywhere.
Mouse Click Highlights
Once your temporary site is set up, you’ll see it listed in the Dashboard under the “Sites” section. The temporary URL for your site is displayed here, and this will be its address until you connect your custom domain.
To proceed, click the Manage button next to your site under the “Action” column. This will take you to the management settings for this specific site, where you can begin connecting your custom domain or adjust other configurations.
In the site management area, you’ll see your temporary site URL at the top. This is the current address of your site, but it’s not connected to your custom domain yet.
To start the process of going live with your custom domain, click the Get Started button under the “Ready to go live?” section. This will guide you to the next steps needed to update your DNS settings and connect your domain to your hosting.
On this screen, you’ll see the option to Change Domain Name. If you’re planning to use a new domain name, this is where you’ll enter it. Otherwise, if the domain name is already set up, simply verify that the correct domain is displayed in the field.
Once you’ve confirmed or entered the domain name you want to link to your hosting, click the Continue button to move forward.
This step ensures Rocket.net knows which domain to associate with your hosting account.
This step provides the details you’ll use in the upcoming steps to link your domain with your hosting account. In the Rocket.net control panel, the Name fields are fully visible, while the Value fields will display in your account to ensure accuracy.
At this stage, simply take note of this information. In the next steps, you’ll be guided through the exact process of entering these details into your DNS settings at Namecheap. The tutorial will show you every click needed to complete the process, so there’s no guesswork.
-
Locate the TXT Records:
In your Rocket.net dashboard, find the section showing the TXT records. Each record has two parts: Name (on the left) and Value (on the right). -
Copy the Records:
Click the Copy button next to the Name and then next to the Value for each record. Repeat this for both the 1st and 2nd TXT records. -
Save for Later:
Keep the copied details ready for the next steps in your DNS setup.
To begin managing your domain’s DNS settings in Namecheap, follow these steps:
-
Find Your Domain
- From the dashboard, locate the domain you want to manage under the “Recently Active in Your Account” section.
-
Click “Manage”
- Click the “MANAGE” button next to your domain name. This will take you to the domain’s settings page where you can configure DNS and other options.
This step ensures you’re in the right section to make changes to your domain settings. Continue by navigating to the “Advanced DNS” tab.
In the Advanced DNS section, locate any pre-existing records, such as the default CNAME record pointing www
to parkingpage.namecheap.com
. These default records are often unnecessary and should be removed to avoid conflicts when adding new records for the setup.
Click the trash icon next to any unwanted records to delete them. Starting fresh typically ensures a clean slate for adding the records provided by Rocket.net.
If a record cannot be deleted due to restrictions, such as being “blocked by domain redirect,” consider the following approaches:
- Add the New Record Anyway: Use the Add New Record option to enter the details provided by Rocket.net.
- Edit the Existing Record: If adding a new record isn’t ideal, update the existing record by clicking into the fields and replacing the
Host
andValue
with Rocket.net’s information. - Delete the Existing Record After Adding the New One: Once the new record is saved and active, attempt to delete the old, unnecessary record. This ensures the correct setup is in place before removing the default record.
Adding the new record first is recommended if deleting an existing record is not immediately possible. This method avoids delays and ensures Rocket.net’s setup instructions are followed accurately.
To start setting up your domain’s TXT records in Namecheap, follow these steps:
-
Access the “Advanced DNS” Tab
- Navigate to the Advanced DNS tab in your domain management panel.
-
Click “Add New Record”
- Locate the “ADD NEW RECORD” button under the HOST RECORDS section. Click this button to begin adding your first TXT record.
-
Prepare to Input TXT Record Details
- This action will allow you to select the TXT Record type and enter the required host and value details for the first record.
This step is the foundation for adding DNS records to your domain, ensuring it’s properly configured for services requiring TXT verification. Always double-check the host and value fields before saving.
Click on the drop-down menu under the “Type” column, as shown in the screenshot. From the list of options, select TXT Record. This is necessary for adding a TXT record to your domain’s DNS settings, which is often used for domain verification or to set up services like email authentication. Selecting the correct record type ensures your domain is configured properly for the task you’re setting up.
Copy the details provided by Rocket.net into the corresponding fields on your DNS settings:
- Copy the value labeled as “Name” from Rocket.net and paste it into the Host field here. For example,
_acme-challenge
is used in this case. - Copy the value labeled as “Value” from Rocket.net and paste it into the Value field here. (Note: This is a long string of characters and is specific to your setup, so it’s not displayed here for security.)
