Search engines relay user requests over to your server where your website resides, then deliver it back via browser to users. Web hosting involves renting space on a computer server to store and deliver content for a monthly fee – though purchasing your own servers might be cheaper in some instances.
There are various kinds of web hosts, and selecting one depends on your unique requirements. If you run a business website with online storefronts and other applications that require robust hardware – for instance e-commerce software and apps – more robust hardware may be required than when starting up a blog or personal site. Security should also be an essential consideration; ensure your host offers DDoS protection and SSL certificates to prevent hackers from accessing your site and round-the-clock customer support that includes live chat, telephone numbers and tickets as well as knowledge bases if necessary.
New websites typically start off on shared hosting, which allows multiple websites to share one physical server. While shared plans are usually affordable and simple to set up, as your traffic grows beyond their capacity they may need upgrading to either virtual private hosting or dedicated server plans to continue growing effectively. Make sure the host you select allows room for growth while upgrading is seamless.
Consider how much storage and bandwidth you require when selecting your host. Some hosts offer unlimited storage/bandwidth limits; other host have set quotas that you must adhere to in order to stay online. If your website will host media materials like podcasts and videos, opting for a higher bandwidth quota would likely be best.
Find a host that offers cloud hosting, which offers high-performance and scalable web infrastructure. It works by spreading your data over many servers for increased reliability and reduced latency – an excellent solution for businesses that need lots of server resources or large amounts of data storage space.