Why Everyone Should Be Obsessed With The Quality Of Their Website Hosting

Are you still hosting your website on a shared server? If so, you’re putting your business at risk.

In this article, we’ll explain why quality website hosting is essential for any business and how you can make the switch to a better host. Keep reading to learn more!

Web hosting is the all-important cog to ensuring your business’s online presence operates at a superior level that is essential to winning in today’s digital world. A web host, or web hosting service provider, can be defined as a business that provides individuals and companies with the tools and services needed for the website to be viewed on the internet. Web hosts will store your websites on specially designed computers called servers. When someone wants to access your site, they will type your URL in and instantly their computer will connect with the server that’s hosting your information and then display it on the computer screen of the person wishing to access it. 

There are countless web hosting services offering different packages for different prices. According to HostingTribunal.com, these web hosts are currently hosting 2 billion websites and around 400 million active websites in 2020. This is a staggering number, but most likely not surprising. As our lives and the media we consume increasingly becomes digital, this number will increasingly grow. With the large number of websites being hosted around the world, it’s easy to get lost in the ocean of content. That’s why it’s crucial to find a good Web hosting service that can help you with things that will help you rank on Google.

Depending on your needs and digital and coding capabilities, it’s essential to find the right web hosting service. The right service provider will vary from person to person, depending on special features and the hosting location. 

This blog aims to address features that are a must. And why an excellent web hosting service is so crucial!

Speed, Speed, and More Speed!

As internet speeds continue to increase, people continue to demand better-optimized sites and faster load times. The time of waiting three minutes for a site to load in the dial-up era is far gone. Now, people will not even wait three seconds for your site to load. 

The need for site and page speed is even more crucial when you examine Google’s site ranking criteria. Google stated in their Google Webmaster Central Blog that site speed is one of the most important factors when it comes to ranking your page on Google. Depending on the type of business that you have, the higher you rank in Google search results will determine the number of clients you get or the sales you make.

An article from Akamai Developer shows that, and, sites that were loaded under 5 seconds had average session lengths that were 70% longer and bounce rates that were 35% lower compared to sites that took longer than five seconds. Therefore, a slow site could be catastrophic for your conversion rate. 

The right Web hosting company will reduce load time and keep your potential customers from bouncing. Two main features that will influence website speed and performance from a web host perspective that you should be aware of:

• Hard Drive: Check if it is a solid-state drive or not, as they will offer higher speeds and more reliable services than a standard drive.
• Resources: Bandwidth and RAM will play a massive role in the speed and power of your website. Additionally, check for options that consist of dedicated servers as this will eliminate competition from other sites to utilise the server.

The right web hosting provider will positively impact your page’s loading speed and thus help your Google ranking. When time is money, it’s crucial to be as fast as possible on the web.

Security, Lock it up Tight

The security of your website is crucial as it will protect you and put your customers’ minds to ease. The internet is accessible to more people every day, whereas Statista reported in July 2020 that over 4.57 billion people had internet access worldwide. As the number of people accessing the internet, so is the amount of online business being conducted online. Nasdaq noted that by 2040 it is expected that 95% of purchases will be facilitated by e-commerce.

As increases in e-commerce and the amount of money being moved online continues, so will the number of security threats and attempts to steal it. With increased security threats, it is more important than ever to secure your website. The security needs to start with your web host. 

There is no single component or feature that will protect your website from attacks. However, web hosts should be supplying you with an array of tools and technologies that will protect you from threats.

These are some of the features you should be looking for when finding the right web host provided.

• SSL Certificate
• Automatic backups and restores
• Network monitoring
• DDoS protection
• Spam filters for email
• Malware and virus scanner
• Server and application firewalls 
• Domain name privacy
• Two-factor authentication
• Secure payment processing services

As data becomes the most sought-after currency in the world, you will want to be sure that you protect your customers’ data. With online threats becoming more frequent, you will want to make sure your first round of defence starts with your web host provider.

Learn why you must take the security of your WordPress website seriously!

Everyone Needs Support and Safety

We have included support and safety together here as these two factors go hand in hand. Here is an example with, ‘if a server crashes’. 

