Shared hosting is the simplest and cheapest way to get a website online. It’s ideal for beginners, small businesses, bloggers and hobby sites.
Cheap shared hosting packages usually include a free domain name, email hosting and cPanel control panel. They also often include developer tools and Google AdSense credits.
1. Cost
Shared hosting is a low-cost option that is ideal for beginners. It is also the best choice for small businesses, new bloggers, people that just get online, and budget-oriented individuals.
Shared servers use a variety of resources, including disk space, memory (RAM), and bandwidth to host websites. The amount of storage and bandwidth a website needs depends on the type of files it contains.
Since sites hosted on a shared server use fewer resources than those on dedicated servers, they tend to be less expensive. However, the downside is that if too many websites are using too much storage or bandwidth, performance can suffer.
2. Features
The best shared hosting will offer a range of features that make web development and maintenance easier. These might include a free domain name, website transfer, site-building tools, and other niceties.
Most of them will also offer robust security features that keep your data safe and your live website from being spammed by hackers, malware snatchers, or other intruders.
In a nutshell, a good shared hosting plan will provide you with a server with the following resources: hard drive space, central processing unit (CPU), and RAM. They will also provide you with a control panel that will let you manage your online presence via an interface that is easy on the eyes. The best shared hosting providers will also allow you to scale up to a VPS or dedicated server once you need more disk space, CPU, or bandwidth.
3. Reliability
Best shared hosting is an excellent option for small businesses, new bloggers, websites that don’t get a lot of traffic, and budget-oriented individuals. It offers all the features you need for a basic website and is easy to manage.
Compared to other types of hosting, shared servers are more scalable, and they can support growing websites with minimal effort. They also offer good uptime and speed, as well as plenty of resources for thousands of visitors per week (though not so much for larger sites).
Reliability is a key component to consider, and the most reliable servers will offer a robust security feature set. These include firewall support, DDoS protection, and malware protection. Other useful features to look for include SSL certificates, domain name privacy, and SSH access.
4. Scalability
When it comes to scalability, there are a few things to keep in mind. For starters, you need to understand your site’s needs and the amount of traffic it receives.
For example, a wedding photographer who includes hundreds of high-res pictures on their site will need more storage than a blogger who uses only text. And a business with a steady flow of clients will need more bandwidth than one that gets a small number of visitors each week.
The best shared hosting allows you to scale up as your site grows and receives more traffic. If you exceed your hosting plan’s limitations, you can simply purchase additional bandwidth and storage to support your website. This makes shared hosting an excellent choice for beginners and budget-conscious individuals who aren’t looking to spend a fortune on their website.
5. Support
Shared hosting is the best option for budget-minded individuals, small businesses, new bloggers, and websites that do not receive much traffic. However, you may need to upgrade your hosting plan at some point as your site grows and gets more traffic. This is where the best shared hosting provider comes in, as they can provide you with a plan that will cater to your needs while you continue building your website.
Whether you need help setting up your website or have trouble navigating the host’s features, customer support is an essential factor to consider. It is important to look for a host that offers 24/7/365 support, multiple communication channels, and a variety of options. These include live chat, email, phone, and ticketing systems. Also, ask for customer support in multiple languages, as well as a comprehensive knowledge base and tutorials.