What is Web Hosting? Here’s What You Need to Know

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Web Hosting Sullivan Design LLC Las Cruces

When creating a website, one of the first things you’ll need to do is select a web host where the files will be stored. There is a wide variety of hosting services available to meet the specific needs of each site. If you’re new to the concept of hosting and aren’t sure where to start, here’s a quick primer to guide you in the direction.

What is a web host?

It’s easy to forget that physical servers are needed to make a website work, even if those servers are thousands of miles away. We don’t see them, but they are there, holding your site’s code, images, and other files, and transmitting that data to users’ screens as they visit your URL.

The entities responsible for powering websites are called web hosts. While some businesses maintain their own web servers, the vast majority of small businesses get their hosting services from third-party companies. Hostgator, InMotion, and Bluehost are a few well-known hosts, but there are manyothers, and each one usually offers a range of hosting options. The type of web host you’ll need will depend upon many factors.

What kinds of hosts are available?

Businesses or individuals looking for a web host will find several types of web hosting. Before choosing a web host, you’ll want to evaluate your specific needs, budget, and anticipated traffic levels.

Here’s a quick breakdown of some of your options:

  • Shared hosting. A great option for entry-level website hosting with low traffic. The website is stored on the same server as several other websites, and because resources are shared, it is an inexpensive option. The downside is that any surges in other websites can negatively impact other sites sharing the same resources.
  • Cloud hosting (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud). As websites change and/or quickly grow in traffic, they need scalability. Cloud hosting is the perfect solution in this scenario. Websites using this option consume computing resources that are spread across multiple servers, much like a utility. Typically, you are charged by the number of resources you use. So, for example, if your site experiences a surge in visitors, you’ll pay more for the increased traffic, but only temporarily.
  • Dedicated hosting. Expensive but gives total control. Website owners essentially rent an exclusive server to themselves, so that they don’t have to share it with other sites. But this also means they control everything from a technical perspective. It’s a good option for those who have greater site demands and are able to handle the technical aspects of running a server.
  • Managed hosting. Perfect for non-tech website owners who prefer to rely on experts to manage their web technology. Host companies provide a robust package of technical support to ensure everything is updated, monitored, and operating correctly.
  • VPS hosting. The natural solution for websites that have outgrown shared hosting. It’s the “in-between” solution between a shared and dedicated server. Each website is hosted in its own space on the host’s server, but it still shares a physical server. The downside is performance can be affected by high traffic levels.
  • Colocation/datacenter hosting. Most expensive and advanced option, but offers high security, along with maximum control over your infrastructure. Space is rented in a data center, which provides bandwidth, power, and cooling systems for the server. High-level technical expertise is necessary because web owners are essentially left to their own devices: only space is provided. This option is typically only used by larger organizations with more robust web needs.

WordPress-only hosting is also an option for webmasters using WordPress as their website creation platform. It’s optimized to meet WordPress’s performance and is often available in both managed and shared hosting options. Managed WordPress hosting typically comes with automatic updates to your WordPress themes and plugins, along with other site backups and other WP-specific perks.

Which is right for you? Contact us to discuss your needs

Learn more about how to choose the right web host that meets your needs and budget. Get in touch with us at Sullivan Design. We’ll be happy to discuss your options and answer any questions.