How to Scale Your High-Traffic WordPress Website with Cloudways Autonomous?

Struggling with a sudden dash of traffic on your website you’re your shared hosting unable to cope with this traffic dash? Well, managed hosting like Cloudways Autonomous can be the solution. Cloudways Autonomous is the latest addition to the already popular Cloudways hosting services.

In this blog, we take a look at some of the most outstanding features and uses of Cloudways Autonomous to boost the scalability of any high-traffic website.

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WordPress is regarded as one of the most powerful platforms to run a website. A lot of developers swear by the capabilities of a WordPress website and for the right reasons. WordPress is extremely versatile, flexible, and easy to use.

It can take on anything you throw at it (obviously up to a certain extent!). What I love about WordPress is its ability to serve all types of business niches.

But what if your website experiences a sudden traffic rush? It seems like a pleasant dream but trust me, it’s not! Recently, a friend of mine experienced the same problem (Yes! I am calling sudden traffic rush a problem). One of her content went viral and that brought in massive traffic on her website.

She runs a skincare product business and sells natural products online. But when the traffic shot up, her WordPress website turned into a dud! The standard hosting servers could not handle the sudden rush of traffic. It stopped responding and people couldn’t place orders.

She lost a big chunk of customers due to this issue. When she was discussing this problem with me, that’s when Cloudways entered my radar! In fact, Cloudways, especially Cloudways Autonomous was popping up recently on my feed quite a bit. So I got a chance to take a deeper look into this managed hosting and test it.

In this blog, I will share my hands-on experience of using Cloudways Managed Hosting, its features, and who it is suitable for. But before we begin let’s understand what causes this traffic rush.

What Causes Website Traffic Boom?

There are a lot of reasons that can make your website traffic go boom! While it’s a good thing, it’s even better if you know what’s bringing more traffic to your website. It can help you better prepare for the inevitable!

Seasonal Shopping Sprees

If you are an eCommerce business, certain seasonal shopping sprees can bring in a lot of traffic. For example, Black Friday and Cyber Monday. During these retail frenzies, eCommerce websites often see a massive traffic jump as everyone rushes to grab the best deals.

Google Ads

When you run ads on social media platforms or the search engines themselves, your website can see a lot of traffic. That’s another major reason that brings in traffic on certain websites.

Content Goes Viral!

Let’s say you have posted an awesome video or a really helpful blog post. If it strikes the cord with the viewers, more of them will start dropping by. Result? You will see a big uptick in your traffic stats.

Giveaways & Contests Galore!

Who doesn’t love a good giveaway? Hosting one on your website is a fantastic way to boost subscribers, visitors, and overall online presence. Such events often lead to high traffic on all types of websites.  

eLearning Boom!

Word-of-mouth, podcasts, and YouTube hype can all send a wave of students to your eLearning platform. With so many people learning at once, you want a website that’s user-friendly and works on any device.

Overall, there are numerous reasons why your website is experiencing a traffic boom. But in any case, you have to be prepared for the surge in traffic! You need a scalable managed hosting like Cloudways can help you out. But wait, what is this managed hosting? How does it differ from your regular hosting plans? Let’s take a look.

Shared Hosting vs. Managed Hosting: What’s the Difference?

There is a significant difference between Shared Hosting and Managed Hosting. Here’s a brief explainer.

Shared Hosting: The Basics

Shared hosting is an entry-level solution for hosting a website. Here, multiple websites share the same server resources. If you are looking for an affordable solution and no headache, it could be your choice. As it is cheap, small businesses with limited budgets often opt for shared hostings.

Providers give user-friendly control panels to the users that can be easily used and managed. You can handle your website with little technical know-how.

However, there are a lot of issues with the shared hosting. Here, you get access to limited resources as multiple websites shared a single server. Moreover, there is a serious threat of security breach and vulnerability as shared servers are used by multiple website owners.

