What is Web Hosting?

Web hosting is when a provider makes a site accessible for viewing online by allocating server space to store the site’s files. A server hosts every website you’ve ever accessed, including this one.

The hosting type determines the amount of space made available. Dedicated hosting, shared hosting, VPS hosting, and reseller hosting are the main types. They are differentiated by the software used, the additional services available, and the level of management provided.

People buy or rent space with a web hosting provider to house one or more websites on the internet. This is web hosting in a nutshell. Content such as images, CSS, and HTML must be housed on a server. If it isn’t, it can’t be seen online.

Why is Web Hosting Important?

Reliable hosting is critical if you want to build an online presence. There are innumerable varieties of web hosting today, ranging from expensive specialized business services to free plans with limited options. People and organizations choose plans depending mainly on their goals and budget.

High loading speeds and reliable access should be a top priority for businesses. Business and sales leads come mainly from one’s online presence today, and potential customers won’t wait for your site to load.

It would be a mistake to assume all hosting options are basically the same. The type of hosting plan you choose determines the division of server resources. Differentiating between hosting plans is not unlike looking for office space. You need to ask yourself if you expect a lot of visitors and whether you intend to expand quickly. Do you want limited space, or would you rather rent the whole building?

These are not the only considerations, not by a long shot. Where are the rooms located? How easy are they to access? How much do they cost overall? What additional functions do they have? Are there any extras, like high-speed web access or a whiteboard? All of these factors will help you establish what you need and the right type of office for you.

Recommended read: How To Choose a Web Host

Hosting Types

VPS

Within a virtual private server (VPS), users are isolated from each other. You can customize as you want because you’re not dependent on the other users.

Compare managed VPS hosting providers here.

Shared hosting

This is not unlike renting a workstation. You share the space on the server and you have the basic necessities. If you’re a blogger with a small site, this is the best option.

Reseller Hosting

With this type, you can use the bandwidth and space allocated to you to host a website for a third party. You are effectively “reselling” space.

Cloud Hosting

This kind has become very popular in recent years, operating across numerous interlinked servers and providing reliable, scalable, and affordable web infrastructure. Typically, cloud hosting plans offer better performances and control over your server. This makes this type of hosting the go-to option for big businesses.

Compare cloud hosting providers here.

Dedicated Hosting

Finally, dedicated hosting is best for websites looking for top-notch performance and reliability, analogical to renting the whole office building. A single user controls all the space. They must utilize it fully to justify the investment.