Web hosting: The definitive guide

Choosing the right web hosting solution is one of the most important decisions for any business. A website’s speed, uptime, and security depend heavily on the hosting provider you select, and the wrong choice can lead to slow load times, downtime, and even lost customers. For small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), it’s crucial to strike the right balance between affordability, reliability, and scalability.

In this definitive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about web hosting—from the different types of hosting to selecting the best provider for your needs. Whether you're launching a new website or looking to upgrade your current hosting, this guide will help you make informed decisions.

For more insights into choosing the right tools for your business, explore GoHire’s guide on how to choose the right web host.

1. What is web hosting?

Web hosting is a service that allows individuals or businesses to make their websites accessible via the internet. In essence, it provides a space on a server where your website’s files are stored. When someone types your website’s URL into their browser, the hosting provider’s server delivers your website’s files to them.

There are various types of web hosting solutions available, each catering to different needs. The type of hosting you choose will depend on factors like traffic volume, the complexity of your website, and your budget.

2. Types of web hosting

Let’s break down the most common types of web hosting:

Shared hosting

Shared hosting is one of the most popular and affordable options, especially for SMBs or individuals launching small websites. In shared hosting, your website shares server space with multiple other websites. This makes it a cost-effective solution but comes with limitations in terms of speed and resources, especially during high-traffic periods.

Pros:

• Low cost
• Easy to set up
• No need for technical expertise

Cons:

• Limited performance (due to shared resources)
• Less control over server configurations
• Potential security risks if other websites on the server are compromised

For SMBs with limited budgets, shared hosting can be a great starting point. However, if you expect rapid growth or increased traffic, you may need to upgrade to a more robust solution.

Virtual Private Server (VPS) hosting

With VPS hosting, your website still shares a server with others, but you get a dedicated portion of the server’s resources. This provides better performance and more control compared to shared hosting.

Pros:

• More control over server configurations
• Improved performance and reliability
• Scalable as your business grows

Cons:

• Higher cost than shared hosting
• Requires more technical knowledge to manage

VPS hosting is an excellent choice for businesses that are growing but aren’t quite ready for the cost or complexity of a dedicated server.

Dedicated hosting

Dedicated hosting means that your website gets an entire server to itself. This offers the highest level of performance, control, and security. However, it comes with a high price tag.

Pros:

• Full control over server configurations
• Maximum performance and security
• Ideal for high-traffic websites

Cons:

• Expensive
• Requires advanced technical knowledge
• Overkill for smaller websites

Dedicated hosting is best suited for large businesses or websites that experience significant traffic, such as e-commerce platforms or SaaS companies with high user demand.

Cloud hosting

Cloud hosting is a more flexible and scalable solution. Instead of relying on a single physical server, your website’s data is stored across a network of servers (the cloud). This means that if one server goes down, another can take over, reducing downtime and improving reliability.

Pros:

• Scalable and flexible
• High reliability with minimal downtime
• Pay for what you use

Cons:

• Costs can add up as you scale
• Requires technical expertise to manage

Cloud hosting is a great option for growing businesses that need flexibility in managing their hosting resources, making it easier to handle traffic spikes or scale as needed.

For more advice on scaling your business infrastructure, check out GoHire’s guide on choosing the right tech for your business.

3. What to consider when choosing a web hosting provider

Selecting the right web hosting provider can be overwhelming with so many options available. Here are the key factors you should consider:

Uptime and reliability

Uptime refers to the amount of time your website is accessible to users. Look for a hosting provider that offers an uptime guarantee of at least 99.9%. Even a few minutes of downtime can result in lost revenue and frustrated customers.

Speed and performance

Website load times are critical for both user experience and search engine optimisation (SEO). Slow websites can cause visitors to leave, leading to a higher bounce rate and lower conversions. Ensure that your hosting provider offers fast loading times and resources that can support your traffic levels.

Security features

Security is crucial for protecting your website from hackers, malware, and other online threats. Look for hosting providers that offer SSL certificates, regular backups, firewall protection, and malware scanning.

Scalability

Your web hosting needs will evolve as your business grows. Choose a hosting provider that allows for easy scalability, whether that means upgrading from shared hosting to VPS or adding more storage and bandwidth as your traffic increases.

Customer support

24/7 customer support is essential, especially if you’re not a technical expert. Whether it’s via chat, phone, or email, your hosting provider should be able to assist you quickly in the event of any issues.

For SMBs, finding a cost-effective solution that balances performance and security can be a challenge. GoHire’s guide on cost-effective SaaS tools offers valuable insights into selecting budget-friendly solutions.

4. How to migrate your website to a new host

If you’re unsatisfied with your current hosting provider or need to upgrade, migrating to a new host can be a smooth process with the right steps:

1. Backup your website: Before making any changes, ensure that you have a full backup of your website files and databases.
2. Choose a new hosting provider: Select a provider that meets your needs in terms of scalability, performance, and budget.
3. Transfer your files: Use a file transfer protocol (FTP) to move your website’s files from your old server to the new one.
4. Update your DNS settings: Update your domain’s DNS settings to point to the new hosting provider’s servers.
5. Test your website: Once the migration is complete, thoroughly test your website to ensure everything is functioning correctly.

5. The cost of web hosting

Web hosting costs can vary widely depending on the type of hosting and provider you choose. Here’s a rough breakdown of what you can expect:

• Shared hosting: £2-10 per month
• VPS hosting: £10-50 per month
• Dedicated hosting: £80-300+ per month
• Cloud hosting: Pay-as-you-go pricing, starting around £10-30 per month, but increasing with usage

Many hosting providers offer discounted rates for annual or multi-year contracts, so it’s worth considering a longer-term commitment if you’re happy with the service. Keep in mind that introductory offers can be significantly lower than renewal rates, so be sure to check the fine print.

For more tips on managing costs in your business, explore GoHire’s advice on cost-efficient hiring solutions.