Today, there are between 1.6 and 1.9 billion websites on the internet, with each having its own unique content and needs. Given that sites are so drastically different, it’s no surprise that different web hosting options have cropped up.
If you’re joining in on the digital world, then creating your own site is a fantastic way to get online visibility. But considering that you could be doing anything from personal blogging to ecommerce trading, you’ll appreciate that web hosting isn’t a one-size-fits-all thing.
In this article, we’ll discuss the different types of web hosting available so you can choose the one that suits your needs.
Shared Hosting
If you’re just starting out, then the most economical solution is shared hosting.
As the name suggests, all client websites are hosted on a single physical server. This means that you all share resources, such as disk space, CPU, and RAM.
For small websites that get low to moderate traffic, this should suffice. However, performance can suffer if the server gets high traffic since the resources are shared. So if you plan on scaling your website, shared hosting probably isn’t a “forever” solution.
Dedicated Server Hosting
On the opposite spectrum of shared hosting is dedicated server hosting. One server is entirely dedicated to one website, so you won’t have to share resources with anyone else.
The main benefits of dedicated server hosting are that you’ll get maximum performance, control, and security, as you’ll have complete and exclusive access to the server’s resources. As you might’ve guessed, this is ideal for large websites that either have high traffic volumes or resource-intensive applications.
The one drawback is this web host option is expensive. But you do get what you pay for.
Virtual Private Server (VPS) Hosting
In between the earlier two options is VPS hosting. There’s still only one physical server, but it’s divided into several virtual servers.
These virtual servers are independent, so you won’t have to share resources. As a result, there’s better performance and more control than you’d get with shared hosting.
This is especially true with NVMe hosting, which utilizes solid-state drivers (SSDs). This means it’s faster and more efficient, making it excellent for sites that need more power, flexibility, and customizability.
To use VPS hosting though, you’ll need some technical know-how. Or you’ll need to hire someone to help you with configuring the VPS.
Cloud Hosting
You’ve probably inferred that cloud hosting utilizes cloud technology for web hosting. This means it uses a network of interconnected virtual servers, which then distribute resources accordingly.
The main advantages of cloud hosting are that it won’t have data loss or downtime. This is because if one server goes down, another will take its place, so your site won’t go down too.
Cloud hosting is also fantastic for scalability and flexibility. Customizing your server won’t be an issue!
Again though, if you don’t have the technical know-how to configure a server, using cloud hosting can be difficult.
Managed WordPress Hosting
This will probably be the best solution for you if you’re planning on using WordPress and PHP Hosting. Managed WordPress hosting is a boon for those prioritizing ease of use, performance, security, and WordPress-specific support. It offers enhanced performance and scalability, with servers optimized for WordPress, ensuring faster loading times and improved website performance. This not only enhances user experience but also boosts search engine rankings.
The specialized support from a team of WordPress experts is another key advantage. They can assist with technical issues, plugin recommendations, and troubleshooting, freeing you to focus on content creation.
The bonus is that if you use managed WordPress hosting, you’ll get some free plugin licenses and one-click installations that’ll make creating content easier.
In addition to getting a web host (more specifically, it’s a type of shared hosting), you’ll also enjoy upkeep and security features. You can back up your content too, so everything you make is safe.
Additionally, managed WordPress hosting includes automatic updates for the WordPress core, themes, and plugins, ensuring your website stays current with the latest features, bug fixes, and security patches. This is crucial for maintaining the security and stability of your WordPress site.
Considering that it’s platform-specific, managed WordPress hosting is only good for users who are set on this site.
Reseller Hosting
Maybe you don’t need web hosting services yourself, but would like to cater to website owners who do. Instead of DIYing everything yourself, you can purchase hosting resources in bulk. This allows you to be a reseller!
In turn, you can then sell these resources to your clients, which is very handy if you’re an entrepreneur or web designer who wants to expand your services. These people will pay extra for you to manage their sites for them.
Do note that reselling takes a lot of independence and organization. You’ll have to maintain these sites and bill your clients on your own.
Ecommerce Hosting
Ecommerce hosting is another specific type of web hosting. It’s meant for online stores, so if you have one, you can trust that these web hosting providers will give you everything you need to keep it up and running smoothly.
You’ll get SSL certificates, payment gateways, shopping cart software, and optimized server configurations. As a result, your customers will enjoy secure transactions and fast page loading for a smooth customer experience.
Colocation Hosting
What if you have your own personal servers but nowhere to “house” them? Then this is where colocation hosting comes into play.
You can pay a fee to a colocation center to host your physical servers. The fee covers power, cooling, network connectivity, and security. And the best part is, you retain full control over it!
This makes colocation hosting ideal for larger businesses that have multiple servers but don’t have the budget to run a huge data center.
Choose From These Types of Web Hosting
Now that you know what different types of web hosting are out there, you can make a better-informed decision.
Each has its pros and cons regarding resources, prices, and scalability/flexibility. So it may be worth it to try one out and then switch if you don’t find that it’s meeting your expectations. Through trial and error, you’ll end up with the best web hosting choice.
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