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Understanding the Fundamentals of Website Hosting

Understanding the Fundamentals of Website Hosting

Understanding the Fundamentals of Website Hosting

Whether you’re starting out with a small business, wanting to expand an established one, or simply want a platform to showcase your interests, building your own website is a good idea. Today’s information and communication is largely through the online world. Statistics indicate that 56.1% of the world has access to the internet. From social media to search engines, to the latest news, everything is on the web.

With the boom of online shopping, a lot of money goes around through the web. 80% of internet users in the US make purchases online. Similarly, in big cities like Newcastle where the fast-paced scene and large area can make it hard to attract customers to a physical location, the web is an ideal place to start.

This is why companies are investing in an online presence with websites, WordPress accounts, social media plans, e-mail communication, and the like.

Search Engine Optimisation, or SEO, gained popularity from this. Business sites and blog content focus on how they rank on Google and search engines. Ranking at the top of listings makes your brand easily searchable for online users. The Search Engine Journal noted in 2016 that 47% of people instantly click on those found at the top three of listings.

Website hosting services focus on SEO and making business brands shine, even through host sites like WordPress. If you want to make your website user-friendly, hosting services are a better choice for you.

First, let’s understand what website hosting is all about, what you can get from web hosts, and how you can find them.

What is web hosting?

Website hosting puts your business brand on the map of the internet. It is the service that allows you to have your own website or webpage and domain on the world wide web. In order for people to view your website, it must be stored on a server.

The server is a physical space where website information can be stored. Your domain, or domain name, is the string of words people would type on the search bar to find your site online (ex: www.jezweb.com.au).

For your website to appear online, you need an online service provider for web hosting. Website hosting services will usually provide you with your domain, web design, e-mail, access to the website content, and WordPress account. The common types of website hosting are described below:

Understanding the Fundamentals of Website Hosting -

Types of website hosting services

If you’re thinking of setting up a website and want a service to help you out, then you should look at the types of services for web hosting that are on offer.

1.      Website builder web hosting

Website builder web hosting service basically provides you with everything you need. They are specifically designed for beginners in online marketing because everything can be done for you. Technical capabilities and understanding online jargon and setup processes are not necessary. Your website’s interface and design are already built for you.

Many hosts can provide some content and make sure your site is up and running every day. All you have to do with web builder is give the service provider your brand’s information, they take care of the rest. Those involved in website building are usually professionals who have much experience with webpages and WordPress accounts.

When looking for website builders, make sure to go through their portfolio and check for usability and interface.

2.      Shared web hosting

You share the physical servers and the same software applications with other website owners. The range can be from a few to hundreds depending on the provider.

While this hosting is affordable because costs are shared, the increased network traffic can make the sites run slower. Webpages can share RAM and CPU from the server which affects the overall performance.

Your site can benefit from this type of hosting if you have a lot of online traffic. More views and visits to your site can minimise your costs so you pay less. Software and updates are shared as well.

3.      Dedicated web hosting

Dedicated web hosting means the server is your own whether managed or unmanaged by the provider. You benefit from having your own server as it means that your site won’t slow down, but you’ll have to hire an administrator to handle this as well. Costs can become quite expensive.

Additionally, you don’t own the server but are still in charge of site security and maintenance. If your online presence is high then this option may be worth investing in.

4.      Co-located hosting

Co-location involves buying your own server then renting space in a co-location server facility for people to maintain your server. The physical space for you is provided but you still control and are responsible for the software, interface, and everything else.

You have to hire an administrator with this hosting to upgrade software and major changes on your site’s maintenance. This type is powerful and expensive, but not recommended for new and small businesses unless you are willing to invest money and a lot of time.

5.      Cloud-based hosting

Cloud-based hosting is a new form of hosting that allows for hundreds of individual servers to work together as one. The cloud saves space for all the servers and adjusts as the need arises – the website will not shut down.

Despite the power that this form provides, data privacy and security is a concern as everything becomes decentralised.

6.      WordPress hosting

WordPress is becoming an increasingly popular platform for businesses and brands. You can easily edit content and browse through the site through WordPress as if you have your own site.

Web hosting service providers usually give ‘Managed WordPress hosting’ as part of their packages. They will keep track of your posting and make WordPress web design smooth and easy to access, as well as adding security.

What to look for from web hosting services

Web hosting services may offer different packages, but there are five basic things that could be assured to make your website handling easier.

  • Domain

Some servers require you to already have a domain name. If you don’t, make sure your hosting service will take care of this for you, as well as renewal in case you decide to make some changes.

  • Security

Your website’s data and content are vital for your business. Leaking of information could cause a lot of damage to your brand. Make sure the service includes necessary security protocol like anti-virus and malware. Securing your online data secures your privacy, especially with sensitive information.

  • E-mail

Domain e-mail accounts let you communicate with customers via your site. Instead of the typical e-mail address (yourname@gmail.com), it would have your site’s name on it (yourname@yourwebsite) for increased credibility and professional image towards users.

  • Updates

Make sure your service includes software updates to keep your site up and running as long as it remains active. Lack of updates could result in crashes or webpages shutting down.

  • WordPress Support

Finally, WordPress support ensures your brand’s landing online for increased traffic. WordPress is a popular platform that puts you on the map. It powers over 25% of websites and the convenience it gives makes it easier to manage.

If you aren’t sure about how to set up your website, make sure to look for credible Web Hosting Services and Web Design teams that will manage and promote your site well. Look for a team you can trust, located locally, who you can talk and understand easily.

Contact Jezweb for your website needs

Jezweb’s expertise is Hunter Valley and Newcastle web design. We will make sure your website is well-managed and the web design and software are up-to-date. Contact us at 02 4951 5267 or send us an email for enquiries.