You’ve probably heard of web hosting, along with all the other techy terms associated with websites… but do you really understand what it means? And do you know what to look for when choosing a web host?
Do I really need web hosting? The quick and easy answer to this question is yes if you have a website. Without hosting you wouldn’t be viewing this website or this blog. Web hosting is a service that allows you to post a website to the internet, without this you cannot show off your website to the rest of the wonderful world.
“Black Nova Designs is a web hosting service provider that provides the technologies and services needed for the website to be viewed on the Internet”
If you’ve gone to the effort of building an awesome website for your business, chances are you’ll want everyone to see your stunning creation, and so for it to go live and be visible, you need web hosting.
Web hosting is simply a service that allows you to post a website to the internet so users can see it. It’s a bit like finding your site a home, where others can visit freely, and where it will be stored securely.
Without this, you simply cannot highlight your website to the rest of the wonderful world.
There are of course plenty of providers out there who offer free or budget web hosting, and for those starting out in business and keen to keep costs to an absolute minimum, this option can seem like the perfect solution. It is however worth considering the differences when it comes to free or budget and paid professional web hosting, and the implications for your business.
Here are 7 simple lessons about professional web hosting, to help you make the right decision when it comes to picking a web hosting company, and a cost-effective plan that not only suits your business needs, but one your wallet will appreciate too.
Reliability
It goes without saying you as the business owner want your website to be visible and accessible around the clock. Therefore it’s important when considering who you choose to host your website that their percentage of up-time (uninterrupted service) is high. Professional web-hosting companies offer a much higher rate of up-time i.e. 99%, and this is what puts them streets ahead of their free and low cost competitors.
Customer Service
In the event of any technical or other problem related to your website, having the reassurance that your issue will be resolved efficiently and without fuss or detrimental impact to your business is critical. With professional UK web hosting your business can benefit from immediate technical support, through means of live chat, email, and UK based telephone assistance. Again something that free or budget providers are simply not in a position to offer.
Domain & Email
Free web hosting accounts usually require users to use a subdomain that advertises the website of the free service, sadly robbing your brand of its own unique identity. Whereas professional web hosting will provide you with at least one domain name, allowing you the business owner to build your brand from the get go. With a private domain name your website can create personalized emails, making it easier to introduce to your online business.
Space
With the advent of cloud computing, professional web hosting allows users access to more storage space and dynamic bandwidth that is adjustable for growth in traffic in real time. When using free or budget services, such flexibility is not always available and the user only gets a fixed amount of space and bandwidth for their installation.
It is also worth noting that some website builders restrict you to only using their hosting and their platform. They therefore own the rights to the website, and can restrict views per month, server size and other capabilities.
SEO
Interestingly, all the benefits of professional web hosting such as performance load speed, reliable up time, and secure connections with SSL certificates, are all believed to be factors that search engines are looking for when grading a website.
Although many free or budget web hosting providers promise to deliver SEO services, few provide the same level of progress up the search engine rankings as many businesses would demand.
Having the control over the SEO process is easier for professional web hosting and gives the business owner the ability and access to keep optimizing its practices over time.
The amount of third party integration that some websites may require is not easy or even possible on free or budget web hosting services. Services such as using an e-commerce platform are easier to install on platforms owned by professional web hosting companies.
As a key component to your business, having piece of mind that your website is in trusted and safe hands can be priceless, and one less thing to worry about.
HOSTING COSTS
So how much does this wonderful service cost? Well the price is totally dependent on the hosting company, of which there are many! However the packages below give you an idea of the affordability of using Black Nova Designs as your web hosts. As a business owner, it’s essential you have the package to suit you and your needs, so if you’re unsure, do just give them a call and they’ll happily advise!
How do you decide which web hosting provider to pick?
Black Nova Designs Ltd are the hosts for this site – https://www.businesswomenin.org/ and many others. Their hosting offers increased web traffic, no adverts, optimised images, UK based service and impressive load speed to name only a few of the benefits.
If you are in a dilemma about your web hosting and would like to discover what options are available to you whatever the size of your business, contact Black Nova Designs Ltd today.
This blog was written by Danielle Holmes from Black Nova Designs Ltd.