MarcForrest.com

Category: On The Marc

  • Why Kinsta Is the Best WordPress Hosting in 2025 (Speed, Support & Simplicity)

    Why Kinsta Is the Best WordPress Hosting in 2025 (Speed, Support & Simplicity)

    If you’re serious about your website—whether it’s your blog, business, or agency site—you know that WordPress hosting matters.

    Yet, far too many people stick with underperforming hosts, plagued with downtime, slow load speeds, and customer support nightmares. That’s where Kinsta steps in—a managed WordPress hosting platform trusted by developers, agencies, bloggers, and eCommerce stores alike.

    In this guide, we’ll break down exactly why Kinsta is worth every penny, especially if you’re tired of mediocre performance, poor security, and inconsistent support.

    Why Your Hosting Choice Matters

    Think of web hosting like the foundation of a house. No matter how beautiful your design or how brilliant your content, a weak foundation can bring it all down.

    • A slow site kills conversions.
    • Downtime damages credibility.
    • Poor security leaves you vulnerable to hacks and data loss.

    According to Google, page speed directly affects SEO rankings. And in 2025, that’s more critical than ever.

    Your hosting provider needs to optimize for performance, scale effortlessly, and safeguard your site 24/7. This is where Kinsta WordPress Hosting shines.

    What Makes Kinsta Different?

    Speed & Performance (Google Cloud + Premium Tier Network)

    Kinsta runs on Google Cloud’s C2 VMs, giving you cutting-edge speed and server-level optimizations out-of-the-box. Here’s what that means for you:

    • Global CDN powered by Cloudflare
    • Automatic server-level caching (no plugins needed!)
    • HTTP/3 support + edge caching for faster content delivery
    • PHP 8.2 ready for lightning-fast processing

    Test after test shows that Kinsta consistently outranks hosts like Bluehost, SiteGround, and HostGator in performance.

    Security & Daily Backups

    Security is not optional in 2025. Kinsta keeps your WordPress site locked down:

    • Free enterprise-level Cloudflare firewall & DDoS protection
    • Daily automated backups (with 14–30 day retention)
    • Isolated container tech – your site is separated from others
    • One-click restore points to fix issues instantly

    24/7 Expert Support

    No outsourced reps. No canned responses.

    Kinsta’s support team is made of WordPress experts, available 24/7 via live chat, with average response times under 2 minutes.

    User-Friendly Dashboard (MyKinsta)

    Skip the clunky cPanel. Kinsta’s custom dashboard is sleek, intuitive, and designed for both beginners and pros.

    • View traffic stats
    • Manage backups and staging environments
    • Access logs and analytics
    • Deploy staging sites with one click

    Scalable Architecture for Growing Sites

    Whether you’re hosting a small blog or running a high-traffic WooCommerce store, Kinsta scales effortlessly.

    • Auto-scaling infrastructure
    • Easily upgrade plans as you grow
    • Enterprise plans available for high-demand apps

    Ready to experience blazing-fast, worry-free WordPress hosting? Click here to try Kinsta with my exclusive affiliate link.

    Real-World Use Cases

    Bloggers

    Kinsta is perfect for personal brands and content creators who need fast load times and zero distractions from hosting headaches.

    Ecommerce Stores

    Speed = sales. Kinsta’s performance-first hosting helps reduce cart abandonment and supports WooCommerce beautifully.

    Agencies

    Multi-site management, client reporting tools, and white-labeling make Kinsta an ideal fit for digital agencies.

    Developers

    SSH access, Git integration, staging environments, and PHP version switching—developers love how flexible Kinsta is.

    Comparing Kinsta vs Other Hosts

    FeatureKinstaSiteGroundBluehostHostGator
    Cloud InfraGoogle C2
    Free CDNCloudflare
    Daily BackupsIncluded(limited)(extra)(extra)
    Support QualityWP ExpertsMixedMixedPoor
    UI/UXMyKinstacPanelcPanelcPanel

    While others may cost less upfront, Kinsta delivers far more value for serious site owners who care about performance, SEO, and peace of mind.

    Pricing Breakdown & Value

    Kinsta starts at $35/month, which includes:

    • One WordPress install
    • 25,000 monthly visits
    • 10GB SSD storage
    • Free CDN, staging, SSL, backups

    Remember: This isn’t a cost—it’s an investment in your site’s speed, SEO rankings, and security.

    Pros and Cons

    Pros:

    • Blazing speed with Google Cloud
    • Best-in-class security
    • 24/7 support from WordPress experts
    • Intuitive custom dashboard
    • Automatic daily backups

    Cons:

    • Premium price point (but justified for performance-driven users)
    • No built-in email hosting (use services like Google Workspace)

    Final Verdict: Who Should Use Kinsta?

