How to Find the Right Web Host that Meets Your Requirements
Deciding which web host to sign up with is one of the most important decisions that you have to make in running your website. Your web host is the guardian of all of your web content, and your website is only as good as the reliability of your host. If your web host has a lot of problems, your website will have a lot of problems too. Here are some tips to help you find the best web host for your website.
Deciding which web host to sign up with is one of the most important decisions that you have to make in running your website. Your web host is the guardian of all of your web content, and your website is only as good as the reliability of your host. If your web host has a lot of problems, your website will have a lot of problems too. Here are some tips to help you find the best web host for your website.
Shared or dedicated server hosting?
Learn the difference between hosting your website on a shared server versus a dedicated server. Most low-cost hosting plans are offered on a shared server. This means your website files are stored on a server that is also hosting websites of other accounts. The drawback of this is that if other websites are using a lot of server resources with streaming video and huge photo galleries, that means less server resource available for your website, and your website can be noticeably slower. Also, if a virus or malware attack comes through one of the other websites, it can infect your website as well.
A hosting plan on a dedicated server costs a lot more, but it is more secure. Only your website is hosted on this server. So, it is as secure as you want to make it. You have full control over how you want this server to be configured. What you do here will affect only your website. If you have a serious online business to run, this may be the better option for you.
Limitations and restrictions on server resources
Check with your hosting plan to see what the data transfer limits are. For higher-end plans, it is usually unlimited. If you do have a limit, determine if that limit is high enough for your needs. If you go over this limit, the web host will usually charge you an additional fee base on how much more you have used. If you consistently go over your limit, you may want to look into upgrading to a higher plan.
The same thing should be considered about storage space. If you have limited space, and your business has grown to the point where you need additional storage, think about upgrading your plan. This is usually less expensive than paying the extra fee for going over the limit every month.
Online security
Your host should offer you the best security possible. Do some research online to see if there are discussions about the host’s reliability. Ask the host about how they guarantee the security of your website. If you are operating an online store, you will need to purchase space on a secured server that will encrypt customer information as they transmit it to you. A good web host should be able to advise you on the best approach about this.
Conclusion
Before you sign up with anyone, research the web host thoroughly. Do not just select a host based on price. Reliability and customer service are more important if you want your website to be successful.