Set the TTL (Time to Live) to 5 minutes initially. This shorter TTL helps propagate the changes faster, reducing waiting time when connecting your domain to hosting. After 24 hours, switch the TTL to Automatic for long-term stability and optimal performance.
Finally, click the checkbox to save your changes and apply the configuration.
After adding your TXT records, validation starts, and the good news is that both Namecheap and Rocket.net work together seamlessly for a fast setup.
-
Namecheap’s Speed: Namecheap is known for its modern DNS infrastructure, which propagates changes like TXT records much faster than many other registrars. Most updates take just minutes, so you won’t be stuck waiting long.
-
Rocket.net’s Efficiency: Rocket.net’s integration with Cloudflare’s Enterprise CDN adds another layer of speed and optimization. Once your DNS updates are detected, Rocket.net processes SSL validation and the overall setup very quickly.
Together, this combo of Namecheap as your domain provider and Rocket.net as your host makes propagation and setup feel almost instant. Even if there’s a delay (e.g., with a newly registered domain), it’s typically resolved far faster than with other domain-host combinations.
Just check back if you still see the “Pending validation” banner after a few minutes. Most of the time, it’s a non-issue!
To finish setting up your site, update your DNS records with your domain provider (e.g., Namecheap). Follow these steps:
-
Locate the A Record:
- Log in to your DNS provider’s dashboard.
- For Namecheap, look for an A record with “@” as the Host (this represents your domain name).
- If it doesn’t exist, create a new A record.
-
Update the A Record:
- Copy the Value for the A record from Rocket.net.
- In Namecheap, paste it into the “Value” field for the A record. Click Save when done.
-
Update the CNAME Record:
- For Namecheap, locate or create a CNAME record with “www” as the Host.
- Copy the Value for the CNAME record from Rocket.net.
- Paste it into the “Value” field for the CNAME record and save it.
-
Click “I’ve Updated My DNS”:
After adding both the A and CNAME records in your DNS provider, return to Rocket.net and click the blue button to confirm.
Note for Namecheap Users:
- Rocket.net’s “Name” = Namecheap’s “Host”
- Rocket.net’s “Value” = Namecheap’s “Value”
DNS changes are usually fast but can take up to 72 hours to propagate fully.
To continue setting up your DNS:
-
Select “A Record”:
- In your Namecheap DNS dashboard, click the dropdown under Type and select “A Record” (as shown in the screenshot).
- This is different from the TXT record you added earlier.
-
Enter the Details:
- For the Host field: Use
@
to represent your root domain (e.g.,yourdomain.com
). - For the Value field: Copy and paste the IP address provided by Rocket.net.
- For the Host field: Use
-
Save the Record:
- Set the TTL (Time to Live) to Automatic.
- Click the checkmark to save your changes.
-
Copy the A Record Details from Rocket.net:
- Under the Type: A section in Rocket.net, click the Copy buttons next to the Name (@) and Value (IP Address) fields.
-
Enter the A Record in Namecheap:
- In the Namecheap DNS dashboard, select A Record from the dropdown under Type.
- Paste the copied @ into the Host field.
- Paste the copied IP address into the Value field.
-
Set TTL to 5 Minutes:
- Choose 5 minutes as the TTL to ensure faster propagation during setup.
- Click the checkmark to save your changes.
-
Switch TTL to Automatic Later:
- Once everything is working, go back and change the TTL to Automatic for long-term stability.
This process ensures quick propagation while maintaining consistency across all steps in the tutorial. Let me know if you’d like further refinements!
-
Select “CNAME Record”:
- In the Namecheap DNS dashboard, click the dropdown under Type and choose “CNAME Record” (as shown in the screenshot).
-
Enter the CNAME Details:
- For the Host field: Enter
www
(or whatever subdomain Rocket.net specifies). - For the Value field: Copy the target value provided by Rocket.net and paste it here.
- For the Host field: Enter
-
Set TTL:
- Choose 5 minutes initially to ensure faster propagation.
- Click the green checkmark to save the record.
-
Switch TTL to Automatic Later:
- Once your changes are verified, remember to update TTL to Automatic for long-term efficiency.
This step ensures your domain correctly points the www
subdomain to Rocket.net’s servers.