    If you’re a:

    • Blogger who wants speed without stress
    • Business that values uptime and scalability
    • Developer or agency that needs powerful tools and expert support

    …then Kinsta is your best bet.

    Don’t wait for your site to crash or slow down. Get started with Kinsta today and see the difference.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    1. Is Kinsta good for beginners?

    Yes! Despite being powerful, Kinsta is beginner-friendly. The MyKinsta dashboard is intuitive, and their support team is always available to help.

    2. Can I migrate my site to Kinsta for free?

    Yes. Kinsta offers free migrations from most hosts, and their migration team handles it professionally.

    3. Is Kinsta worth the price?

    Absolutely. The performance gains, security, and support easily justify the cost if your site matters to you.

    4. Does Kinsta include email hosting?

    No, Kinsta doesn’t include email hosting, but recommends pairing with services like Google Workspace for better deliverability.

    5. What’s the uptime like?

    Kinsta boasts 99.9% uptime, backed by Google Cloud infrastructure and 24/7 monitoring.

    Optimize your hosting. Optimize your future.

    Click here to join Kinsta with my exclusive affiliate link and start your hosting upgrade today.

  • Top 10 Must-Have Apps for South African Entrepreneurs in 2025

    Top 10 Must-Have Apps for South African Entrepreneurs in 2025

    Top 10 Must-Have Apps for South African Entrepreneurs in 2025

    Running a business in today’s fast-evolving digital world requires strategic planning, adaptability, and leveraging the right tools. For South African entrepreneurs, adopting innovative apps is crucial to staying competitive and driving success. Here are ten essential apps for 2025 that can streamline your operations, boost productivity, and help your business thrive.

    1. Xero – Advanced Accounting Solutions

    Xero is a comprehensive platform for managing your business finances. This cloud-based tool simplifies tracking expenses, sending invoices, and monitoring cash flow. Its ability to integrate with other apps makes it a must-have for entrepreneurs seeking seamless financial operations.

    2. Trello – Streamlined Project Management

    Trello’s intuitive design makes managing tasks and projects effortless. With its drag-and-drop boards and customizable cards, Trello ensures you stay organized, whether you’re working solo or collaborating with a team.

    3. WhatsApp Business – Enhanced Customer Engagement

    WhatsApp Business is perfect for maintaining direct and personalized communication with customers. Features like automated messaging, product catalog sharing, and quick replies make it an invaluable tool for efficient customer service.

    4. Google Workspace – Holistic Collaboration Tools

    Google Workspace provides a suite of tools, including Gmail, Google Docs, Sheets, and Drive, that enable seamless collaboration. With real-time editing and cloud storage, it’s perfect for managing dynamic workflows and remote teams.

    5. PayFast – Optimized Online Payment Processing

    Tailored for the South African market, PayFast ensures secure and efficient online transactions. Supporting various payment methods, it’s a reliable choice for e-commerce businesses and service providers.

    6. Calendly – Intelligent Scheduling Software

    Calendly takes the hassle out of scheduling meetings. By syncing with your calendar, it allows clients and colleagues to book appointments effortlessly, saving time and avoiding email back-and-forth.

    7. Evernote – Comprehensive Note-Taking and Organization

    Evernote serves as a central hub for capturing ideas, creating to-do lists, and storing essential documents. Its cross-device syncing ensures you have access to your notes anytime, anywhere.

    8. Slack – Advanced Team Communication

    Slack transforms team communication with organized channels and seamless integrations. Its real-time messaging and file-sharing features foster collaboration and productivity, making it essential for any team environment.

    9. SnapScan – Simplified Cashless Payments

    SnapScan’s QR-based payment system is ideal for South African businesses looking to offer fast, secure, and cashless payment options. It’s a great choice for catering to tech-savvy customers.

    10. Canva – Professional Graphic Design Made Easy

    Canva empowers you to create stunning marketing materials, social media posts, and business collateral. With its extensive library of templates and easy-to-use tools, even non-designers can achieve professional results.

    Conclusion

    Integrating these apps into your business can transform the way you operate. By adopting these tools, you can optimize your workflows, improve collaboration, and focus on growing your business. Start exploring these solutions today and take your entrepreneurial journey to new heights in 2025 and beyond.

  • Efficient Transcription Made Easy with Otter.ai: Free Account with 300 Minutes Monthly – Try Now!

    Efficient Transcription Made Easy with Otter.ai: Free Account with 300 Minutes Monthly – Try Now!

    Are you looking for a transcription tool that’s easy to use and delivers impressive results? Look no further than Otter.ai. This transcription tool uses advanced artificial intelligence technology to transcribe audio and video recordings quickly and accurately, making it an indispensable tool for anyone who needs to capture spoken content.

