What is Web Hosting? All You Need To Know

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A web host, commonly known as a web hosting service provider, delivers the technology and services required for a website to be displayed on the Internet. Web hosting is the process of renting space on a server for your website. You need to think about this if you want to start a new business or blog. This article will discuss web hosting and why it is essential.

How does web hosting work?

Every time you type a web address like “www.example.com,” your browser needs to locate that site’s files. The web hosting service stores these files on a server and makes them available to visitors. Just enter the website address or domain into your browser, and your computer will connect to the server, displaying the web pages through the browser. 

Web Hosting Key Takeaways

  • Stores website files on servers
  • Ensures 24/7 internet access
  • Provides domain registration and related services
  • Offers enhanced security and regular backups
  • Supports website performance and SEO ranking

Web hosting offers space and bandwidth for your website. A web server stores files and data, making them accessible to visitors online. It stays connected to the Internet 24/7.

Without web hosting, no one can view your website online. When someone types your website address, they access the files stored on the web server. This step is crucial for making your site available to everyone.

Using a web hosting service lets you place your website on a web server accessible to anyone with an Internet connection. Running your own server is highly technical and costly. You’re better off with a paid hosting service to meet your needs.

Web hosting services give you all you need for an online presence, including web servers, data storage, and domain registration.

  • Stores website files
  • 24/7 internet access
  • Provides domain registration

Why is web hosting important?

Web hosting is vital as it lets you have an online presence. Without it, having a website or blog wouldn’t be possible. Here are some reasons why web hosting matters:

1. Improved Security

Web hosting lets you place your website on a secure and regularly-backed-up server. It often includes security features like SSL certificates and firewalls, making your website less likely to be hacked or affected by malware. 

2. Better Performance and Rankings

Web hosting companies provide fast servers capable of handling heavy traffic. Quick load times enhance audience engagement since slow pages frustrate visitors. Improved loading speed also boosts your SEO rankings.

3. Technical Support

Most web hosting services provide excellent technical support when you experience problems with your website. This ensures issues are resolved promptly, helpful if you’re not technically savvy and need assistance with setup or troubleshooting.

4. Reduced Downtime

If your website is hosted by a web hosting company, you can be assured that your site will be up and running most of the time. 

5. Added Website Features 

Web hosting boosts customer service by adding useful features. You can set up email addresses and live chat for real-time interaction. This lets you answer questions and resolve issues quickly.

How to choose a web hosting service?

Consider these factors when selecting a web hosting service:

Looking for hosting? Check out our great comparison articles like Kinsta vs Rocket.net and Kinsta vs Siteground.

Price

Pricing is often the first thing people check when selecting a web hosting service. Since web hosting is a continuous expense, choose a service that offers good value for your money.

Storage space

Storage space matters. If your website has many images and videos, you’ll need a hosting service with ample storage. Otherwise, you might have to delete files to free up space.

Bandwidth

Bandwidth measures the traffic your website can manage monthly. If you have many visitors, you need a web hosting service with a high bandwidth limit. Without it, your site may slow down or crash.

Uptime

Uptime is the duration your website stays online. Pick a web hosting service with a high uptime percentage to keep your site accessible to visitors. Aim for a service that guarantees 99% uptime, ensuring your website is usually operational.

Support

Consider the support level the company offers. They must provide customer service via phone, email, and chat. It’s also helpful if they have a knowledge base or blog where you can find answers to common questions.

Speed

Speed is critical for user experience. Your web hosting provider must offer a fast and reliable server. They should also have a solid reputation for delivering dependable service.