Web Hosting for Small Businesses

Web Hosting for Small Businesses
3 min read
17 January 2023

Not every small business needs a website, but in an increasingly digital age there are many that certainly do. If yours is one of them, then a web host can be of great benefit to you. Check out the best web hosting for small business, and read on for an overview of the different types of web hosting, plus the most important considerations when it comes time to make your final selection.

What exactly is a web host?

A web host is a business that offers the tools and services required for a website to be viewed on the internet. Responsible for housing, serving, and maintaining files for one or more sites, web hosting companies provide space on a server owned or leased by them, which allows clients to store their website files and make them accessible online. The web host also supplies an interface that allows users to manage their website’s content, such as the uploading of new pages or images, the editing of existing content, and the managing of email accounts associated with the domain name.

What are the different types of web hosting?

There are four main types of web hosting:

  • Shared hosting is the most affordable option and is suitable for small websites with low traffic. It involves sharing a single physical server with multiple other websites.
  • Virtual private server hosting offers more control over your environment as it provides you with a virtual machine that’s isolated from other users on the same physical server.
  • Dedicated hosting gives you full control over your own physical server, allowing you to customize it to meet your needs.
  • Cloud hosting is the most scalable option as it allows you to easily add or remove resources depending on your website’s needs.

What should you look for in a web host?

Given the abundance of options available, choosing the best web host can be difficult. So, below are a few crucial characteristics to take into account:

  • Uptime. Look for a host with a high uptime - ideally a 99.9% uptime guarantee - and fast page loads.
  • Storage. Consider your website's traffic when deciding whether you need shared or dedicated hosting.
  • Help. Verify the available customer service options, including email, phone, and live chat support.
  • Monitoring. Go for a host that provides around-the-clock monitoring, automated backups, and security measures like DDoS protection.
  • Bandwidth. Ensure that the host you select offers sufficient bandwidth to manage your website traffic.
  • Email. Try to find a host that allows you to link to your own domain, or that provides corporate email accounts.
  • Domains. Check that the host provides free domains or, at the very least, discounts with a long-term contract.
  • SSL certificate. Make sure that the host includes an SSL certificate in the service bundle, as it’s crucial for both website security and search engine positioning.
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Alex 9.8K
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