Most WordPress hosting providers offer you server space and, possibly, a support ticket system. Need SSH access? That's an upgrade. Want someone who actually understands your code? Good luck getting past the first-tier support agent reading from a script.
This is the reality for most developers and agencies managing WordPress sites. You get the tools, but you're on your own when things get complex.
At FatLab, we built our hosting differently. Yes, you get all the developer tools you expect—SFTP access, SSH, and WP-CLI come standard on every plan. However, what sets us apart is what happens after you log in: our development team becomes an extension of yours.
Developer tools that come standard
Every FatLab hosting plan includes full access to the tools developers actually use. No upgrades, no restrictions, no support tickets required.
SFTP access for everyone. Secure file transfer protocol access is included on all plans. Upload files, manage directories, and work with your preferred FTP client without limitations. Whether you're using FileZilla, Cyberduck, or Transmit, you have full access to your WordPress file structure.
SSH access without restrictions. Direct command-line access to your server environment is standard, not an upsell. Run commands, debug issues, and manage your site the way developers prefer to work. No ticket is required to enable it, and no extra fees are charged to use it.
WP-CLI pre-installed and ready. WordPress command-line interface is already configured on all servers. Run bulk operations, manage plugins and themes, execute database queries, and automate workflows from the terminal. If you know how to use WP-CLI, you already have everything you need.
These aren't premium features at FatLab. They're table stakes. What differentiates us is what comes next.
The real differentiator: developers who augment your team
Here's where FatLab breaks from the traditional hosting model entirely.
Our developers don't just keep servers running. They collaborate directly with your development team, take direction from your technical leads, and act as an overflow resource when you need extra hands. Alternatively, if you don't have a development team, we can serve as your team.
We work alongside your existing development team. If you have a development team but need additional expertise for a complex plugin integration or custom functionality, our developers are available to step in. They adhere to your coding standards, work within your Git workflows, and communicate effectively with developers. No translation layer, no need to explain technical concepts to support agents who don't write code.
We can be your entire development team. Many clients rely on us as their complete WordPress development resource. We handle site builds, ongoing feature development, maintenance, and technical problem-solving. You get a full development team without the overhead of hiring, managing, and retaining in-house developers.
We take our instructions from your team. Your senior developer can assign tasks to our team just like they would to an internal junior developer. Need someone to update a custom post type, troubleshoot a performance bottleneck, or implement a specific API integration? We handle it under your direction, maintaining the technical approach and standards of your project.
We scale with your workload. Whether we're your sole developer or part of a larger team, we adapt to your needs. During busy periods when your team is stretched thin, we're available to take on specific development tasks. You maintain control of the project while we provide exactly the development capacity you need, when you need it.
This isn't just outsourcing. It's a flexible development partnership. We can serve as your complete technical team, augment your existing developers, or provide specialized expertise for advanced programming challenges that exceed your current team's capabilities.
For agencies with designers but no developers
Many successful agencies have exceptional design talent but lack in-house developers. They create beautiful brand experiences and user interfaces, but implementing those designs technically becomes a bottleneck or requires expensive contractor relationships.
FatLab fills that gap as a cost-effective development partner.
We become your technical arm. Your agency handles client relationships, design, and strategy. We handle the WordPress development, custom functionality, plugin integration, and technical problem-solving. Your clients work with you, see your brand, and experience your service. We work behind the scenes to ensure flawless technical execution.
We maintain your client relationships. Through our white label hosting program, we can work invisibly. Your clients never know we exist. Or, if you prefer, we can communicate directly with clients on technical matters while you maintain the overall relationship. It's flexible based on what works best for your agency model.
We're a cost-effective alternative to hiring. Adding a full-time developer to your team means salary, benefits, training, and overhead. Partnering with FatLab gives you access to experienced WordPress developers for a fraction of that cost, without the long-term commitment or management overhead.
Consulting for non-technical clients
Not everyone running a WordPress site has a development team or technical background. Many business owners, nonprofit directors, and content managers need someone to translate technical decisions into plain language.
Our developers provide honest technical guidance without upselling.
We explain your options clearly. When a client asks whether they should use a specific plugin, build custom functionality, or take a different approach entirely, we break down the pros and cons in terms they understand. No jargon, no assumptions about technical knowledge.
We recommend efficient and well-executed solutions. Our recommendations are based on what will actually work well for your site, not what generates the highest hosting bill. If there's a simple solution that saves you money, we'll let you know. If a more robust approach is worth the investment, we'll explain why.
We guide technical decisions throughout your site's lifecycle. As your site grows and your needs change, we help you understand what's possible, what's practical, and what's worth the development time. You get technical consultation as part of your hosting plan, not as a separate, expensive engagement.
White label flexibility for agencies
For agencies and development shops, FatLab offers comprehensive white-label hosting solutions. We provide all the infrastructure, maintenance, security, and development support while your clients only see your brand.
You maintain the client relationship. We handle the technical execution. Your clients get enterprise-grade hosting and expert support without ever knowing another company is involved.
This model works for agencies offering hosting as part of their service packages, development shops providing ongoing maintenance, and consultants building recurring revenue through managed WordPress services. Learn more about our white label WordPress hosting program.
How this works in practice
Scenario 1: Agency with internal developers
A digital agency has two full-time developers managing 30 client WordPress sites. They handle most development work internally but occasionally require assistance with complex integrations or during peak periods.