-
Copy the CNAME Record Details from Rocket.net:
- Refer to the box at the bottom of the screenshot to find the Name (www) and Value provided by Rocket.net. Use the Copy buttons to copy these details.
-
Enter the CNAME Record in Namecheap:
- In the Namecheap DNS dashboard, choose CNAME Record from the dropdown under Type.
- Paste www into the Host field and the corresponding value into the Value field.
-
Set TTL to 5 Minutes:
- Select 5 minutes as the TTL for faster propagation during setup.
- Click the green checkmark to save this record.
-
Switch TTL to Automatic Later:
- After verifying the setup is working, update the TTL to Automatic for long-term stability.
What This Does:
This step ensures that requests to your www subdomain (e.g., www.yourdomain.com) are directed to Rocket.net’s servers. Your root domain was already configured in the previous step with the A record.
After adding and saving your last record (whether it’s an A Record or CNAME Record), don’t forget to click the “Save All Changes” button at the bottom of the screen.
This ensures all your DNS updates are applied successfully and will start propagating. Skipping this step might result in your changes not taking effect!
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MouseClickTutorials.com
Teaching people how to make websites...
...and how to make websites make money!
What to Know Before Buying Online
Before You Buy: Know the Industry Games
Hidden Incentives in Online Recommendations
A lot of content online looks like it’s meant to be helpful. It might be labeled as a review, a list of top picks, or just a casual post like “I found this and it’s cool.” But in many cases, that content isn’t created to help someone make a better decision. It’s created to earn money through affiliate commissions.
What affiliate links are for
Affiliate links exist to support content by allowing someone to earn a commission when a product or service is purchased through a link they’ve shared. That’s the whole purpose. It doesn’t add cost to the buyer—and when used responsibly, it can reward content that genuinely helps.
The problem is how these links influence what gets recommended in the first place.
How incentives distort content
Some affiliate content is shaped by payouts—where higher-paying products and services get pushed harder. But more often, the problem is something else entirely: laziness.
A lot of affiliate content isn’t the result of research or thoughtful guidance. It’s based on whatever’s convenient. A product or service is already popular, someone else is promoting it, or it has an affiliate program—so it gets plugged in without much thought. There’s no testing, no real consideration of what would actually help the audience, and no accountability.
In these cases, the product or service itself might be perfectly fine. But the recommendation isn’t grounded in anything useful, and that’s what creates the disconnect. It leads to content that promotes whatever’s easiest to monetize, skips stronger alternatives that require more effort to discover, avoids mentioning downsides that could reduce clicks, and simply recycles whatever’s already trending among other affiliates.
It’s not about how much something pays. It’s about why it’s being recommended.
A product or service that pays well isn’t the problem if it actually fits the use case. But when it’s included just because it earns—or because it was the easiest thing to grab—that’s not a real recommendation. It’s content that exists to sell, not to help.
How to recognize honest affiliate content
Genuine recommendations feel different. Affiliate links are disclosed openly. Pros and cons are explained clearly, not glossed over. The explanation comes before the link. Alternatives that don’t offer commissions are still mentioned when they’re relevant. And the content doesn’t rely on pressure, urgency, or sales language to get someone to click.
When an affiliate link supports a thoughtful recommendation, it adds value. When the link is the reason something was included in the first place, the integrity of the content falls apart.
How this site handles it
Affiliate links are used here—but never as the reason something gets recommended. Some products and services pay nothing. Others pay less than their competitors. If they actually work, solve a real problem, and serve the audience this site is built for, they get included.
Payouts don’t determine what’s shown. Usefulness, reliability, and fit for the audience do.
Every recommendation on this site includes two links side by side: a clearly marked affiliate link, and a non-affiliate version. That way, anyone who wants to support the site can do so with one click—without being forced into it. And anyone who doesn’t can still access the same product or service without friction.
No popups, no fake scarcity, and no pressure. Just clear information and real options — presented with your time and trust in mind.
How to Choose Web Hosting That Won’t Screw You Later
Why Hosting Choices Can Look Fine at First — and Still Cost You Later
Many web hosting recommendations are influenced by affiliate incentives. That influence often shapes what gets promoted — not based on what’s reliable or useful, but based on what earns commissions. To understand how that works, scroll up to Hidden Incentives in Online Recommendations.
Once that’s clear, it becomes easier to recognize common patterns in how web hosting is sold — especially when it comes to pricing, positioning, and long-term reliability.