If one site on the server is compromised, others can be affected. So, even if you are maintaining your website regularly, the impact of someone else’s website can be seen on your website! Result? Your site might go down regularly, slow down, or even stop responding. This can leave a taste in your visitor’s mouth, and you lose valuable traffic. 

Managed Hosting: The Premium Choice

Managed hosting, on the other hand, provides a comprehensive, hassle-free solution. Here, the managed hosting providers take care of all technical aspects. Be it server management or updates, everything is taken care of by the providers’ experts.

So you get amazing performance and a lightning-fast website, and that too without putting any effort into the technical aspects.

You can get the benefits of advanced security measures such as regular updates, patches, DDoS protection, and malware scanning. This can keep your website safe from external threats. The best part? Managed hostings are highly scalable.

So, if your website experiences a sudden traffic bump, it can easily tackle it. This helps you keep your website powerful, effective, and up and ready round-the-clock.

Here are some benefits of using Managed hosting:

Benefits of Managed Hosting

• Ease of Use: Managed hosting is ideal for users who want a simple, hassle-free hosting solution. The provider handles all the technical details, so you don’t have to.
• Better Performance: Managed hosting providers optimize their servers specifically for WordPress, ensuring faster load times and better performance.
• Enhanced Security: With managed hosting, you benefit from advanced security measures, including regular updates and patches, DDoS protection, and malware scanning.
• Scalability: Managed hosting solutions are designed to scale with your business. Whether you experience a sudden traffic spike or steady growth, your hosting provider can adjust resources to meet your needs.
• Expert Support: Managed hosting providers offer dedicated support teams that are experts in WordPress. This means you get quick, knowledgeable assistance whenever you need it.

What Is Cloudways Autonomous?

Cloudways Autonomous is a fully managed web hosting which specifically designed for WordPress websites. Formally it was known as Autoscale so that name might jog your memory! This managed hosting optimizes its resources in real time to tackle any sudden surge in your website traffic.

With such powerful hosting, you don’t have to track whether your website is handling the traffic effectively. You can focus on your core business while managed hosting takes care of the incoming traffic.  

Cloudways uses Kubernetes to utilize its load balancers and distribute the traffic. Result? Your website runs at a hyper-speed and delivers phenomenal performance. Whenever there is a fluctuation in the traffic, it automatically scales your resources. This ensures your WordPress or WooCommerce sites stay super-responsive.

Cloudways has also integrated Cloudflare’s enterprise-level edge cache and CDN. Both of them provide a lightning-fast user experience across the world. Additionally, the premium Redis Object Cache Pro plugin for WordPress is included at no extra cost. This optimizes your databases for peak performance.

This solution offers hands-off High Availability (HA), almost limitless autoscaling, and enterprise-level performance. It takes care of essential aspects of WordPress site management too.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using Cloudways Autonomous?

1. Register and Subscribe to Cloudways Autonomous

Step 1: Register

Go to the Cloudways Website and sign up for an account. Add basic details like your email address and set up your password.

Log in to your Cloudways account. Here, open the left menu bar and click “Cloudways Autonomous.” Choose a plan that fits your needs and click “Get Started” or “Subscribe.”

Step 2: Subscribe to a Plan

Once your account is ready, pick your plan. Cloudways offers multiple payment plans, depending on the user’s needs.

2. Launch Your Application

Step 1: Add a New Application

Once you have subscribed to a plan, it’s time to launch your application.

For this, go to the Cloudways dashboard and click on “Add Application.” Select your desired server location from the dropdown menu.

Choose the type of application you want to deploy (e.g., WordPress, WooCommerce) and click “Launch Application.”

Step 2: Configure Your Application

Once the application is launched, configure it according to your needs. This includes setting up admin credentials, installing necessary plugins, and customizing the appearance.

3. Migrate Your Existing Website

Option 1: Use Cloudways WordPress Migrator Plugin

Now you can install the Cloudways WordPress Migrator Plugin on your existing WordPress site. After installation, you can activate the plugin and follow the steps mentioned in the migration wizard. Here you will have to add Cloudways server details and start your migration process.

