If you’re looking to change a web hosting provider, you need to select one of the best. Discover here five expert tips on how to choose a web host.
The United Nations projects that 60% of the global population will have internet access by the end of this year. This projection translates to about 4.54 billion people. With such mind-boggling approximations, nobody can underestimate the influence these numbers will have on the global online market going forward.
With such high stakes for businesses operating in the age of e-commerce, high-quality web hosting has become a necessity for most companies. For one reason or the other, you may want to change web hosting providers at some point. However, choosing a reliable web hosting provider can be tricky.
These five tips will help you find what works best for your business.
How Does Web Hosting Work?
Physical businesses are investing in virtual spaces as the age of click and mortar slowly but inevitably replaces the traditional brick and mortar, business model. Web hosting has emerged as an essential service as businesses move to rent space online.
Just as in the traditional model, tenants in the virtual space can change location if they don’t find value for their money.
A web hosting provider provides storage space for your websites on their server, which makes your web pages accessible online. Tech advancements have led to the emergence of many web hosting providers. This often leads businesses to wonder how to choose a web host, considering the many options available.
Selecting a web host requires an in-depth understanding of the web hosting process so that you can have your expectations in check when settling for a specific provider.
Here are some of the things to consider before switching your web host.
1. Understand the Hosting Of Your Business Needs
When settling for a physical location for your business, there are specific features you have to consider depending on your particular business needs. Web hosting is not any different. Before you go all out searching for a web host, decide on the kind of services you’re looking for in a provider.
Compatibility is critical at this point. You need to be sure that the provider’s service aligns with your business needs. You may have three options to choose from as possible configuration alternatives.
Shared Hosting
When using a hosted platform, you have several other customers and websites using the same server.
This option is perfect for first-time clients. However, just like with all other shared amenities, this type of host may experience instances of internment failure, which compromises performance.
Virtual Private Server (VPS)
Most small and medium-sized businesses prefer this option. While you will still have one server and several guests sharing the space, VPS is divided into virtual machines, with the capacity to act as independent servers. This means that you have higher levels of control and performance than those using the shared host option.
Dedicated Hosting
For any business keen on developing high-performing sites, dedicated hosting is the answer. This alternative offers you the choice to dedicate an entire server to host your website. With a dedicated host, you’re able to customize security, utilize top-notch hardware capabilities, and enjoy around the clock support. The underlying difference, in all three options is cost. There’s a massive difference in the costing of shared hosting platforms in comparison to dedicated hosting.
2. What Are Your Website-Building and Bundling Options?
The decision on the type of hosting plan you’ll settle for should take into account the type of site in question. You may need to consider expert consultation on this factor before deciding for a specific plan. You need to consider the features that matter the most for the nature of your website. If you’re only interested in a blog, WordPress would be an excellent place to begin your journey. Considering that this option powers a quarter of all websites online, it can be a considered option when settling for a web host with minimum cost implications. If you’re looking for a web host for an online store, you would be safer trying out an e-commerce hosting service. Similarly, if your interest is building an online portfolio, you could consider website builders.
3. Understand the Cost and Fees Before You Change Web Hosting Providers
You don’t want to go for an option that will cause unbearable financial strain for your business. Most web hosting companies take advantage of your inexperience to add hidden charges. Before you change web hosting providers, ensure that you understand the signup and renewal costs. It would be best if you skimmed the fine print for any additional hidden costs. The overall cost should be a central concern when comparing hosting plans. If you notice hidden fees, request clarifications or move on to other providers.
4. Focus on Support Services
Nobody will come back twice to a closed store. Similarly, no client will go back to a site that is always down for maintenance. While downtimes are frequent when web hosting for varying reasons, it’s the response time that is the deal-breaker. One of the central focuses when switching your web host should be the availability of the support team. The medium of communication when technical emergencies occur and the reaction time are vital.
5. How Does the Future Look Like for the Potential Provider?
Your business is a going concern, which means that you care about the future. Consequently, regardless of whether you start on the shared web hosting plan, you need to dream that in the future, you’ll move to the dedicated web hosting plan. However, such thoughts are only tenable when working with a host you can grow with in the long-term. You could choose a web host that will let you upgrade as you go, or simply switch hosts when it’s time to move on.
Whether you are paying for a shared hosting plan or a dedicated hosting option, you need value for your money. If you’re looking to change web hosting providers for your business, it will probably be because your current host has failed to meet your minimum expectations. With these five tips, you can be sure that your next provider will be better than the last. You need to compare hosting plans carefully before choosing a web host for your business. Make sure you check out the rest of the site for more informative articles.
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