Hosting is the process of renting servers to host websites and apps on. There is usually a one-month minimum commitment, after which you will be charged a monthly fee.
You can choose from a variety of hosting plans, which include different levels of service and storage space. Once you make the payment, you will receive a confirmation email from the hosting provider with information about how to set up your website or app.
Basic Features of a Hosting Plan
All web hosting plans from premium-level companies offer similar features, so let’s take a look at the basics.
Compute Power
The first thing you will be asked to input when you set up your hosting account is the amount of computing power you need. To put it simply, the more resources you have, the more you can do. So if you are starting a store, you will want to choose a plan that offers plenty of processing power. Likewise, if you are creating a corporate site or handling a lot of traffic, you will want to look for a stronger plan.
The catch is that you have to input this data during the setup process. So if you are following along from your mobile device and lack a mouse and keyboard, it can be a bit tricky to navigate the options quickly and efficiently.
Bandwidth
Depending on how much web traffic you will be getting once you launched your website, you will need to decide how much bandwidth you need. The amount of data that you can store and share across the web depends on how much bandwidth you are allocated. Typically, the more you pay, the more you get, so if you are looking for a great combination of value and speed, you should opt for one of the higher-priced hosting plans. However, if you are just starting out and don’t expect your site to be getting that much traffic, you can choose a plan with less bandwidth and save money.
Security
The last thing you want to do is host your website on a server that is insecure. To put it simply, if you are storing important data on a public website, you are opening yourself up to the risk of hacks and attacks. While all forms of web hosting security measures have improved, it is still common to get hacked once you are on the web. If you are hosting your site on a server that is insecure, this is a recipe for disaster.
If you are looking for a safe and secure place to host your website or app, you should opt for a premium-level plan that offers the best possible security. Some companies specialize in providing highly secure hosting plans, so if this is a priority for you, make sure to check out their offerings as well.
More Than Meets The Eye
One of the cool things about web hosting is that you have access to a variety of resources that can help you make your site work the best it can. Companies that specialize in providing web hosting have trained staff that can help you navigate the setup process, and even offer further assistance when you start getting tired of dealing with the computer software themselves.
Choosing the right web hosting plan for your needs can be tricky, so make sure to do your research before you commit. While all web hosting plans include similar features, you should still read up on the different companies and what their customer service is like. If you have any questions or need assistance, contact the company directly via email or phone and they will be happy to help you out. Just make sure to read their policies and service agreements carefully before you begin hosting your site or app so there are no nasty surprises later on.