How To Host A Website
Types of Hosting
Not all websites need the same amount of resources. For example, a website with a million daily page views will need more resources, like memory, storage, and processing power, than a website with only a few hundred daily pageviews.
Generally, hosting plans differ from each other by the resources they offer, as well as how many total websites can be hosted.
Here are several types of hosting plans, and how they differ from one another.
Shared Hosting
Shared Hosting is the cheapest and often best option for entry-level website hosting because you save cost by sharing space on a server with other websites. You also share resources, So, if multiple websites sharing the same server start using a lot of resources at the same time, (usually due to high traffic), sometimes they will experience a slowdown. This is known as bottlenecking, and it happens because there aren’t enough resources to go around.
Additionally, less reputable hosting providers may cram too many websites onto one server to boost profits. This also results in bottlenecking.
Ultimately, shared hosting is a great option for a website that’s just starting out, or those with little traffic (up to a couple of hundred page views per day).
VPS Hosting
Virtual Private Server (VPS) Hosting is similar to Shared Hosting, because multiple websites share a server.
However, rather than all the websites using the same pool of resources, each website is allocated a certain amount of server resources, which isn’t affected by the other websites on the server. In short, even though you’re sharing a server with other websites, your website will never experience slow down because of them.
Additionally, because your “space” on the server is sectioned off, you can modify your OS and servers to enhance performance and security.
Another benefit to VPS hosting is that it allows you to host multiple websites on the same server. (How many depends on the plan.)
VPS Hosting is a good option for websites with moderate traffic (or even slightly more). They’re also nice to have because if your website does experience slowdowns, you know it’s because it’s growing, and not because another website is using your resources. You can usually upgrade your VPS hosting plan to accommodate more traffic.
Dedicated Server
A dedicated server is just what it sounds like: an entire server dedicated to your needs.
They are best for high-traffic websites with high demands for speed and storage.
Not only can they support a single website with high traffic, but even multiple websites with moderate-to-high traffic. It’s a great option for those who need reliable resources for their website.
An additional benefit to having a dedicated server all to yourself is the added security. Since some types of malware affect the server, if one website on a shared hosting plan is infected, it puts all websites at risk. But a dedicated server means you need only worry about your own site(s).
Cloud Hosting
Still a relatively new form of hosting, you can think of cloud hosting as a utility. It combines the power of many servers into a giant pool of resources. Websites then draw from these resources as they need them making them very scalable as the website grows. As the website uses more resources, the owner pays accordingly.
Because website owners pay for the resources they use, cloud hosting automatically grows with the website. This simplicity in scaling is what draws many people to it.
However, cloud hosting is not without its drawbacks. Like shared hosting, one infected website can mean disaster for the entire network. And because so many websites are hosted over this network, it’s a bigger target for cyberattacks. Additionally, cloud hosting can be more expensive than shared hosting, VPS, and even dedicated server plans.
Generally, cloud hosting is for websites with high traffic that cannot afford bottlenecking hiccups and that absolutely need unlimited storage.
Co-Location
If you own your own server(s), you can co-locate your equipment by renting space at a colocation center.
The center provides the resources your server needs, like power, bandwidth, IP addresses, and cooling systems, as well as physical space to store your server(s). Updating hardware, and software, and maintaining the server(s) is entirely up to you.
WordPress Hosting
WordPress is one of the most popular CMS (Content Management Systems) out there. In fact, 35% of all websites are made with WordPress. With WordPress Hosting, you get access to the popular website builder as well as cPanel.
Once a hosting package has been chosen, you’ll want to decide which operating system will connect you to it.
Hosting Management
Web servers must be managed to keep security and software up-to-date. Additionally, certain settings can be tweaked to increase efficiency. There are 3 ways to manage your server.
Self-Managed
One of the biggest benefits is the ability to optimize your server the way you want it. Use Owners can use SSH (Secure Shell) and the command line to tweak performance settings. You can also choose which updates to install, as well as customize security settings and other configuration options. This can mean having a faster site.
Additionally, you choose the security for your website, so you can make it as minimal or secure as you want.
However, the drawback to a self-managed web server is that it requires some technical skills. But if you’re willing to spend the time to learn, it’s definitely worth it in the end.
Managed
Your hosting provider takes care of the details for you. Security patches, updates, and backups are automatically applied. You’ll still have an easy-to-use control panel to adjust important settings to your liking.
Essentially, a managed server will be secure and regularly updated, requiring little-to-no work from you.
Fully-Managed
With a fully-managed hosting plan, the provider takes care of all the configuration for you, including DNS configuration, load problems, software upgrades, task automation, and more.
A team monitors traffic spikes to make sure your website can handle more traffic during peak times without crashing. Additionally, your files are constantly checked and backed up, so no data is lost.
Advanced security software checks for malware, spyware, and suspicious traffic, keeping your website safe from viruses. And though there’s limited customization, you can request the hosting provider to install certain hardware or software, though it may take a bit of time for them to follow through.
A fully managed server is the most expensive option. Generally, you would only want it for highly-trafficked websites if you don’t have the team or the know-how to keep your servers secure.
Luckily, control panels are a great way to manage your servers without needing the technical skills to log into the actual server. They can act as a sort of middleman for server management.
What to Look for in a Hosting Provider
You probably already know this, but the number one thing you want to look for in a hosting provider is trustworthiness.
Easier said than done. So how do you know which ones are trustworthy?
Most hosting providers try to upsell you on the website hosting plans you need. So, people will often end up paying more for a hosting plan that’s more elaborate than what their site requires.
The truth is, your website probably doesn’t need as much as you think it does. Go to the next section to determine exactly what your website needs in a hosting plan.
Keys to a Great Hosting Provider
Scalability – A good host should offer multiple plans that grow with you as your website matures.
Support – Good, professional support is needed when it comes to building a website (especially if you’re using WordPress). Phone support is the best, so they can walk you through the problem you’re facing.
Security – Malware scans that search out threatening programs can save you and your customers from all sorts of trouble. Automated backups help in case something does go wrong.
Speed – In today’s distraction-filled world, speed is key. If your web pages take more than 2 seconds to load, your visitors are going elsewhere.
Price – A good host will always be up-front with their pricing, and won’t trick you into paying more down the road.
Determine the Resources You’ll Need
Bandwidth Formula
Bandwidth Needed = Average Daily Visitors x Average Daily Pageviews x Average Page Size (in KB) x 31 (days in a month) x 1.3 (to allow for a margin of error and growth)
Don’t forget, this large number you came up with is in KB and needs to be converted to GB. So, divide it by 1,000,000, and that’s generally how much bandwidth you’ll need.
Storage
In general, you probably don’t need as much storage as you think you do.
Web pages take up very little disk space (storage), and only large file sizes like videos will really make a dent in your storage capacity. You can find a simple chart here that will give you a good idea of how much storage you need.
Additionally, you should ration about 1GB for each database you use.
Memory
RAM is an important factor in load speeds for your site. This formula can help you to calculate your RAM needs.
RAM Needed = Operating System + Control Panel + Other Applications + Traffic + Website
