Choosing The Right Shared Hosting; The Ultimate Guide

Finding the right fit in web hosting can be quite tricky, given the huge variety of services available. The most popular option in web hosting is shared hosting, thanks in part to its affordability and being a sufficient option for most standard websites.

Using shared hosting is also a really inexpensive way to test out a service provider's quality. This is useful - particularly if you are expecting to see a lot of traction from your website - as it is very important to know that your service provider can cope.

Shared Hosting

So, what exactly is shared hosting? It is a service that lets you host your website on one of their servers online. Shared hosting uses communal servers to cut costs, which is obviously a huge plus. It does have downsides, and would struggle to handle a lot of daily traffic. However, your hosting provider will still be in charge of all of the server upkeep and maintenance, which is handy.

Making The Right Choice

For many people, shared hosting is a starting point for their website. The lack of investment required, coupled with the ability of having someone do all of the background work for your website, makes for an incredibly popular way to host. Although not for everyone - such as websites expecting a lot of web traffic - there are plans that are flexible enough to meet most needs.

What To Look For

With your needs in mind, it is important to look out for certain features that you will want for your website. There are a lot of different hosting plans available, with many caveats and addons. So shop around and, more importantly, think about what features you would like. Some common features to consider include:

• Customer Support - This feature is really important, particularly if you are new to web hosting. There are a huge number of things that can go wrong with your website, and it can be a real help to have an expert in your corner. Some hosting services provide top notch, 24/7 customer support, while others leave you to your own devices. Be sure to find a level of customer support that you will be satisfied with, as they can be incredibly handy when things go a little wonky.
• Reliability/Downtime - When your website experiences ‘downtime’, no one will be able to get to it. A reliable service will have next to no downtime - anything above 0.5 % downtime is too much.
• Upgrade options - As your website expands, it is important that you service provider can accommodate. So think ahead and consider their future plans, making sure they align with your projected outlook.