What Is Web Hosting, Really?
Web hosting is infrastructure. It’s what keeps a website live, accessible, and functioning smoothly. It stores the site’s files, manages uptime and speed, and often determines how frustrating things get when something breaks.
A good host does its job in the background — quietly, reliably.
A bad host appears fine at first — then slowly drags performance down through downtime, slowness, or support failures.
And often, that decline is masked early on by extra-friendly onboarding.
Sales chat is responsive. Setup support feels hands-on. It’s all about getting the account active and the site online fast. But after that grace period — often right after the refund window passes — service quality shifts.
Some companies do this deliberately: prioritize new customers, while gradually neglecting existing ones.
Others just aren’t equipped to deliver consistent support at scale. Either way, the pattern is common — especially with shared hosting.
Why Shared Hosting Gets Promoted So Heavily
Shared hosting is one of the most promoted types of hosting — not because it’s reliable, but because it’s easy to sell and easy to profit from. Many hosting companies offer shared plans as a low-cost entry point. And many of those companies run affiliate programs where commissions are paid out just for generating a new customer — regardless of which plan the customer signs up for.
That means affiliates often push the cheapest plan available, because it’s easier to convert — even though the payout is the same (or nearly the same) as recommending a better option. A $2.99/month shared hosting plan can still result in a $100+ commission, because the hosting company expects that customer to stick around long enough to cover the cost.
This dynamic is why shared hosting dominates most “best web host” lists — not because it’s actually good, but because it converts easily and pays well.
Why This Site Rejects Shared Hosting Entirely
MouseClickTutorials.com does not recommend shared hosting under any circumstances — not for beginners, not for temporary projects, not for anyone.
Even when managed by capable companies, shared hosting remains too unstable, too crowded, and too limited to serve as reliable infrastructure. It introduces risks and headaches that are completely avoidable with better hosting types. The environment is unpredictable, the performance is inconsistent, and the support is often too generic to be helpful when something goes wrong.
This position isn’t based on theory — it’s based on what actually happens when shared servers are overloaded, misconfigured, or mismanaged. And even without bad intent, it’s incredibly easy for problems to creep in unnoticed. One site’s spike in traffic or bad code can affect everyone else on the server.
Shared hosting is one of the biggest reasons new site owners feel like they “did something wrong,” when the real issue is invisible under the hood. That’s not a foundation worth building on.
The Issue with “Free” Domains
Many hosting companies advertise a “free domain” when signing up for a plan. But in most cases, the domain offer includes conditions:
-
The domain may be registered in the host’s name rather than the customer’s.
-
It may be locked or tied to the hosting plan, making it difficult or expensive to transfer.
-
The domain becomes the anchor keeping people on subpar hosting just to keep their site online.
The fix: always register domains separately with a trusted registrar like Namecheap. That ensures full ownership and makes it easy to change hosts at any time.
Why Cheap Hosting Isn’t Really Cheap
Low introductory prices like $2.99/month are usually misleading:
-
Most require paying 2–3 years upfront to get that rate
-
Renewal rates after the initial term are much higher
-
Core features like backups, SSL, and live support may cost extra — or be limited
-
“Unlimited” plans often include vague usage caps that throttle performance as sites grow
What seems cheap upfront becomes expensive over time — in stress, in missed revenue, and in wasted hours troubleshooting problems that wouldn’t exist on better infrastructure.
And that’s not just a figure of speech. If a site owner spends 40+ hours a year dealing with slow load times, broken features, unclear issues, and back-and-forths with bad support — and if that person would be paid even minimum wage for that time — the true cost of “cheap” hosting becomes obvious.
The value of reliable hosting isn’t just technical. It’s economic. It protects time, momentum, and peace of mind.
Understanding Hosting Types — and Why This Site Only Recommends Some
There’s no universal “best,” but some types of hosting are far better suited for actual website owners — and some should be avoided entirely. Here’s a breakdown:
Shared Hosting
Low-cost, low-quality. Unpredictable performance. Limited scalability.
Often oversold and oversaturated. Even beginners should avoid it.
Managed WordPress Hosting
Built specifically for WordPress. Handles caching, updates, backups, and security automatically.
Fast, secure, and low-maintenance — ideal for most creators, freelancers, and business owners.
This is the default recommendation for a reason.
VPS Hosting (Virtual Private Server)
A private slice of a physical server. More control and flexibility, but also more responsibility.
