Every single website that lives on the internet needs and uses website hosting, so why does nobody talk about it? We’re here to open the can of worms and demystify website hosting.
Think of website hosting like renting an apartment for your website.
It’s a space on a powerful computer called a server, connected to the internet 24/7, where all your website’s files – code, images, text – reside. When someone types in your domain name (your website’s address), their browser connects to your server, retrieves those files, and voila! Your website appears on their screen.
Why do I need website hosting?
Whether you have an online store, a blog, a portfolio, or service-based business, your website needs to “live” somewhere to be able to be visible and searchable online. That’s the difference between me writing this blog in a Google Document, where no one can view it on the internet, and publishing this blog on my website, where I rent space on the internet.
- Visibility
- Without hosting, your website exists only on your local computer, invisible to the rest of the online world. Hosting makes it accessible to anyone, anywhere, at any time.
- Reliability
- Reliable hosting ensures your website is up and running smoothly, so visitors don’t encounter frustrating error messages. (Key word here is reliable hosting, but more on that later.)
- Performance
- A good hosting provider optimizes server performance, translating to faster loading times for a better user experience.
- Security
- Hosting providers offer security features to protect your website from attacks and data breaches.
- Scalability
- As your website grows in traffic and size, your hosting plan can adapt to accommodate those higher traffic needs.
Different Hosting Options and Costs:
There are various hosting plans to suit different website needs and budgets. Here are the most common:
- Shared Hosting: Ideal for beginners and small websites. You share server resources with other websites, making it the most affordable option, but with limited control and scalability. Prices typically range from $5-$20 per month.
- VPS Hosting (Virtual Private Server): Offers more dedicated resources and control than shared hosting, at a moderate price point. Suitable for growing websites with moderate traffic. Prices start around $40-$100 per month.
- Dedicated Hosting: Gives you complete control and resources of a single server, ideal for high-traffic websites and mission-critical applications. The most expensive option, starting around $80-$300+ per month.
At Local Web Design we use the platform that is the leading cloud-based VPS and dedicated hosting provider. We’re not in the cheapest bracket, for good reason. We take pride in offering services alongside our hosting that save our clients time and money in the long run!
LWD Hosting Benefits
With years of experience and over 100 businesses trusting us with keeping their sites on the internet, we know a thing or two about hosting, and we go above and beyond to make it worth it for small businesses everywhere to host with us.
We offer:
- Crazy fast site speed that won’t frustrate your users
- Automatic backups to save your site should anything go wrong
- Security against hackers
- Frequent updates of third-party plugins to keep your site in tip-top shape
- Real-life, responsive, human technical support for any questions
- Reliable hosting that ensures your website is up and running smoothly 24/7
Remember, website hosting is an investment in your online presence. Choose a reliable provider that offers a plan that aligns with your website’s needs and budget. With the right hosting, your website can flourish and reach its full potential! If you need any help, we’re only an email away.
