Let’s talk about websites! Maybe you want to create a website or maybe you already have one and you want to optimize it. Do you know where and how your website is stored on the Internet? In this article, we discuss exactly this: web hosting! We’ll also look into which services are out there and which services are considered the best web hosting servers in 2023. Let’s see!
What is Web Hosting exactly?
Web hosting, essentially, is the renting of space on a server that connects your website to the Internet. You can see the server that hosts your website as the home of your website. Let’s start at the beginning. Let’s imagine that you ask a web designer to create a website for you. He or she starts working and has a bunch of ideas, concepts, and mock-ups available.
The next step is for the web designer to transform these ideas and concepts into a website. This is when the web designer uploads the documents to a server which you rent space from, storing your content/website on this server is called web hosting. In other words; web hosting is the computer and networking structure that keeps your website available on the Internet. There are three types of web hosting that you can choose from; shared hosting, virtual hosting, and dedicated hosting. Let’s look at these four different services.
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Shared, Virtual, Dedicated and Cloud Hosting
Shared, virtual, dedicated, and cloud hosting services are all servers that allow for your website to be hosted on. However, all four have different functions and technicalities. Let’s see what these hosting services are about and which ones suit your company best.
1. Shared Hosting
Shared hosting is the cheapest and most common way of hosting your website. It enables you to host your website, link your email, and enable other tools that will make sure your website runs smoothly. However, you do share the hosting resources with other website owners. Many bloggers, small businesses, and other starting brands start with shared hosting since it is the easiest and cheapest to start with.
2. Virtual Hosting (or VPS hosting)
Virtual Hosting (or VPS hosting, which stands for Virtual Private Server) is similar to Shared Hosting but there are often more features available, allows faster-loading speed, and has better security systems. Oftentimes, this option suits small businesses, online stores, and large websites for personal websites. It also suits businesses that foresee a lot of growth, since there are more things possible.
3. Dedicated Hosting
Dedicated hosting is a hosting place in which your business is in charge. You can buy as many computer resources as you can afford to look after. Dedicated hosting is favored by businesses with big, heavy, and popular websites. These websites are more complex to manage and are more costly. In return, you get a huge amount of space and you, as a business, are in control and not at the mercy of the service provider.
4. Cloud Hosting
Cloud hosting creates the opportunity to host websites and apps using cloud resources. Often cloud hosting is one of the best hosting options if you want to be able to scale up easily. Also, cloud hosting is known for being able to handle big volumes of traffic, which is perfect for companies with websites or apps that attract a large audience.
Important considerations when choosing your Web Hosting service
There are a few factors that you can consider before you choose your web hosting service. First of all, you have to know your companies’ future plans. What type of website are you building (e.g.: from a one-pager to a complex e-commerce website and everything in between). Then you have to consider your expected growth. It’s always better to plan and invest in the future if you know a website host with more functions is required in the (near) future.
After having obtained this knowledge, it’s important to search for web hosting services out there (we will name a few below in this article). Try to place your needs next to what these services offer. We always advise you to see if these services also have room for growth, since your business is (most) likely to grow over time. Before you sign up for any service, first research the signup and renewal price. Oftentimes companies lure you in with discounts and low starting prices and bombard you with higher prices when you want to renew their services.
Another piece of advice is to contact the customer service team before you sign up for anything. This is oftentimes a great way of seeing what kind of service they are offering. Are they replying fast? Have they hired skilled customer service employees? Are they knowledgeable and do you feel that they can help you when things go wrong? This is quite important since you want to be helped fast and professionally when something pops up. A failing website can result in lower profits, and nobody wants that!
Lastly, ask the company you want to work with what their backup policy is. You want to make sure that your website and content are backed up regularly and safely. In case something goes wrong, you will always have a backup. The customer service team can help you further with getting more knowledge on this topic.
Hosting services in 2023: reliable, fast, affordable, and eco-friendly
Now that we know more about what web hosting is and what factors you want to consider before you choose your web hosting service, let’s look at the different web hosting services out there. We have looked at reliable, fast, affordable, and eco-friendly options. These four options (shared, virtual, dedicated, and cloud hosting services) are all great:
1. WPX
WPX offers shared hosting and they do this outstandingly. With their 30 second average support response and free option; such as free site speed optimization, free malware detection and removal, and free lighting fast CDN, they offer a service that is appreciated by many. Extra perk: they can move your website within 24 hours. Very fast!
2. Cloudways
At Mowgli we use Cloudways; they offer simplicity, a flexible program, and options to scale up easily. On top of that, Cloudways has outstanding security practices such as firewalls, bot protection, 2 factor identification, and more. In case you have any questions about the easy-to-use software, there is a support team available at all times. Perfect!
3. Inmotion Hosting
Inmotion Hosting is a great service if you’re searching for a VPS website host. Their customer service team is known to be of great excellence. If you, or your team, is not completely confident in managing a VPS-based website, then Inmotion offers the option to go for a managed plan in which you get full support in running your website. This option is highly recommended for E-commerce websites since this hosting service offers many different options to create a website that runs smoothly.
4. Bluehost
As a hosting service recommended by WordPress, we believe that Bluehost is a company worth mentioning. If you are planning to create a WordPress website then Bluehost is the way to go. They offer great rates and are suited for websites that want to use all three hosting services, including dedicated hosting. On top of that, they have a great customer service team that is available at all times.
Tip: Read more about creating a secure WordPress website here.
Extra tip: an eco-friendly option
If you value an eco-friendly option then you can consider GreenGeeks. An eco-friendly web host service puts extra attention to using renewable energy to power their services.
Do you want to know more about which web hosting service works best for you?
There are many Web Hosting options out there. Let’s look at which platform works best for your business. We can help you implement all the necessary changes. You can get in touch today and book a call with us. We’ll be happy to assist you in further growing your business.