Best for those with technical experience or specific configuration needs.
Cloud Hosting
Highly scalable and fast — if fully managed. If unmanaged, it can become overly complex.
Great for ecommerce, SaaS, or platforms expecting rapid growth, as long as the host handles the technical side.
Dedicated Hosting
An entire server for one user. Very powerful, very expensive.
Best reserved for advanced use cases with high traffic or strict infrastructure needs.
Colocation
The highest tier — full control over physical hardware inside a rented datacenter rack.
Used for enterprise infrastructure, compliance requirements, or custom network architecture.
Not relevant for most site owners.
What Actually Makes Sense for Most People
For most websites — especially anything built on WordPress — managed WordPress hosting strikes the right balance. It’s fast, secure, and far easier to manage than alternatives that require technical upkeep.
There are more powerful hosting options for those running complex infrastructure or custom apps, but managed WordPress hosting covers the needs of most creators, freelancers, small businesses, and growing projects — without the stress.
The best managed hosts don’t just check boxes. They eliminate problems before they happen.
They don’t disappear when support is needed. They don’t nickel-and-dime for features.
They just make the site work — and keep it working.
That’s the experience most people are actually looking for. And that’s the experience this site teaches people how to build toward.
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Hosting Types, Use Cases, and a Reliable Default
Why Your Host Isn’t Just a Checkbox — and What Actually Works for Most People
Most people picking web hosting treat it like a quick checkbox.
Domain, check. Hosting, check. Done.
But your hosting provider determines how fast your site loads, how often it breaks, how secure it stays, and how painful things get when something goes wrong.
It’s infrastructure — not a formality.
And one type of hosting still gets pushed far too often — especially by affiliate blogs chasing easy commissions.
Shared Hosting
This is where MouseClickTutorials.com draws a hard line.
Shared hosting is the $2.99/month pitch that sounds beginner-friendly… but quietly causes more damage than most new site owners can spot. Your site gets dropped into a crowded server with hundreds or thousands of others, all fighting for the same limited resources.
If another site spikes in traffic or runs unstable code, your site slows down — or goes down.
Support is slow, vague, and scripted.
Problems get blamed on you, with upgrade nudges as the default fix.
It often looks fine at first. That’s the problem.
When your site slows down or glitches later, you assume it’s something you did wrong.
But it’s not. It’s the hosting.
This site does not recommend shared hosting. Not for beginners. Not for anyone. Not ever.
Managed WordPress Hosting
This is the recommended path for most people building on WordPress.
Managed WordPress hosting is built to remove technical headaches. It handles backups, caching, updates, and security automatically — so you don’t need extra plugins just to keep things stable. The best providers offer fast performance and platform-aware support teams who actually know WordPress.
It’s low-maintenance. High-reliability.
And it’s the default recommendation here because it actually works.
VPS Hosting
A virtual private server (VPS) gives you more control and power — but also more technical responsibility.
You manage server setup, patches, security, and updates.
It’s great for developers and experienced users.
It’s not ideal for beginners or creators who want to focus on building content, not managing infrastructure.
Cloud Hosting
Cloud hosting can be powerful, scalable, and efficient — if it’s fully managed.
Otherwise, it comes with complexity most people don’t want.
Server configuration, cost optimization, scaling logic — it’s easy to get lost in the weeds unless the platform handles those pieces for you.
Used well, cloud hosting is a strong choice for fast-growing platforms, ecommerce sites, or custom apps. But for a first site or general-purpose WordPress site, it’s often overkill.
Dedicated Hosting
Dedicated hosting gives you your own physical server — with total control and no resource sharing.
It’s powerful and expensive, and usually reserved for specialized use cases: high-traffic apps, large media platforms, or advanced infrastructure stacks.
It’s not the place to start unless you already know exactly why you need it.
The Reliable Default
For most people using WordPress — creators, freelancers, educators, business owners — managed WordPress hosting is the most useful path forward.
It’s fast. It’s secure. It scales without stress.
And it keeps your site online, protected, and supported — without you needing to touch the backend.
That’s what this site recommends.
That’s what this site teaches.
Because it actually works.
