It is not unusual for business owners to create websites without thinking about what goes into selecting web host and a hosting plan. But there is more to it than just choosing a host that offers pretty themes. There are several factors to consider before you make this all important decision as you branch out on the internet.
Choosing the right plan is a good place to start as it can help set up your website for success.
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What is a shared hosting plan?
Shared hosting is the most common type of web hosting option available which explains why almost all providers offer this service. Shared hosting allows multiple users to use one server to host their online platforms. It shares the resources with all the subscribers, which makes it less expensive for users.
Shared hosting is like a group of people renting or leasing a house. Everyone chips in to pay the bills, which means instead of paying $100, you will only be required to pay $10.
Why should you use shared hosting?
The reasons to choose shared hosting are numerous. It’s as cost effective as it is easy to use – two of the factors that contribute to its popularity.
How to choose the best resources on a Shared Hosting plan?
Choosing the best resources for your shared hosting plan can be a confusing process, but it doesn’t have to be. Armed with the right information, you can easily identify and select the best resources for your shared hosting plan. Here are seven things to consider when deciding on the resources you need for your plan.
1. Your Specific Needs
What is the purpose or aim of your website? What type of site are you creating? Is it an ecommerce site? If that’s the case, you will need to ensure your plan includes the e-commerce software you may want to use.
What about the future plans for your website?
Planning to grow traffic overtime? If yes, then you will need to ensure scalability is offered as part of your shared hosting package. There are also technical requirements to consider. What will yours be?
Will you need extra features such as an SSL certificate or email hosting? What’s your budget? Be very detailed and very specific about what it is that you want from your hosting provider and your plan.
Your business is not like any other; it’s unique and so are your needs. Figure out what those needs are and that will dictate the resources you need and will ultimately choose.
2. Your Upgrade Options
Starting small is always an option depending on the nature of your website. However, as website traffic increases and your business grow, you will have to grow and expand with it. This will often mean that you have to upgrade the resources, such as your email options, in order to properly maintain your site. So ensure your shared hosting provider has you room to grow, by offering upgrade options that best suit the needs of your website.
3. Your Server Reliability, Uptime Scores And Security Needs
Your web server reliability, uptime scores and security needs are dependent on your website’s goals. A weak server or unstable network connections do not contribute to your site’s success. Not only do they push you offline, they negatively impact your viewership and your sales, if you operate an e-commerce site. Additionally, your rankings on search engines like Google could be adversely impacted.
Choose a plan from a host with reputable uptime scores of at least 99.5 percent.
You will also want to make sure your plan comes with enough security to meet your site’s needs and that of the clients it serves.
4. Customer Service
This may seem like a very basic factor to consider, so basic; it probably shouldn’t make the list. However, while it is basic, it is of major importance. Shared hosting is cheap and easy to use, but even with the simplest of systems, you may require technical or any other form of support and when you do, you’ll want to ensure it is included in your plan.
5. Backup Services available
With cyber threats becoming more sophisticated and more frequent, data can be lost or stolen in mere seconds – the results of which can be detrimental. It is therefore important that consideration be given to whether backup services is included in your plan or whether there is an option to add it to your plan. And if backup services are included or available, what type do you want for your website?
Give some thought to those factors and then choose a web host provider that offers regular data backup.
6. Possibility of adding domains
When your business grows, you must grow with it and this means that you may have to diversify. While starting out with one website and domain is totally fine, when your business starts thriving, you will recognize a need to add multiple websites, domains and even sub-domains. So, before you agree on a host, review the packages they offer, looking specifically at whether you will be allowed to add additional websites on the server.
The basic idea is to do your research and don’t rush into making a decision. Take the time to choose a host that provides different packages that allow you to navigate the twists, turns and triumphs of your website.
7. Account Limitations
Terms of engagement differ from one hosting company to another. Take the time to read through these terms and decide on a host only after you understand and intend to abide by the limitations stipulated. It’s crucial that you do this as you do not want to run into the problem of wanting more than your host offers.
If that happens, you will have to switch your hosting provider, which could be easy or difficult, depending on who you choose. But it would be much easier and less stress to get it right from the initial stage.
Conclusion
Whether you are starting your first website or have been operating one for a while and want to upgrade your resources, the key is to know the purpose of your website and then choose a plan from a premier web host that will set you up for success. Hostific has several shared hosting plans for you to choose from.
