If you’re looking to launch your first website, a shared hosting plan is likely the most affordable option. You can get a quality host for a few dollars a month, and if your site grows, you can always upgrade to a more powerful plan.
Shared hosting is a type of web hosting that allows multiple websites to be hosted on one physical server. It is a popular option because it is less expensive than dedicated hosting.
Cost-effectiveness
When you are a small business owner with minimal budget requirements, shared hosting is one of the most cost-effective options to get your website up and running. It allows you to launch your site quickly and affordably while ensuring you have the resources necessary for growth as your business grows.
Shared hosting is a type of web hosting that uses a single server to host multiple websites. Each user gets a portion of the server to host their files, with system resources shared on-demand.
As a result, it is often a cheaper option than dedicated servers for new sites with low traffic. However, it is not recommended for high-traffic sites that require advanced configurations and high bandwidth.
This style of hosting also limits resources, such as storage space and bandwidth, to avoid overuse by one website. This is especially true if that site experiences an influx of traffic, such as Black Friday or when it goes viral.
Security
The security of your website is one of the most important aspects to consider when choosing a hosting provider. It is essential for all business owners to have a secure hosting environment in order to prevent cyber attacks and data breaches that can negatively affect their brand and reputation.
The best shared hosting providers will take a number of steps to protect your site from security threats. These include 24/7 server monitoring, encryption, spam protection, and integrated CDNs.
In addition to these measures, you should also look for a web host that regularly performs file scans on their clients’ accounts. This is an effective way to identify any malware that may be threatening your website.
It is also a good idea to restrict access to the servers and other machines included in your host’s infrastructure to only trained technicians with a security clearance. This can be done through SSH (Secure Socket Shell), which provides a cryptographic network protocol between technical experts and the remote machines, keeping information safe.
Reliability
Reliability is a key component of any web host, and it’s something that you’ll have to pay close attention to if you want to make your site a success. That means a solid track record of customer support that’s available whenever you need it, and also a robust suite of security measures to keep your website secure.
The best shared hosting providers should also have a solid reputation for speedy deployment of software updates and other server-side improvements, so your website won’t slow down due to a bug or a system upgrade. Some even offer money-back guarantees, which will give you back part of your money if they fail to deliver on their uptime promises.
For a solid experience, look for features like a free SSL certificate (the most valuable service a shared host can provide), and a cPanel interface that is easy to navigate and allows you to customize your account the way you want it. You’ll be able to manage your email, domains, and files without having to hire a technical assistant.
Flexibility
The best shared hosting providers have a range of options, including scalable plans to accommodate your website growth as it gains traffic. For example, if you need more FTP users or cloud storage, you can upgrade to a plan with these features.
Shared hosting is best for small websites, blogs and low-traffic sites that do not require advanced configurations or high bandwidth. It also allows you to save money on server maintenance by sharing costs with other users on a single server.
A good shared hosting plan will provide a control panel that facilitates site management and pre-installed programs to handle most general websites. It should also offer server management support, reducing the need for a user to hire an external administrator.
However, while VPS and dedicated servers provide more flexibility when it comes to installing specific software or configurations, shared hosting provides only surface-level customization and control. This means that if you need to change the back-end of your server to run a specific application, you’ll have to wait for the host to install it on their timetable.