Why Rocket.net is Recommended for Managed WordPress Hosting
1. Specialized WordPress Hosting: Why Rocket.net is a Perfect Fit
2. Blazing Fast Performance: Why Rocket.net Prioritizes Speed
3. Comprehensive Security: Why Rocket.net Protects Your Site
4. Hassle-Free Management: Why Rocket.net is Easy to Use
Check out the complete setup tutorial here →
I don't earn commissions from this link
I earn commissions from this link
When Managed Hosting Isn’t Enough
Other Hosts to Consider
Rocket.net is the recommended starting point for most users — it’s fast, secure, and built specifically for WordPress. It handles speed, stability, and security without overwhelming you with backend tasks.
But if you’re building something more complex, running multiple applications, or just want to understand what else is out there, here are a few other hosts worth knowing about.
These hosts are grouped by how much control and infrastructure complexity they offer — starting with other options in the same managed WordPress category, then expanding into VPS, full-stack platforms, and finally, enterprise-level hosting.
Managed WordPress (Same Tier, Different Strength)
Templ.io
Templ.io is another managed WordPress host — in the same category as Rocket.net. While Rocket.net is the top recommendation here, Templ.io stands out for one reason: their support team is more willing to assist with technical issues at the code level.
If a plugin breaks layout or a script throws an error, they may help you investigate what’s going wrong. They won’t write your code, but they’ll go deeper than most.
Use if you want managed WordPress hosting with an extra layer of technical support — without leaving the simplicity of this hosting tier.
Managed VPS (More control, broader use cases)
KnownHost
KnownHost gives you full server-level access through managed VPS hosting. You can install custom software, run multiple apps, configure email, and handle more advanced workflows than a WordPress-only host would allow.
Some plans still use cPanel, while others may include DirectAdmin — check the specifics before choosing.
Use if you’re managing more than just a WordPress site, or need flexibility that managed WordPress doesn’t offer.
Managed VPS (cPanel-focused, long-term scalability)
Hivelocity
Hivelocity offers managed VPS hosting with strong cPanel support, full root access, and upgrade paths into dedicated servers or colocation — all without locking you into a proprietary dashboard.
You’re not limited to WordPress, and you don’t need to give up traditional tools.
Use if you want a cPanel-friendly platform with the freedom to run mixed environments — and the ability to scale far beyond VPS later if needed.
Cloud-Native Performance Hosting
Servebolt
Servebolt doesn’t follow the VPS/cPanel playbook. It’s built from the ground up for speed — especially for dynamic sites like WordPress or WooCommerce.
They manage performance at the stack level: memory allocation, rendering optimization, backend tuning — all handled by their proprietary infrastructure.
Use if you’re running a high-traffic or ecommerce-heavy site where raw speed is a top priority and you’re okay with skipping traditional server tools.
Dedicated Servers (Unmanaged, full control)
Hetzner
Hetzner is known for high performance at extremely competitive prices — especially in the EU. They offer both dedicated hardware and cloud instances, but everything is self-managed. No hand-holding, no support for setup or configuration.
It’s powerful, but entirely your responsibility.
Use if you know what you’re doing and want total ownership of your environment for speed, scale, or regulatory control.
Colocation (Enterprise-grade physical infrastructure)
Colocation Providers
Colocation means you own the hardware. You rent rack space in a datacenter — they supply power, cooling, and bandwidth, but everything else is up to you.
This isn’t a web hosting plan — it’s raw infrastructure.
Used by SaaS companies, media platforms, and organizations with strict compliance, latency, or scaling needs.
Providers in this space include Hivelocity, PhoenixNAP, Equinix, Digital Realty, ColoCrossing, and OVHcloud.
Use if you already know exactly why you need this. If you’re not sure, you don’t.
Recommended Resources - Review Process
Traffic Light Rating System: Overview
Recommended resources are rated using a system inspired by traffic lights. This system simplifies the process of finding valuable resources for building websites, optimizing workflows, and improving productivity across various fields. Resources are evaluated based on their quality, reliability, and usefulness to the target audience of this site.
The system includes two categories:
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Green Light resources are considered the best of the best. These resources have been thoroughly tested and used extensively, with a proven track record of providing maximum value. They are versatile, reliable, and provide significant benefits to a wide range of users. The Green Light designation reflects resources that stand out for their overall excellence and consistent utility.
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Yellow Light resources are still high-quality and highly valuable but sometimes slightly less impressive than Green Light resources. These resources may serve more specialized needs or be better suited for subsets of the audience, with some showing a wider gap in quality when compared to Green Light resources. While they are still excellent, they may not have the same broad applicability or universal impact as Green Light resources, but they offer significant value and are highly recommended for the right use cases.