Option 2: Request Managed Migration

But if you are too busy to migrate your website on your own, there is an option to do so with managed migration. Request a managed migration from Cloudways experts and they will take care of the rest.

4. Map Your Domain and Manage DNS Records

Step 1: Add Your Domain

In your Cloudways dashboard, go to “Domain Management.”

From here, go to “Add Domain” and click on it. Enter your domain name (e.g., example.com). This can be a root domain or a subdomain.

Step 2: Update DNS Records

You can also update your DNS Records using Cloudways Autonomous. Update the DNS records to point your domain to the Cloudways server. This usually involves setting up A records or CNAME records as provided by Cloudways.

Cloudways uses Cloudflare Enterprise. This means you benefit from enhanced security and performance features.

5. Optimize Performance and Security

Step 1: Use Built-in Performance Tools

Cloudways Autonomous includes integrated Cloudflare CDN and edge caching, which help deliver fast content to users globally.

You can use the Redis Object Cache Pro plugin. This can boost your database’s performance. And if you are using a WooCommerce site, you should surely give this feature a shot.

Step 2: Monitor and Manage Resources

Utilize Cloudways’ monitoring tools to keep an eye on your server’s performance. This includes checking logs, traffic analysis, cache analysis, and more.

6. Utilize 24/7 Support

Step 1: Access Support

Cloudways offers round-the-clock support. You can contact their support team via live chat or support tickets.

Use the Cloudways Help Center for tutorials and guides on various topics related to hosting and application management.

Now that you have a pretty idea about how to use Cloudways Autonomous to boost your traffic-magnet website, let’s move on to take a look at standout features.

What are Some Standout Features of Cloudways Autonomous?

Powered by Kubernetes

Kubernetes is an amazing technology that makes cloud infrastructure management simple. It allows applications to scale effortlessly without worrying about the underlying hardware. So even if you are using legacy hardware, Kubernetes can scale your application easily! The only problem is, that it takes a lot of expertise and dedication to use Kubernetes.

But if you are using Cloudways Autonomous, that problem is fixed for you! Cloudways’ system manages all the heavy lifting related to Kubernetes. So you can sit back and relax while Cloudways manages your app like a pro.

True Autoscaling and High Availability

Cloudways Autonomous meets your website’s traffic needs seamlessly. Whether your site is featured on high-traffic platforms like Product Hunt, TechCrunch, or Shark Tank, it can manage high traffic volumes effortlessly.

There is an option of horizontal scaling and it automatically scales the resources based on your website’s demand. So, when you have a lot of traffic, your website’s performance will be scaled up. And when the traffic drops, your website’s performance is scaled down accordingly.

This ensures even sudden spikes in your traffic are managed effectively. There will be no limit on the number of PHP workers working for you. Additionally, you don’t have to manually upgrade to a larger plan or even migrate to a bigger server during traffic surges.

Result? Your hosting remains highly efficient and cost-effective.

Integrated CDN, Edge Caching, and Security

Cloudways Autonomous integrates enterprise-grade caching and CDN powered by Cloudflare Enterprise, optimized for WordPress. This setup ensures fast content delivery to your customers, regardless of their location.

Cloudflare Enterprise also provides robust protection against DDoS attacks and other online threats through its intelligent Web Application Firewall (WAF). This safeguards your website, customer data, brand reputation, and revenue at all times.

With Cloudways Autonomous’ integrated cache, your website will load quickly, positively impacting conversions, Google rankings, and Core Web Vitals.

Redis Object Cache

For WooCommerce store owners, delivering a fast and seamless user experience is crucial, especially during high-traffic periods. Cloudways Autonomous addresses performance issues with its integrated Redis Object Cache.

This feature, included at no extra cost, offers a highly optimized and customizable caching solution, trusted by over 1.1 million sites.

Implementing Redis Object Cache can significantly reduce cart abandonment and bounce rates, ensuring your WooCommerce site responds quickly during checkout, regardless of visitor numbers. It also saves time for your team by streamlining order processing, allowing them to focus on other essential tasks.