• Server crashes and the site is down? You will want the support to get it back up and running as fast as possible. 
• Server crashes and your data wasn’t backed up properly? Well, you have lost everything and will have to start fresh.

Both of these situations can lose you a lot of money if you are an e-commerce business depending on sales. Additionally, if your server crashes and it doesn’t have any backups, you may lose all of your customers’ information or potential leads that you have been generating.

HostingAdvice states that most sites have an uptime guarantee of about 99.9%, which means if you have anything less than that, you may be hosting your site with the wrong web host provider. Uptime is vital to consider when looking at price comparisons. A new web host provider may provide a great deal, but if your uptime is anything more than the standard of 99.9%, is it worth it?

You will also want to think twice about hosting with a new provider because of the uncertainties of the market. Thesitewizard shares just how difficult it may be if your host provider has to close down their business or you have to switch providers due to unforeseen events. They state that if you have changed service providers, “your site, in its present form, is really gone. If you want to move it to another host, you will have to redesign it again from scratch, using some other software.

Lost data, the pain of switching hosts and redesigning pages, and inadequate uptime, can cause your company a lot of headaches and cost it a lot of money. Saving money is essential to having a profitable business; however, if your primary income source is from your online business, it may be better to save money in another place. By having a web host provider that gives you excellent uptime and the safety of not having to switch providers, later on, you can be sure that your site will always be alive, and capable of making you money!

SEO and Search Rankings

Google, along with other search engines, places considerable importance on the loading speed of web pages when determining their search rankings. This pivotal factor is integral to the algorithms that assess and rank websites.

Websites that exhibit swift loading times are viewed favourably by search engines, particularly Google. This preference is rooted in the search giant’s commitment to delivering high-quality search results to its users. In the evolving landscape of online search, user satisfaction is a paramount goal for Google, and fast-loading websites significantly contribute to achieving this objective.

As businesses aim to optimise their online presence, understanding and addressing the significance of page loading speed becomes a strategic imperative in the realm of search engine optimisation (SEO). 

Liberty In Web Design and Templates

Web design holds immense significance in crafting a website’s identity, second only to selecting the right web hosting provider. A website often becomes the face of a brand, influencing perceptions of reliability and credibility.

Imagine encountering a business using an overused, generic template. The immediate impression might lean towards unprofessionalism. This is precisely the pitfall businesses can sidestep by choosing professional web hosting services.

Why does it matter?

Professional providers offer a crucial advantage – the freedom to design without constraints. Unrestricted by predefined templates, you can tailor your website to align seamlessly with your branding strategy. The result? A professional-looking website that stands apart from the limitations imposed by less versatile hosting services.

Data Backup and Recovery

The significance of effective data integration in business processes cannot be overlooked – especially in today’s increasingly digital age.

Regular automated backups aren’t just data insurance; they’re your safety net against the unforeseen – be it a malicious cyber strike or an accidental deletion. With a reliable hosting partner, effortlessly securing your data becomes second nature.

Easy recovery options act as your quick-fix button during unpredictable digital hiccups, minimising downtime and ensuring your ultimate stays open for business. Features like versioning and offsite backups not only bolster your backup strategy but also offer strategic advantages for your company.

By investing in a powerful hosting service, you’re not just protecting data; you’re fortifying your company’s digital stronghold. Consider it a digital resilience plan that not only shields against potential setbacks but propels your organisation forward by ensuring uninterrupted operations, preserving customer trust, and mitigating revenue loss. It’s not just about securing your data – it’s about securing your company’s thriving future.

Our Picks For The Top Web Hosting Providers For 2024

Embarking on the website build journey opens up a world of hosting possibilities. Navigating through the ocean of choices demands a keen understanding of what each provider brings to the table. Let’s dive into the distinctive offerings of some standout web hosting services in 2024.

1. Hostinger

Sure, cheap can be a gamble, but Hostinger turns that notion on its head. It’s not just affordable; it could potentially be your best bet for top-notch web hosting if you’re running a small business. With plans starting at just $1.99 per month, Hostinger doesn’t compromise on quality. They invest in cutting-edge technology, ensuring a smooth user experience and stellar performance. What sets Hostinger apart? Speed, for one. With an impressive average page load time of 143 milliseconds, even their cheapest plan can load in under a second.