This system ensures that recommendations are both practical and relevant, making it easier to choose tools and services that deliver results.
Giving More Than Taking: A Commitment to Trust and Value
Inspired by Gary Vaynerchuk’s philosophy of giving more than taking, this site is committed to delivering value first. The focus is on prioritizing the audience’s needs over maximizing profits. For Yellow Light resources, this means not monetizing them with affiliate links, even though they are high-quality, valuable recommendations. By leaving money off the table, more time is spent on creating content that truly helps you succeed, rather than chasing every potential affiliate commission.
While not monetizing these resources isn’t necessary for maintaining trust, it is a conscious decision to give more than take — ensuring that the focus remains on providing real value. This philosophy reflects the commitment to giving more than taking, and it ensures that trust is built at every step.
Why No Red Light Resources?
The absence of a “red light” category reflects the focus on positive, useful recommendations. Resources that are not worthy of being recommended to this site’s audience are simply excluded from mention. There are several reasons for this approach:
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Practicality: Including every possible product or service, even to warn against them, would overwhelm the site with content and make it harder for users to find what’s truly valuable.
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Liability: Naming companies, products, or services as poor choices carries risks, including potential defamation claims. Focusing on trusted recommendations avoids this issue.
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Awareness: Throughout the site’s content, industries like web hosting and affiliate marketing are discussed in depth to help the audience become informed consumers. Instead of highlighting specific poor-quality offerings, the content educates readers about common pitfalls, questionable practices, and what to look for in a reliable resource.
By omitting red light resources, the system stays focused on highlighting what works, ensuring that users have access to trusted options without unnecessary noise or negativity.
Green Light Resources
Green light resources represent the most impactful recommendations. These tools and platforms provide exceptional value and are well-suited to a wide range of tasks related to building websites, creating content, and managing workflows. They are selected for their ability to consistently deliver results that benefit the majority of users.
For example, chatgpt is included as a green light resource. While it is not specifically designed for web design, its versatility and ease of use make it invaluable for tasks such as generating content, brainstorming ideas, and simplifying complex workflows. Its broad applicability places it among the most useful tools for website creators.
Website Focused
Website Addresses
Namecheap Review
Managed WordPress Hosting
Rocket.net Review
WordPress Page Building
Bricks Builder Review
Workflow, Productivity, and Strategy Focused
Productivity Web Browser
Wavebox Review
Problem Solving Assistant
ChatGPT Review
Brainstorming
Xmind Review
Journaling
NotePlan Review
Workflow, Productivity, and Strategy Focused
Video Editing (Easy to Learn, But Limited Features)
ScreenFlow
Video Editing (Tough to Learn, But Super Powerful)
Davinci Resolve
Yellow Light Resources
Yellow light resources are reliable and high quality but are often more specialized or have a narrower focus than green light options. While they are excellent for specific tasks, they may not provide the same level of impact or versatility for most users.
Canva is an example of a yellow light resource. It is a powerful tool for creating graphics and designs, such as logos or social media visuals, but its focus on design tasks makes it less universally impactful compared to tools like chatgpt. For users with specific design needs, however, it remains an excellent choice.
Mixed Focus
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Canva
A drag-and-drop design tool that’s simple to use and great for social graphics, thumbnails, or even pitch decks.
Visit Canva
ChatHub.gg
Designed to support multiple AI chat models in one place, this platform is particularly useful for comparing responses from different models or avoiding rate limits. Users can view up to six prompt windows simultaneously, allowing for the exploration of various models on the same screen. While only one prompt can run at a time, the ability to send a prompt and skim through responses that have already landed enables a more dynamic workflow. This feature is especially beneficial for those in a hyper workflow mode, as it helps maintain creative flow. Users can quickly switch between prompts and ideas, making it easier to iterate rapidly. Although the primary use case is for comparing responses from different AI models, the platform also supports users who thrive on taking swift action and keeping momentum in their creative processes.
Note: While ChatGPT is often the go-to choice for many, this platform serves as an excellent alternative during moments of heightened productivity.
ChatHub.gg
Classic Editor
Restores the original WordPress post editor for those who dislike Gutenberg.
Classic Editor Plugin — by WordPress Contributors
Classic Widgets
Restores the legacy drag-and-drop widget screen in WordPress. Helpful for non-block users.
