What is a web host used for?
When creating a website, it is necessary to think about three elements:
- the domain name, which mentions the character of the website and which will be in the URL;
- the content management system (the CMS, like WordPress, for example);
- the host who will store the content of the website.
Regarding this last point, for those who are starting, the choice is not always easy to make. You have to find the most suitable web hosting for your activity, your project, but also your site. But then what is web hosting more exactly?
Finally, the hosting of a site is what allows it to be visible and to exist. The host offers a type of residence to the content of your site. You will be able to store files and your files on what is called a server.
Thus, when an Internet user types the URL of your site, it is your host who makes the links between your domain name and the server parameters so that your website is shown rapidly, irrespective of the time of day or night.
High tech
The concept of web hosting can be summed up quite simply. Yet, behind this idea, there is a rather sophisticated high technology. Servers are, in fact, extremely complex machines, constantly connected to the Internet. To be able to carry out their mission, and store all the data and the various files, they must be particularly powerful. It should also be noted that the servers must be located in secure locations in which the temperature, just like the pressure, is constantly monitored.
Behind these waiters are eligible and skilled technicians who tackle numerous specialized software. A good host, therefore, takes all these elements into account. He must be able to make the different websites he hosts available to users while keeping them in a suitable and secure place. Installing, securing, and updating servers must be safe from possible malicious attacks.
The advantages of selecting a complete web hosting
Opting for complete web hosting offers many advantages, among them, peace of mind. Indeed, in this way, you do not risk having a site that is not accessible, or even worse, being the subject of a virtual attack that could greatly damage it. According to the structures that exist today on the market, the cost of accommodation ranges from ten to one hundred euros depending on the formula chosen. The price can include the purchase of the domain name, the protection of your identity, the possibility of choosing among different extensions, the automatic renewal of your website as well as technical maintenance always available.
Selecting the right website hosting: an essential step
A host that comes across the requirements of the website
You have to take the time you need to choose your accommodation. This is an important phase that ought not to be rushed. First of all, it is necessary to ensure that the type of hosting chosen perfectly matches the needs of the website.
Indeed, there are several types of hosting that meet the very specific needs of websites. A showcase site, for example, does not necessarily have large storage needs. In this sense, opting for shared hosting and therefore sharing a server with other sites can be quite suitable. On the other hand, if you want to have rapid development of your site, perhaps it would be more advantageous to choose VPS hosting. Devoted hosting, although more luxurious, is ideal for websites with great traffic like online stores, for instance. Finally, cloud hosting is a good alternative for those who prefer to have a shared server, which adapts in real-time to the needs of your site.
Pages that load quickly
A good host can make the loading of the pages of your site very fluid. It is no longer to be proven, on the Web, the patience of Internet users is dwindling day by day. Also, in order not to lose them, the loading speed of your pages must be suitable (i.e. less than one second). This will be possible thanks to your host.
This also plays in your favor regarding the user experience and is always a plus for your natural referencing.
Appropriate technical assistance
A good host should also provide you with available technical support. Technical problems with a website are not inevitable, even if your host is the most efficient in the world. Thus, being able to rely on its technical department when needed is a real boon. It would be unthinkable, these days, to leave a site in error, inaccessible, for several hours.
Thus, rapid support and support worthy of the name can make all the difference. Do not skimp on this point: you should be able to reach the technical support of your host at any time.
Unlimited storage space
A good host will allow you to have access to a storage space large enough for you to leave all your data there. Being limited in creating content for lack of space can be frustrating. So be careful to opt for a host that does not limit you to this level. You ought to be free to upload a lot of texts, images, and videos as you require.
The effect on the natural referencing of the website
Indirectly, hosting influences the overall natural referencing of a site on search engines. Indeed, pages that load quickly and a secure site through the HTTPS protocol are quality criteria in the eyes of Google. Internet consumers will desire to spend time on your website thanks to a well-thought-out user experience. Choosing a good host to have a fluid and dynamic site will play favorably on your SEO.
Things to consider when choosing your web hosting
Finally, to choose your host and not make mistakes, here are the important elements to take into account:
- whether or not the hosting structure is maintained;
- domain name management;
- ample storage space;
- the reputation of the host and its specialization;
- the availability, location, and connection speed of its servers;
- technical assistance and the quality of customer service.
You now have all the cards in hand to choose your accommodation well. When you are aware of the consequences that this can have of not selecting the best on the market, you have to take the time to choose the most suitable host for your site.