There are many web hosting options available, which makes distinguishing between good and bad hosting more difficult than ever. In this article we will give you the basics that you need to know about hosting your online business. Choosing the right hosting is critical, so pay attention!
Why is web hosting necessary
Web hosting is what enables your website to be live, visible, and accessible to visitors. Your website’s content is stored on a server connected to the internet, allowing users to access it. Whenever you add new content to your website, such as pages, photos, videos, or other types of content, it gets uploaded to your hosting provider.
Every website, including those of individuals and small businesses, relies on web hosting services. Without website hosting, you cannot have a website accessible via the internet.
What to look for in a hosting plan
When considering different hosting options, it’s essential not to assume that cheaper is always better. As your online business grows, your hosting requirements become more complex, especially with increased website traffic. You’ll need more disk space and bandwidth to accommodate visitors and ensure a smooth experience. For this reason, you have to find a scalable plan that will allow you to increase your server resources according to your website needs.
What are the three main hosting options
In this section we will look at the three main hosting options. Each option offers a different bundle of resources that comes at a different cost.
Shared Web Hosting
Shared web hosting involves hosting your website on a server shared with multiple other websites. While it’s a cost-effective option, one downside is that the performance of your site can be affected by the other sites sharing the server. This option is suitable for those starting their online business but may not be ideal as your business expands. Many shared hosting providers offer additional options for upgrading as your needs evolve.
Virtual Private Server (VPS)
As your business grows, the next logical upgrade from shared hosting is transitioning to a virtual private server (VPS). A VPS bridges the gap between low-cost shared hosting and having your own dedicated server. Multiple VPSs share a physical server, including hardware resources and a guaranteed portion of computing power. However, each VPS functions independently, ensuring that other websites hosted on the server do not impact your site’s performance.
Dedicated Server
When your business outgrows a VPS, the next step is a dedicated server. This solution provides maximum flexibility as you have complete control over your own physical server dedicated solely to your website. There are no other sites on the server that can affect your site’s performance. This option offers the speed and security necessary for small online businesses. However, it may require hiring a system administrator to handle the technical aspects of server management, especially if you have root access.
Why is reseller hosting not appropriate for a business website
Reseller web hosting is a unique type of hosting that also functions as a business opportunity. With a reseller hosting account, you can use the server’s disk space and bandwidth to host other people’s websites. You act as a middleman, charging clients for the service and generating profit from the price difference between what you charge and the cost of web hosting space. It allows you to sell web hosting under your own brand, making it a potential source of income. However, this option is more suitable for those looking to resell hosting rather than hosting their own website.
Why you should stay away from free hosting
Although there are free hosting solutions available, they come with many limitations. While the biggest advantage is the absence of hosting costs, the templates and features provided by free hosts are often not very well functioning. These hosts often lack effective e-commerce capabilities, making them unsuitable for running an online business. If you aim to monetize your online presence, it’s best to avoid free hosting or blogging solutions.
Conclusion
Before selecting a web hosting platform, thorough research is essential to determine the right solution for your needs. While shared hosting is a cost-effective starting point for online businesses, as you progress, a VPS, or a dedicated server becomes more beneficial.