Sleek & Modern User Interface

Cloudways Autonomous features a new, intuitive interface that makes it easy to create, monitor, and manage WordPress and WooCommerce applications. This modern UI enhances user experience, making hosting management straightforward and efficient.

Why Choose Cloudways Autonomous?

Cloudways Autonomous is designed to eliminate worries about traffic spikes, server management, and scaling. This managed hosting is so versatile that it can be used for agencies, e-commerce businesses, and even publishers. It easily takes over the job of managing complex cloud technology in the backend so you can focus on your business.

This solution complements Cloudways’ existing managed cloud hosting services. So it’s a good choice for marketing and designing agencies as well. I know a lot of managed WordPress hosting providers offer simple hosting experiences. But if you want to take your hosting game to the next level, this could be the managed hosting you are looking for!

Honestly, I’ve tried a lot of managed hostings before. And most of them are marred with issues like limitations on PHP workers and a lack of dedicated solutions. Moreover, not all of them are truly managed. This can result in a loss of time, revenue, and other resources.

In contrast, Cloudways Autonomous ensures that your hosting adapts to traffic growth without compromising your website’s performance.

Who Benefits from Cloudways Autonomous?

Cloudways Autonomous is particularly beneficial for websites with high traffic, unexpected traffic spikes, or planned peak traffic periods. This includes WooCommerce stores running marketing campaigns, event booking and ticket purchasing websites, news sites, professional blogs, and online learning platforms.

During the private BETA testing phase, Cloudways worked with a diverse range of clients, including agency owners, online store owners, and publishers. Their feedback has been invaluable in refining the solution to meet the real-world needs of high-traffic websites.

Pricing Plans for Cloudways

Cloudways offers a variety of pricing plans tailored to different needs and budgets. Each plan’s pricing is based on the number of WordPress applications you want to manage. The pricing at the time of writing this review article is shown below. For the latest information, always check their official website for Cloudways Autonomous. You can also get some additional coupons.

Plan	Monthly Price	WordPress Applications
Plan 1	$24	1
Plan 2	$63	3
Plan 3	$101	6
Plan 4	$168	10
Plan 5	$388	30
Plan 6	$668	50
Plan 7	$1148	90

Pros and Cons of Using Cloudways Autonomous

Pros:

• Cloudways Autonomous offers Automatic scaling that can easily handle traffic spikes.
• It has an amazing and highly User-friendly dashboard that makes site management easy.
• Cloudways Autonomous turns your website into a high-performing one with fast load times and reliability.
• It offers comprehensive security measures to protect your website from cyber threats.
• It offers Fully Flexible, pay-as-you-go pricing that adapts to your needs.
• Excellent 24/7 support offers quick, knowledgeable assistance.

Cons:

• It has a bit Higher cost compared to traditional shared hosting options.
• Some newcomers might feel it has a bit steeper learning curve.

Cloudways Autonomous: A Perfect Way to Scale Your High-traffic Website

I have used Cloudways Autonomous for quite some time now. So after a thorough usage, I can say that this managed hosting is the perfect choice for those who have to deal with a lot of traffic surges suddenly. It’s super effective, easy to use, simple to set up, and extremely effective.

The clutter-free dashboard offers easy navigation, you can manage multiple aspects of your website here and can monitor them too. The best part? It’s powered by the latest technology that ensures your website performs at par.

Wrapping Up

Cloudways Autonomous is an excellent managed hosting for website owners who are struggling with a sudden rise in traffic. It’s affordable, value for money, easy to use, and impactful. There are other managed hostings, but they do not offer a comprehensive package like Cloudways Autonomous does.

I hope this Cloduways Autonomous review has offered you clarity on the shared hosting. If you liked this review, I bet you will find other review articles on my website interesting. So feel free to explore them while you decide when to upgrade to Cloudways Autonomous!

Till then, happy scaling….

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