They use FatLab for hosting and lean on our development team when they're stretched thin. Their lead developer assigns specific tasks to us, such as implementing a custom booking system integration, optimizing a problematic query, and troubleshooting a plugin conflict. We execute under their direction and return completed work that matches their coding standards.
Scenario 2: Design agency without developers
A branding agency creates exceptional visual identities and web designs for clients. They design every aspect of client websites, but partner with FatLab for all WordPress development and technical implementation.
They send us designs, content requirements, and specifications for functionality. We build the WordPress sites to match their designs exactly, handle all technical aspects, and provide ongoing maintenance. Their clients experience a seamless process and never realize that a separate company handles the development.
Scenario 3: Non-technical site owner
A nonprofit director manages their organization's WordPress site but has limited technical knowledge. They recognize the need to update their donation system but lack an understanding of the technical implications of various approaches.
Our developers consult with them to explain options, recommend an approach that fits their budget and technical requirements, and implement the solution. Throughout the process, we translate technical decisions into clear language and provide honest guidance about what's necessary versus optional.
How this compares to traditional hosting
Traditional managed WordPress hosting gives you server space, security tools, and a support ticketing system. When you have questions or need help, submit a ticket and wait for a response from the available staff member. If you need development work done, you're told to hire a developer.
FatLab's approach is fundamentally different:
Traditional hosting model:
- Tools and infrastructure
- Ticket-based support from rotating agents
- "Not our problem" when issues involve code
- Hire a developer for any custom work
- You're on your own for technical decisions
FatLab's developer partnership model:
- All the same tools and infrastructure
- Direct access to WordPress developers
- Code-level support and troubleshooting
- Development work available as team augmentation
- Technical consulting is included in your plan
You're not just getting a place to host your WordPress site. You're getting a development partner who understands WordPress at the code level and works collaboratively with your team or directly with your clients.
Getting started with developer-friendly hosting
FatLab's developer-focused hosting starts at $35/month for sites with up to 20,000 pageviews, including SFTP, SSH, WP-CLI access, and full developer support. Our Basic plan at $99/month includes unlimited traffic and priority response times. For agencies requiring white-label hosting or extensive development collaboration, our Pro plans start at $225/month.
All plans include:
- SFTP and SSH access
- WP-CLI pre-installed
- Cloudflare Enterprise CDN and WAF
- Real-time malware scanning and cleanup
- 24/7 monitoring
- Weekly WordPress, plugin, and theme updates
- Developer-level support from people who write code
- No contracts—cancel anytime with 30 days' notice
- Free migration from your current host
Ready to work with a hosting provider that actually understands development? View our hosting plans to see how FatLab's developer partnership model can extend your team's capacity, or explore our white label options if you're an agency looking to offer hosting under your own brand.
Do you have questions about how this works in your specific situation? Check our frequently asked questions or reach out to discuss how we can support your development workflow.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be a developer to benefit from FatLab's hosting?
No. While we provide advanced developer tools and support, we work with clients across a range of technical skill levels. Non-technical site owners benefit from our ability to explain technical decisions clearly and provide honest consulting. Developers and agencies benefit from having a team that understands code and can collaborate on complex projects.
How does team augmentation work with FatLab?
You assign development tasks to our team as needed, and we execute them under your direction. We follow your coding standards, work within your established processes, and communicate directly with developers. You maintain control of the project while we provide additional development capacity. We bill development work at $150/hour in 15-minute increments, with guaranteed estimates before starting.
Can FatLab replace my entire development team?
Yes, we can be your complete development team if that's what you need. Many organizations rely on us as their sole WordPress development resource, and we handle everything from site builds to ongoing maintenance and feature development.
However, we can also serve as a single member of your team or augment your existing developers with specialized expertise. The flexibility to work however you need us—as your full team, a team member, or an extension providing advanced programming and specialty services—is what makes FatLab different. You decide how we fit into your technical structure.
What kind of development work can FatLab help with?
Our developers specialize in WordPress-specific development, including plugin integration and troubleshooting, custom functionality implementation, theme customization, performance optimization, database management, API integrations, and code-level debugging. We don't build sites from scratch or handle comprehensive redesigns, but we excel at technical implementation and ongoing development support.
How does white label hosting work?
White label hosting means we provide all infrastructure, maintenance, security, and support under your brand. Your clients see your company name, contact you for support, and are never aware that FatLab exists. You maintain the client relationship while we handle all technical work behind the scenes. We can work exclusively through you or communicate directly with clients, based on your preference.
Do you offer staging environments?
Yes, we can set up staging environments for testing updates, new features, or design changes before they go live. Staging environments are particularly useful for agencies managing multiple client sites or businesses with complex functionality. Staging setup is available on all plans at our standard hourly rate.
What if I just need basic hosting without development support?
That's fine. All our hosting plans include the option for development support, but you're never required to use it. Many clients utilize our hosting for the included tools, security, performance, and standard support, without ever requiring development work. The development partnership model is available when you need it.
How quickly can FatLab migrate my site?
Most WordPress sites are migrated within 24-48 hours with zero downtime. We handle everything: moving files, databases, DNS updates, and SSL certificates. Complex sites or those requiring special configurations may take slightly longer, but we keep you informed throughout the process. Migration is free on all plans.