Version control (usually Git) is a way to track every change to your website’s code so you can review history and roll back, and your hosting only needs to support Git if you or your developer want to publish code updates to the live server through a Git workflow instead of uploading files manually.
Think of Git like a time machine for code. Each saved checkpoint (a “commit”) records what changed, who changed it, and when. You can create separate work paths (“branches”) to test a new feature or design tweak without touching the live version, then merge it when it’s ready. For business owners, the practical value is fewer “what changed?” mysteries, faster recovery when something breaks, and cleaner handoffs when multiple people touch the site.
Here’s the big clarification: Git mainly lives with your developer and your code repository (often on GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket). Your hosting can run your site perfectly fine without any Git tools at all. Where hosting support matters is when you want the server to pull code from a repository, connect via SSH keys, or provide a built-in workflow for pushing code changes live.
| Hosting type | Does it need Git support? | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| Basic shared hosting (FTP/SFTP, cPanel) | No | Sites with infrequent code changes, updates handled in WordPress admin, simple brochure sites |
| Managed WordPress hosting with staging | Nice to have | Orlando-area businesses that want safer updates, a staging copy for testing, and fewer “site went down” surprises |
| Developer-focused hosting or VPS | Often yes | Custom themes/plugins, custom apps, frequent code releases, multiple developers |
How to decide for your business
If your site is WordPress and you mostly change text, photos, hours, services, and blog posts, Git support on hosting usually won’t change your day to day. Those edits live in the database, not just files, so Git is not a replacement for backups or a staging site. If you routinely change code (custom theme work, plugin work, tracking scripts, custom forms, speed work), Git becomes very useful, and hosting that plays nicely with a Git workflow can reduce risk.
When you compare hosts, we recommend asking these plain questions:
- Do we get SFTP and SSH access (for developer access without sharing passwords)?
- Is there a one-click staging site (so changes can be tested before going live)?
- What backup schedule is included, and how fast can we restore?
- Can the server connect to a private Git repository using SSH keys, or is there a built-in Git tool in the control panel?
- Can we limit access by user, so a contractor doesn’t get full admin rights forever?
If you want a setup where code changes are handled cleanly while your team still edits pages normally, that’s exactly what we build into our WordPress hosting setups for local businesses.
And if you’re still deciding whether WordPress is the right fit for your site and staff workflow, our FAQ on what WordPress is and why businesses use it breaks down the tradeoffs in plain language.