    The best part? Otter.ai offers a free account that entitles you to up to 300 minutes of transcription per month. To sign up for your free account, simply use my link: https://otter.ai/referrals/NRSH9VNN and get a FREE account!

    Once you’re signed up, you can start uploading your audio and video files to Otter.ai for transcription. The tool’s AI technology ensures that the transcriptions are highly accurate, and you can edit and export the transcriptions in a variety of formats.

    But that’s not all Otter.ai can do. The tool also allows you to create and share notes, making it ideal for teams that need to collaborate on projects. Additionally, Otter.ai has a live transcription feature that can transcribe spoken content in real-time during meetings or other events.

    One of the most impressive features of Otter.ai is its ability to identify different speakers in a recording. This feature is particularly useful for interviews, focus groups, or other situations where multiple people are speaking. Otter.ai also has a built-in search function, which makes it easy to find specific words or phrases in your transcriptions.

    Overall, Otter.ai is an excellent tool for anyone who needs to transcribe audio or video content. Its advanced AI technology, user-friendly interface, and powerful features make it a must-have tool for businesses, journalists, researchers, and more. So why wait? Sign up for your free Otter.ai account today and start transcribing with ease: https://otter.ai/referrals/NRSH9VNN.

  • Ride with the World from Your Living Room – Get a Month of Zwift for Free!

    Ride with the World from Your Living Room – Get a Month of Zwift for Free!

    Are you tired of the same old boring indoor cycling workouts? Zwift might just be the solution you need. This virtual cycling platform lets you ride with others from all over the world, join races and events, and conquer famous mountain climbs – all from the comfort of your living room. And the best part? You can try it out for free for a whole month by using this link: https://www.zwift.com/invite/e7TRq6Nujv.

    What is Zwift, exactly? It’s a virtual reality game for cyclists. You connect your indoor bike to the platform, and it simulates riding on the road. With different worlds to choose from, like London, New York, and Watopia, you can ride solo or with others. Plus, you get to create your own avatar, unlock new gear and bikes, and join coaching programs or guided workouts.

    But why should you give Zwift a try? For one, it’s a great way to stay motivated and have fun while you cycle indoors. Riding with others and participating in races and events can make your workouts fly by and challenge you to push harder. And with new routes and climbs to explore, you’ll never get bored.

    Zwift is also an excellent tool for tracking your progress and improving your fitness. You can monitor your power output, heart rate, and other metrics in real-time, and see how you’re improving over time. Plus, with plenty of training programs and workouts to choose from, Zwift can help you achieve your fitness goals, whether you’re training for a big race or just trying to get in better shape.

    So, what are you waiting for? Try Zwift for free for a whole month by using this link: https://www.zwift.com/invite/e7TRq6Nujv. You might just find that it’s the missing piece to your indoor cycling routine.

  • Get 20% Discount on MySwimPro Elite Subscription

    Get 20% Discount on MySwimPro Elite Subscription

    20% Discount code MARC20 

    I have been using the MySwimPro app for just over a year now. It is one of the best apps out there if you keen on learning to swim, a dedicated swimmer or just want to learn more about swimming. If you have read my story about swimming the (in 2 weeks time!!)

    The MySwimPro app offers a Free and Elite version of the product. The Free version allows you to do a couple of things including:

    • Write and log an unlimited number of workouts.
    • Load an unlimited number of Custom workouts to a compatible smartwatch.
    • Quick Log.
    • An entire Training Plan
    • Custom workout builder and save up to three workouts to your personal library.
    • Profile to show distance swum.
    • Earn achievements based on distance and number of workouts logged.
    • Global community of fellow swimmers.

    There are 3 components to the Elite version. You can select all 3 and pay a once off annual fee of $119 (which is actually a 55% saving) or you can select a specific component of the Elite version. The 3 components are

    Training

    • Unlimited Workouts
    • Training Plans
    • Fresh Workout of the Day
    • Personalized Dynamic Interval

    Technique

    • Instructional HD Videos
    • Technique Drills for Every Stroke
    • Body Position and Breathing Reference Guide
    • Flipturn Course

    Analytics

    • Heart Rate Analysis
    • Strokes Per Lap
    • Splits
    • SWOLF
    • Profile Analytics

    If you looking to get started I would suggest going for the Training component, which is $4.99 a month, which you can then bill annually and works out to $59.99 a year.

    I recently got the opportunity to join the MySwimPro Ambassador programme, which allows me to share this app even more. One of the benefits of being an Ambassador is I can offer a 20% discount on the Elite Subscription

    So to take advantage of the 20% discount, you go to https://myswimpro.com/elite/packs/ and select the package you want to use. If you haven’t signed up already you sign up and then use the Promo Code MARC20  on checkout to claim your 20% discount. Simple as that :)

    If you do use MySwimPro or plan on using it pop a comment below and let me know how it’s all going!