An Introduction to Web Hosting - The Complete Beginner's Guide for 2017

So you’re looking to set up a new website but you haven’t done this before and you’re unsure of what this entails. The first thing to point out is that whilst setting up any website has a common process to follow, your specific requirements will vary depending on what you will be using your website for.

If you a setting up a basic site consisting of a few pages, perhaps to promote a club that you run, your requirements will be very different to a multinational business that wants to use their website to sell their products to people across the world. Check out the www.gov.uk for advice on how websites can play a pivotal part in expanding your business.

What do I Need to Set up a Website?

One of the first things you will need to set up is a domain name, depending on which type of website you opt for, the domain can be included in the package. You will have seen a number of companies advertise offers where they provide the full package; domain name, website, ecommerce and various additional features that you may require. Get a basic introduction to websites and the Internet here.

Now as if that isn’t enough to think about, there is also a decision to be made around web hosting.  If you’re not very familiar with the concept, to summarise: web hosting is a service that allows your website to exist somewhere on the Internet.

How Does Web Hosting Work?

Websites are hosted on servers, which can be dedicated servers which you would usually require if you have a large website that needs a large amount of bandwidth or it can be on a shared server that generally works out cheaper as multiple website owners pay towards the hosting.

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How to Choose The Right Web Hosting Solution

To enable you to make an informed decision, here are a few pointers that should help you make what could turn out to be a critical component of your business’ future success:

Free Hosting – This type of hosting method would usually be a non-business site, as these hosting services tend to be less reliable and often will force you to take a domain name that has their name within it. The host will also have the freedom to use your website for any adverts that they should choose. Obviously the main pulling point of this type of host is that it costs nothing, so if you are creating a site that is just for fun, it could be a great option for you.

Shared Hosting – As mentioned earlier, this can work out cheaper as the costs are shared between various website owners. The downside is that because there are numerous websites on the same server, your website will tend to be a lot slower. If you rely on your website for customers, this could easily frustrate a potential customer who inevitably leaves your website and searches elsewhere for your products or services.

Dedicated Hosting – Recommended for larger websites that expect to have high levels of traffic. The website owner has the full server to themselves, ensuring a more speedy website and also better in terms of security. Of course, all of this comes with a catch – it will cost a fair bit more for all of these benefits.

Collocated Hosting –With this option, the website owner has their own server but uses a web host’s facilities. There is full control so that if you choose to, you can install applications.

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So that should give you a better understanding of web hosting and hopefully has provided you with the information you need to take the next steps in setting up your website.