When creating a website, finding a suitable domain name, and managing the graphics, choosing the right web host is vital. It is even one of the first decisions to be made. Nevertheless, faced with the plethora of offers in this area, it is not always easy to find your way around. However, it is essential to take the time to choose the best web host that exists for your site, at the risk of having severe consequences (poor visibility of the site, loading of pages too long, cyberattack, etc.). Discover, in this article, how to find the ideal host and the essential criteria to take into account to have a site that is both attractive and secure.
What is a web host used for?
When creating a website, it is necessary to think about three elements:
- the domain name, which refers to the identity of the site and which will be in the URL;
- the content management system (the CMS, like WordPress, for example);
- the host who will store the content of the website.
Regarding this last point, the choice is not always easy to make for those who are starting. You have to find the most suitable Web hosting for your activity, your project, and your site. But then what is Web hosting, more precisely?
Finally, the hosting of a site allows it to be visible and exist. The host gives a kind of residence to the content of your website. Thankfully, you will be able to store your files and site data on what is called a server. This server is accessible at all times.
Thus, when an Internet user types the URL of your site, it is your host who makes the links between your domain name and the server parameters so that your site is displayed instantly, regardless of the time of day or night.
High tech
The concept of web hosting can be summed up quite simply. Yet, behind this idea, there is a rather sophisticated high technology. Servers are highly complex machines constantly connected to the Internet. They must be compelled to carry out their mission and store all the data and the various files. The servers must be located in secure locations where the temperature, just like the pressure, is constantly monitored.
Behind these servers are qualified and trained technicians who handle various specialized software. A good host, therefore, takes all these elements into account. He must be able to make the different websites he hosts available to users while keeping them in a suitable and secure place. Installing, securing, and updating servers must be safe from possible malicious attacks.
Choosing the right web hosting: an important step
A host that meets the needs of the site
You have to take the time you need to choose your accommodation. It is an essential step, so you should not rush it. It is necessary to ensure that the selected hosting perfectly matches the website’s needs.
Indeed, several types of hosting meet the particular needs of websites. A showcase site, for example, does not necessarily have significant storage needs. Opting for shared hosting and sharing a server with other sites can be pretty suitable. If you like to develop your site rapidly, it would be more advantageous to choose VPS hosting.
Dedicated hosting, although more expensive, is ideal for sites with high traffic, such as online stores, for example. Finally, cloud hosting is a good alternative for those who prefer to have a shared server that adapts in real-time to your site’s needs.
Pages that load quickly
A good host can make the loading of the pages of your site very fluid. It is no longer to be proven, on the Web, that the patience of Internet users is dwindling day by day. Also, in order not to lose them, the loading speed of your pages must be suitable (i.e., less than one second). It will be possible thanks to your host.
It also plays in your favor regarding the user experience and is always a plus for your natural referencing.
Appropriate technical assistance
A good web host should also provide you with available technical support. Technical problems with a website are not inevitable, even if your host is the most efficient. Thus, relying on its technical service when needed is a real boon. It would be unthinkable, these days, to leave a site in error, inaccessible, for several hours. Thus, prompt support and support worthy of the name can make all the difference. Do not skimp on this point: you should be able to reach your host’s technical support at any time.
Unlimited storage space
A good host will allow you to access a storage space large enough for you to leave all your data there. Being limited in creating content for lack of space can be frustrating. So be careful to opt for a host that does not limit you to this level. You should be free to upload as many texts, videos, and images as possible.
The impact on the natural referencing of the site
Indirectly, hosting influences the overall natural referencing of a site on search engines. Indeed, pages that load quickly and a secure site through the HTTPS protocol are quality criteria in the eyes of Google. Internet users will want to spend time on your site thanks to a well-thought-out user experience. Choosing a good host with a fluid and dynamic site will favorably on your SEO.
Things to consider when choosing your web hosting
Finally, to choose your host and not make mistakes, here are the essential elements to take into account:
- whether or not the hosting infrastructure is supported;
- domain name management ;
- ample storage space;
- the reputation of the host and its specialization;
- the availability, location, and connection speed of its servers;
- technical assistance and the quality of customer service.
You now have all the cards in hand to choose your accommodation well. When you are aware of the consequences that this can have of not selecting the best on the market, you have to take the time to choose the most suitable host for your site.
