The first step to establishing an online presence is getting a reliable web hosting plan. However, choosing a hosting plan for your website can be challenging, thanks to the various web host providers online. Do not fall for the enticing promises of guaranteed data security, low prices, and other reassuring deals into selecting the wrong web host for your company. Here is what you need to know about web hosting.
1. There are four Basic types of Web Hosting
Don’t choose the first web hosting plan that pops on your search results. Instead, familiarize yourself with the different types of web hosting to choose a suitable one for your company.
a) Shared Hosting
This is a web hosting option where multiple websites reside in a single server connected to the internet. Shared hosting is perfect for small businesses or personal blogs as it is easy to use and affordable.
b) Cloud Hosting
This type of web hosting uses multiple interconnected servers to store data.
c) Dedicated Web Hosting
Dedicated web hosting, also known as managed hosting, refers to a storage option where a single user has exclusive access to the entire physical server.
d) Virtual Private Server(VPS)
A virtual private server is similar to shared hosting in that multiple clients use a single server. However, VPS provides each client with exclusive resources, including own disc space, operating system, and bandwidth
2. Free Web Hosting Plans have Shortcomings
When working under a tight budget, you are likely to choose the most affordable hosting option: the free account. While you won’t pay for this hosting service, you may incur costly limitations, especially if you are launching your website for professional reasons. Here are some of the shortcomings of the free web hosting plan.
- Zero control over the placement of ads
- Slow loading time
- Lack of customer support
- Restrictions on page count, integrations, scripts, and bandwidth, to mention a few
- Limited optimization freedom, which affects search visibility
3. There is no Such thing as Unlimited Storage
One way most web hosting service providers entice customers is by promising unlimited storage or bandwidth. What this means is that you get to have total control over your site usage. However, there is a limit to the amount of data you can transfer depending on the service providers.
Before you settle for a specific web hosting provider with an unlimited offer, consult with a customer support representative or read the various website hosting reviews online to understand what is entailed in the unlimited plan.
4. Scalability is Vital
It is crucial that you are future-oriented when choosing an ideal web hosting plan for your business. This ensures that the hosting service you select can meet your company’s future needs.
Over time, you are likely to realize more traffic, feedback, and queries on your website. You may also have to include new features to improve functionality. The hosting plan you select should be capable of scaling with your business. To determine scalability, consider server and host reliability, data storage, and bandwidth.
Endnote
Web hosting is crucial to the overall performance of your website. As such, you need to arm yourself with sufficient knowledge about it before choosing a hosting plan for your company. Consider the different types of web hosting, scalability, and understand unlimited offers to select a reliable plan that boosts your online presence.
