If your website feels slow, crashes when traffic spikes, or keeps hitting resource limits, it is time to move off shared hosting. A VPS gives your site its own power so it can grow without breaking.
This guide shows you how to upgrade to a Bluehost VPS, migrate your site, and optimize it for speed and stability.
Why Choose a VPS?
A VPS gives you a private slice of a server. That means your site is not fighting other websites for CPU and RAM.
A VPS helps with:
- Faster load times
- Better reliability
- Fewer crashes during traffic spikes
- More room for plugins, stores, and heavy pages
If you run a growing blog, store, directory, or membership site, a VPS makes a big difference.
Step 1: Sign Up For Bluehost VPS
After you purchase a VPS plan, Bluehost sends a welcome email with:
- Your VPS login
- Server IP address
- Next steps
Log into the VPS dashboard. It looks simpler than shared hosting, but that is normal.
Set:
- A clean host name like server.yoursite.com
- A strong root password
This protects your server from day one.
Starting at $29.99/ month
Key Features
Virtual Private Server (VPS) hosting environment.
Scalable resources.
Enhanced security features.
Why We Recommend It
Top Features:
- 2GB RAM
- 2 core CPU
- 120 GB SSD
- Unmetered bandwidth
- cPanel License Fee Included Provides more control and customization compared to shared hosting
- Scalable resources accommodate growing websites
- Enhanced security measures protect websites from threats
Pros & Cons
- More reliable performance than shared hosting
- Root access for advanced users
- Dedicated resources improve site speed and reliability
- Higher cost compared to shared hosting
- Requires technical knowledge for setup and management
Step 2: Choose The Right VPS Plan
Bluehost offers three main VPS plans.
Standard
Good if you are just outgrowing shared hosting.
2 CPU cores, 4 GB RAM, 100 GB storage.
Enhanced
Best for ecommerce sites and multiple blogs.
4 CPU cores, 8 GB RAM, 200 GB storage.
Ultimate
For high traffic sites and web apps.
8 CPU cores, 16 GB RAM, 450 GB storage.
If you are unsure, start with Enhanced. You can upgrade later without moving your site again.
Step 3: Migrate Your Website
Bluehost includes a free WordPress migration tool.
To use it:
- Open your Bluehost dashboard
- Go to Site Migration
- Start the WordPress transfer
- Wait for it to finish
Most sites move in a few hours, sometimes up to a day.
If your site uses custom code, rare plugins, or is not on WordPress, you may need to migrate manually or ask Bluehost support for help.
Step 4: Point Your Domain to The VPS
Once migration finishes:
- Get your VPS IP address
- Go to your domain DNS
- Point your A records to the VPS IP
This sends visitors to your new faster server.
Step 5: Turn on SSL and Security
Make sure:
- Your SSL certificate is active
- Your site loads with HTTPS
Install a security plugin like Wordfence or Sucuri to:
- Scan for malware
- Block attacks
- Alert you of issues
Also set up automatic server snapshots or WordPress backups.
Step 6: Add Caching and Cloudflare
Speed is one of the biggest VPS benefits.
Do this:
- Install a caching plugin
- Turn on page caching
- Compress images
Then connect Cloudflare for free:
- Add your site to Cloudflare
- Point DNS to Cloudflare
- Enable CDN and basic security
Cloudflare serves your site from locations around the world, which makes it load faster for everyone.
Step 7: Test Your Speed
After everything is live:
- Run PageSpeed Insights
- Test mobile and desktop
- Compare it to your old hosting
You should see:
- Faster load times
- Better stability
- Fewer errors
When to Move Beyond VPS
If your VPS is always maxed out or you need full control over the server, it may be time for:
- A dedicated server
- Or cloud platforms like AWS or DigitalOcean
Most growing websites are fine on VPS for a long time.
Final Thoughts
A Bluehost VPS gives your site the power it needs to grow. You get more speed, more stability, and more control without dealing with full server management. If shared hosting is holding you back, this upgrade is one of the best moves you can make.