Classic Widgets Plugin — by WordPress Contributors
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Darius Foroux – Get Rid of Your High Expectations
An insightful article discussing the pitfalls of holding high expectations. Foroux shares personal experiences to illustrate how unrealistic expectations can lead to disappointment. He suggests embracing lower expectations to cultivate gratitude and reduce frustration, promoting a more content and resilient mindset.
The Article
DuckDuckGo AI Chat
Lets you access lightweight AI chat without logging in. Good fallback if you’re out of GPT-4 messages or hitting limits.
DuckDuckGo AI Chat
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Gary Vaynerchuk – “No Overnight Success”
Not a tool, but a mindset, from a very successful entrepreneur. This video helps anchor you in the long game of building something meaningful.
Watch on YouTube
GeneratePress
A lightweight, performance-focused WordPress theme that’s well-coded and easy to customize. Free and premium versions available.
GeneratePress — by Tom Usborne
Google Calendar
Classic time management tool. Great for time blocking, recurring tasks, and syncing across devices.
Google Calendar
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InstaWP
Instant WordPress installs without needing a domain or hosting. Perfect for recording tutorials, building client demos, testing plugins, or just trying out ideas without breaking your live site. Think of it like a WordPress scratchpad — fast, flexible, and surprisingly powerful for how light it feels.
InstaWP
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Jetpack (VaultPress Backup)
While Jetpack is bloated, the Backup feature (formerly VaultPress) is one of the most reliable WordPress backup tools.
Jetpack Backup Info — by Automattic
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MindMeister
Mind mapping tool for brainstorming, site structure, or project planning. Visual thinking made simple.
Visit MindMeister — by MeisterLabs
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Pexels / Pixabay
Free stock photos and videos you can use in your projects. Great when you need visuals but don’t have time to create your own.
Pexels — by Canva
Pixabay — owned by Canva
Proton Pass
An end-to-end encrypted password manager from the creators of ProtonMail. A strong option if you care about privacy.
Proton Pass — by Proton AG
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Runway ML
AI-powered video tools for editing, background removal, and more. Helpful for fast content creation.
RunwayML
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Stable Diffusion
Free, open-source image generation tool. Create artwork from text prompts—no subscriptions required.
Stable Diffusion
Steve Pavlina – How to Build a High-Traffic Web Site or Blog
A foundational guide emphasizing the creation of original, timeless content to build a loyal audience. Pavlina advocates for providing genuine value, focusing on long-term growth over quick fixes. His approach centers on authenticity and consistency to attract and retain readers.
The Guide
Suno AI
Generate music from text prompts. Good for creators looking to experiment with background audio or build a vibe.
Suno AI
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TablePress
A plugin for embedding tables in WordPress posts or pages. Great for data display if you need sortable or filterable tables, but don’t overuse to avoid bloat.
TablePress — by Tobias Bäthge
Text Mechanic
A suite of browser-based tools for manipulating and formatting text. Great for bulk cleanup tasks like removing duplicates, adding line breaks, or stripping characters.
Visit Text Mechanic
TinyMCE / TinyWYM
Used in WordPress as the classic visual editor. Useful for people who prefer WYSIWYG editing over the Gutenberg block system.
TinyMCE — by Ephox
TinyWYM — legacy editor, less supported
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Workflowy
Minimalist outliner with zoomable nesting. Great for note-taking, planning, or managing long-term projects.
Visit Workflowy
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If you found this site useful, please tell others! 🙏
The content on MouseClickTutorials.com is built with clarity, purpose, and respect for the reader’s time. Tutorials are crafted to support real progress: setting up the essentials, understanding how things work, choosing reliable products and services, building a site aligned with personal goals, and learning how to earn ethically online.
If something here proves useful, feel free to share it with others who might benefit. Whether it’s a single page or the entire site, thoughtful recommendations help valuable resources reach more people trying to build online with integrity.
No email newsletter. No pop-ups. No “sign up to unlock.” That choice is intentional.
Forced funnels, artificial urgency, and inbox campaigns dressed up as generosity are not part of this model. Content remains fully accessible—no gatekeeping, no gimmicks—because real value shouldn’t come with strings attached. Trust is earned through usefulness, not pressure.
For those studying online marketing, this approach may be worth exploring. Sustainable growth often comes from delivering honest content, making ethical recommendations, and focusing on long-term relationships—not short-term conversions.
Thanks for reading, for thinking critically, and for helping shape a better web.