2. Bluehost

Unlike its counterparts, Bluehost focuses on features, offering every tool a first-time user needs to build their website from scratch. Creating websites with Bluehost’s builder can be a breeze – you can have a WordPress site up and running in just 15 minutes (the WP feature is free). But here’s the catch: Bluehost’s servers may not be the speediest, meaning your website might load a tad bit slower. However, if you’re a startup with modest traffic, this shouldn’t be a deal-breaker. Plus, Bluehost’s websites can handle stress without compromising stability or speed.

3. Namecheap

Namecheap isn’t just about domain names; they’ve stepped into web hosting too. Living up to their name, they offer the most affordable hosting on our list – starting at a wallet-friendly $1.58 per month for up to three websites and a free domain. Sure, renewal prices increase a bit, but it’s still a steal in our eyes. Now, the downside: Namecheap’s servers might not be speed demons, and users have reported occasional downtime. While they guarantee 100% uptime, it’s wise to take user experiences into account if you’re considering this hosting provider.

4. Ionos

Ionos caters to small businesses and enterprise customers, providing various hosting options at reasonable prices. What makes Ionos stand out? Exceptional customer support. They’ve got a 24/7 phone line, quick online chat, and a helpful help centre. Performance-wise, Ionos is good, not excellent. With an average load speed of 797 milliseconds, it lags a bit behind the speedsters in the class. Their website builder is user-friendly, offering drag-and-drop simplicity. The catch? Pricing isn’t crystal clear, starting at $4 (sometimes dropping to $0.50) but potentially exceeding $10 upon renewal.

5. GoDaddy

GoDaddy, a veteran in the web hosting game, is a reliable choice for your business. Their hosting plans offer a generous 25 GB storage, unmetered bandwidth, and daily backups. Plus, they throw in some first-year perks like a free domain, SSL certificate, and Microsoft 365 mailboxes. However, be ready to shell out a bit more as GoDaddy’s service prices go above the market average. Extras, like additional security measures or older backup restores, come with additional costs. So, while GoDaddy has your back, it might pinch your pocket a tad more.

Key Considerations for Choosing The Right Host

Navigating the maze of web hosting options for your small business? We’ve got your back. To make your decision smoother, we’ve assessed each contender against five key criteria:

• Performance: Take the time to dive into the nitty-gritty of website load speed, uptime, downtime, stress handling, and overall website performance. Because when it comes to hosting, speed and reliability are the name of the game.
• Customer Support: Especially if you’re just starting out, responsive and efficient customer support is non-negotiable. Look for providers with phone support, live chat, and email options to ensure you’re never left stranded.
• Pricing: The price tag matters, but it’s not a simple case of ‘cheaper is better.’ Take the time to explore how pricing aligns with the type of hosting, ensuring you get value for your money without compromising on performance.
• Storage: Whether you’re a one-person show or running a bustling e-commerce platform, the amount of storage can make or break your online presence. It is essential to dive into the storage offerings and package to understand how much room you’ll have for those crucial files, videos, and images.
• Hosting Plans: Most, if not all, the providers offer entry-level plans, but the devil is in the details. We suggest carefully dissecting the features, capabilities, and pricing of each plan so you can choose one that aligns perfectly with your business needs.

The Final Word on Web Hosting

Picking the right web host will save you money, time and a lot of headaches as time goes on. With so many people accessing the internet and using it to shop online, you will want to make sure that you have a website that offers safety, speed, and security for you and your customers. 

If you are currently using a web hosting provider that doesn’t offer the pivotal things we mentioned above, you may want to consider contacting your provider to enquire why, or it may be time to move on to a new provider. Whatever you decide to do, remember that your website is your business, and it represents your brand. If there are problems with loading, ability to access it, or security, you are losing customers!

Take the time to research your options and make the best decision you can regarding your website hosting. If you need any sort of assistance, Intuji is here to help! You can always shoot us your questions or concerns by contacting us here.