Tips to Choose Web Hosting for a Small Business

Nowadays, when technologies are growing and developing so fast, owners of small businesses are moving from small local stores and markets to the cyberspace. As e-commerce shops allow much flexibility, many entrepreneurs are ready to take the next step in converting their local business into something completely different.

However, considering an online presence may raise plenty of questions for small business owners, such as: where to start? How to choose the right tools? How to launch the website? Who can assist with all the technical matters?

In this article, we are going to take a look at what is important in choosing a web hosting for your small business website. Also, we will take a tour of features that web hosting should provide.


1. Choose a type of Web Hosting: Shared Hosting or VPS?

Shared Hosting
Shared hosting is one of the most popular options available for those who seek small business web hosting. For beginners, no matter what kind of site you own (a blog, portfolio, small e-commerce etc.) shared hosting is a great opportunity to start. Cheap and affordable, easy to manage, as everything is prepared for uploading your website. By choosing a shared hosting provider, pay attention to the following:

* availability of free SSL certificate
* allowed number of websites, email accounts, parked domains and subdomains on your selected plan
* how limited the website space is
* what the amount of bandwidth is
* if any spam protection is provided
* if the provider offers a website backup
* what the website building tools are


Virtual Private Server Options (VPS)
If you plan a huge traffic to your website, or you need a different server’s configuration for your CMS than the basic one in shared hosting, VPS hosting is an option for you. As most of VPS are self-managed, you have more freedom in software management.

Also, if you are not a techie, you have a choice of a managed VPS. However, keep in mind that the price of such a VPS will increase significantly.


2. Check Web Hosting Provider's Reliability, Uptime, and Speed

Reliability
Read reviews and testimonials from current and past customers. “ Hostadvice”, "Shopper Approved" or "Trustpilot" are the most popular websites that publish reviews for online businesses. All the reviews are written by real customers, so you can definitely trust them.

Uptime
Search for a web hosting company that guarantees your website will be up 99.95% of the time. Furthermore, it is supposed to ensure that your website will be available all the time.

Speed
Check the server's location as your website speed mostly depends on the distance from the server to the end customer. If you have plans to get customers in Europe, choose servers located in Europe, too.

3. Test the Support of a Web Hosting Provider

When you run a small business online for the first time, one of the most important criteria to consider is customer service. The specialists working at a web hosting company are your first point of contact to answer any questions or assist you during the website upload process. So, make sure you can communicate with a web hosting provider via chat, email or phone calls. Furthermore, read the reviews not only regarding technical infrastructure - pay attention how qualified customer support is, too.

4. Choose the Price Carefully

Do not fall for the cheapest web hosting plans. Also, free web hosting is not an option due to limited features, advertising, and high probability of downtime when you will not receive any assistance.

In conclusion, do not try to find the best hosting in the world. Plan your expenses and look for the best web hosting options by comparing plans and offers that meet your website's needs.

If you want to find more tips and best hosting offers check at hostens.com

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