Are you planning to start a new website? If your answer is “Yes”, then you might have been told to go with shared hosting. But, exactly what is shared hosting?
Since we have a bundle of options available, choosing the right one for your website is a crucial decision. While making a hosting purchase, you’ll also need to decide what kind of hosting package best fits your needs. And, which provider to host with is arguably the first one that comes to our mind.
Keep reading, here we will understand what is shared hosting in detail. Furthermore, you’ll get an idea of how shared work, its advantages, disadvantages, and alternate shared hostings!
What is Shared Hosting?
Shared hosting is a web hosting solution that allows multiple websites to share resources on a single server. This economical approach allows beginners to make an online presence without the need for advanced technical skills or substantial infrastructure. The main thing about shared hosting is its cost-effectiveness. This is the reason why many people go for it in their earlier stages. In 2019, shared hosting claimed a substantial 37.64% revenue share of the hosting market, as reported by Grand View Research.
When you start creating a website, your first steps involve purchasing a domain name and selecting a web hosting service. Shared hosting is offered by companies like Hostinger, Bluehost, HostGator, and many others. These companies simplify this process by providing feature-rich plans at an affordable price. These plans include everything from server space to storage. The data on your website, including photos, videos, text, and code, can be hosted with ease thanks to these services
Despite the benefits, shared hosting does come with limitations. Each user is allocated a specific amount of server resources, and while this may suffice for smaller websites, it may pose challenges for larger, more resource-intensive projects. Therefore, shared hosting is best suited for those just starting out or managing small to medium-sized websites.
How Does Shared Hosting Work?
Making a wise decision requires having a complete understanding of shared hosting operations. When visitors type in your website’s URL, their browser sends a request to the shared server hosting your site’s data. The requested content is then sent by the server in response, enabling users to access and view your web pages. The hosting provider manages the setup and maintenance of the shared server. They free website owners from the complexities of server management.
Shared hosting plans, come at an affordable price, and may include a built-in cPanel for easy website management. This eliminates the need for users to handle technical maintenance. This allows them to focus on other aspects of website development. However, the trade-off for this simplicity is the limited bandwidth, storage space, processing power, and control over server configuration.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Shared Hosting
Advantages
1. Cost-Effective: Shared hosting is the most budget-friendly option, with prices typically ranging from $2.99 to $9.99, making it accessible for those with limited financial resources.
2. Scalability: Hosting companies often offer multiple levels of hosting, allowing users to upgrade their packages over time as their website grows.
3. User-Friendly: Shared hosting usually comes with a built-in cPanel, simplifying website management for users with varying technical skills.
4. Managed Server: The hosting provider handles server setup and maintenance, alleviating users from technical responsibilities.
Disadvantages
1. Slower Load Times: Compared to dedicated servers, shared hosting may result in slower load times, impacting user experience.
2. Server Overload: The server can become overburdened when multiple sites share resources, affecting the performance of all hosted websites.
3. Limited Performance with Increased Traffic: As a site experiences higher traffic levels, its performance on shared hosting may decline.
4. Unknown Neighbors: Users may share a server with other websites whose activities can potentially pose risks, albeit rarely.
5. Limited Customization: Shared hosting provides minimal customization options, hindering the ability to optimize website performance fully.
Despite these disadvantages, shared hosting remains an excellent choice for beginners.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Shared Hosting Provider
Choosing the right shared hosting provider involves more than just considering the price. Several crucial factors impact your site’s performance and security:
1. Uptime: Select a hosting provider with a high uptime guarantee, ideally 99% or higher, to ensure your website remains accessible and functional at all times.
2. Traffic: Evaluate the potential monthly visits to your site and choose a hosting plan that provides sufficient resources, particularly in terms of bandwidth, to accommodate your traffic needs.
3. Speed: Prioritize web hosting companies with ample bandwidth capacity to enhance website loading speeds, as slow-loading pages can deter visitors.
4. Features: Look for features such as free domain name registration, email accounts, unlimited bandwidth, third-party app integrations, and a money-back guarantee. Security features like firewalls, SSL certificates, file backups, and regular software updates are also crucial.
5. User-Friendly Interface: Opt for a hosting provider with an intuitive and easy-to-navigate control panel, simplifying website management for users of varying technical proficiency.
6. Technical Support: Choose a reputable web hosting company that provides 24/7 customer support. Additionally, check for comprehensive resources or tutorial pages to assist with any queries.
Alternatives to Shared Hosting
While shared hosting offers an affordable entry point, there are alternative hosting options for those seeking greater customization and performance. These include:
1. WordPress Dedicated Hosting: Designed specifically for WordPress websites, dedicated hosting guarantees optimal performance by providing dedicated resources to a single site.
2. VPS Server Hosting: A Virtual Private Server (VPS) offers more control and resources than shared hosting. It offers more customization and is a good compromise between dedicated servers and shared hosting.
3. Semi-Dedicated Hosting: This option offers a balance between shared hosting and dedicated hosting, providing more resources and performance capabilities.
The above-mentioned alternatives may cost more than basic shared hosting plans. However, they offer users increased control and performance. This makes them suitable for growing websites with higher traffic demands.
The Final Thought
At last, shared hosting is an easy and cost-effective solution for those planning to start their online journey. Its simplicity and affordability make it a go-to option for beginners. Shared hosting allows them to focus on content creation without the burden of technical maintenance.
However, when your websites grow and demand increases there are a lot of options available. You’ll have alternatives like WordPress dedicated hosting, VPS hosting, or semi-dedicated hosting to get more customization and performance.
