As of January 2020, there were around 1.74 billion websites on the internet. In many niches and industries, they’re more valuable than a brick-and-mortar business location. Of course, all those websites need somewhere to live, a.k.a. the web host. So, what is web hosting, exactly, and how does it work? And what are the best web hosting solutions for small businesses?
What Is Web Hosting?
Web hosting refers to the ‘space’ that you rent online when you set up a website. You store all the information that makes your website appear on a web browser in this space.
Think of the internet as a vast plot of land. Web hosting becomes the virtual real estate, and your website becomes a ‘building’ that people can visit.
Website-building platforms like Squarespace or Wix can host your website. You’ll store your files and information on their servers. The downside is that you have to fit your website into their templates.
Choosing a website hosting company gives you more flexibility over the types of websites you can create. This is where you can explore various website design options.
What Is a Domain Name?
If we use the real estate metaphor again, the domain name is the ‘address’ for your virtual property. You can enter the domain name into a web browser. The browser ‘looks up’ this address and transports you there to visit.
Some web hosting companies also offer domain name directories. This lets you rent the domain name (or URL) and web hosting space from the same company.
The domain name can also ‘point’ to the web host from a different hosting company. This means you can change web hosts whenever you like without affecting your website.
How Does Web Hosting Work?
Web hosting can’t work without servers. These computers run 24/7 to provide continual access to the files (i.e. websites) on them.
Your web hosting company keeps these servers running. It’s their job to maintain them and to back up their contents. They should also provide support in case there are any issues.
They charge for the hosting space, usually on a monthly basis. Hosting plans often start off at a low price for a ‘shared’ server. This means the files for many websites are housed on the same server.
The downside is that the bandwidth for each website is also shared. If a neighboring website gets a spike in traffic, it can affect your site too.
When you choose a web host, choose one that lets you change your plan. That way, when you get more traffic to your website, you can switch to a server that handles more traffic.
Private servers are more expensive since you rent the entire server. This lets you keep the bandwidth for your website alone.
What are the Best Web Hosting Options for Small Businesses?
If you’re looking for a secure, reliable web host, buying the cheapest option usually isn’t the best bet. Many low-cost providers use outdated technology that can leave your site vulnerable to security breaches and downtime from server failures. Also, these providers are notorious for hitting you with myriad up-charges and service fees.
Your likely better off with a mid-range web hosting solution and some kind of professional website management to maintain your site, provide security patches, and interface with the hosting company. Campfire Digital provides these options in our Pilot Light package, which also includes updates for ADA accessiblity and basic SEO. Contact us today to find out how we can help you run a professional, worry-free business website.
