Website hosting is a unique type of computer that stores websites and web files on the Internet. This computer, called a web server, makes the website accessible to people around the world.
A quality web host will ensure your business’s digital doors are open for business at all times. If your website experiences downtime, it can damage customer confidence and hurt your sales.
1. Scalability
Hosting is the process of storing your website files offsite. While some hosting happens locally on personal computers and servers, it is more commonly handled by third-party cloud-based providers.
The scalability of web hosting refers to its ability to adjust its infrastructure to meet demand and handle growing workloads. It’s an important aspect of a website because it ensures users can access the site without experiencing long wait times or experiencing frustrating downtime.
The scalability of your web hosting depends on the type of website you have, and how much traffic you expect to receive. A high-quality host will be able to offer options tailored to your specific needs. For example, if you plan to launch an online store, then you will need a server with a higher amount of storage space. You may also want to choose a provider that offers dedicated servers and other options tailored for business websites. This will ensure that your website can withstand the highest volumes of traffic, even during peak times.
2. Security
Website hosting provides the space online that allows a website to exist. It’s the foundation that the internet is built on, without it websites would be unobtainable and people wouldn’t be able to view them instantly.
A reliable web host will protect their servers from cyber attacks and other vulnerabilities by having a number of security measures in place. Some of these may include, SSL certificates (Secure Sockets Layer) that encrypt the data exchanged between your website and the browser of your visitor. This ensures that sensitive information like login credentials or payment details cannot be intercepted by malicious users.
Some web hosts also use secure file transfer protocols such as SFTP to prevent hackers from accessing files on their servers. They might also run daily Malware scans on their servers to eliminate any potential infections before they do real damage. The best host will also have tools to handle DDoS attacks and keep them from disrupting the functioning of your website.
3. Speed
The speed of your website is one of the most important things you can get right. A fast site means happy users and more sales. Google even takes page load time into consideration when ranking sites.
A good web hosting company will optimize their servers for speed and provide a great user experience. You should look for a host that offers CDNs and other performance features.
Another factor that influences website speed is the proximity of your hosting provider’s servers to your audience’s geographical location. This is important because the closer they are, the faster your site will be. Additionally, many web hosting companies offer gzip compression on their servers which further improves the speed of your website. You can easily test the speed of your hosting provider using a free tool.
4. Reliability
If you think of the internet as a science lab sans the dissection bits, website hosting servers are like lab assistants and teachers. They provide the infrastructure on which all websites exist, making it possible for users to access sites anywhere in the world without having to wait minutes or hours for them to load.
In addition to ensuring that your web application functions properly, the right host will also protect your data and assets from loss due to hacking or other mishaps. Check for robust security features, including firewalls and regular malware scans.
Finally, look for a host that offers responsive and helpful IT support. In the event of an issue, you want to be able to quickly and easily contact a live person when you need assistance. The best hosts offer 24/7 customer service, which can be an indication of the level of quality you can expect from them. This is important for your business, as downtime can cost you customers.
