How to choose a good web host?

Everyone knows that websites are essential to the success of any digital business. Moreover, it is also the most effective way to communicate and make yourself heard when it comes to spreading ideas or even having fun. If you need to create a website for your e-commerce or simply want to bring your blog project to life, you have already asked yourself the following question: how to choose the best web host?

In fact, web hosting refers to the provision of storage space (on the web) for the publication of Internet sites. Web hosting is the technology that allows users to enter a domain name into their browser in order to view the corresponding website content.

First, the website creator must register a domain name and then place the content on the server of a web hosting provider. If a user visits a URL, the domain name is resolved to an IP address and the corresponding address is searched on the Internet. If successful, the website internet is displayed to the user.

What is web hosting?

Web hosting is an online service that makes your website content accessible over the Internet. When you purchase a hosting plan, you rent space on a physical server to store all of the website's files and data.

Hosts provide the technology and resources necessary for your website to operate efficiently and securely. They are responsible for keeping the server running, implementing security measures and ensuring that data such as texts, photos and other files are successfully transferred to visitors' browsers.

If you want to publish a website on the web, you will need to use some form of web hosting. Whether for a blog, a business website with a CMS, an online store or an online magazine, web hosting is one of the basic technologies allowing you to publish content on the Internet.

In this context, it does not matter whether it is a private or professional online project. From an economic point of view, companies may find it more advantageous to operate their own server which will take care of publishing the website on the web. For individuals, personal server maintenance costs are generally too high, so they prefer to rent web space from a service provider. However, using external web hosting can also prove beneficial for a business.

Article to read: Top 9 WordPress Security Plugins

How does web hosting work?

Web hosting is like having a home on the internet for your website. Imagine you want to build a website, like a blog or a site for your business. First of all, you need to book a "domain", kind of like an address. Let's say you choose "mysite.com".

Next, you need a place to store all of your site's pages, images, videos, etc. This is where the web host comes in. They rent you a small space on one of their big computers (servers) to put all of your files. When someone types "mysite.com"In a browser, special systems (DNS) redirect the request to the correct server that contains your files. And presto, your site is displayed!

To ensure that the site is always accessible, most hosts have multiple servers. That way, if one goes down, another will take over. Some even use distribution networks (CDNs) that duplicate your site all over the world. Result: wherever the visitor is, they will have an ultra-fast loading.

Finally, hosts often provide additional tools like databases to store information or security systems. Because a modern site without these technologies is like a house without foundations!

Types of accommodation

When you want to put a website online, you have the choice between several web hosting options. Here they are in simple language:Okay, let's talk about the types of hosting. I'll break it down for you as if we were talking over coffee.

Shared hosting

It's a bit like living in a shared apartment, but for websites. You have lots of sites that share the same server and its resources. It's the cheapest option, perfect for small sites that are starting out or personal blogs. The advantage is that it's cheap and easy to manage. You don't need to be a geek to run your site. On the other hand, it's like living in a shared apartment: if one of the sites eats up all the resources, the others suffer. And in terms of customization, you're a bit limited.

It's like you can't repaint the walls of your bedroom. Another thing to know: if one of the sites gets hacked, there's a risk that it will affect the others. In short, it's ideal to start, but if your site starts to be successful, you risk feeling cramped. It's a bit like when you grow up and you want to leave your parents' house.

Dedicated hosting

This is where we move up a gear. It's like having your own house. You have a server just for you, with all its resources. It's ideal for large sites that have a lot of traffic or that need high performance. You can configure your server as you want, install the software you want, in short, you're the master on board. It's a bit like being able to demolish the walls of your house to reorganize it.

On the other hand, it requires technical knowledge. You have to know how to manage a server, take care of security, all that. And then, it's more expensive. But if you need power and control, it's the best. It's a bit like going from a bike to a Ferrari. You have to know how to drive, but once you get the hang of it, you can go a lot faster.

VPS (Virtual Private Server) hosting

Le Virtual Private Server, it's a bit of a compromise between shared and dedicated. Imagine you have an apartment in a building, but with your own well-defined space. You have your own operating system, your guaranteed resources, but you still share the physical hardware with others. It's cool because you have more control than with shared, but it's cheaper than a dedicated server.

You can install whatever you want, reboot whenever you want, in short, you're pretty independent. On the other hand, you still need to have some technical knowledge. It's like having your own apartment, but you have to know how to unclog the toilets yourself. VPS is ideal for sites that are starting to be successful but aren't yet ready for a dedicated server. It's a bit like the adolescence of the hosting world.

Cloud hosting

Then, we are entering the future. Cloud hosting is like having a house that can be expanded at will. Need more space? Hop, you add a room in two clicks. More power? No problem, we increase the dose. The advantage is total flexibility. You only pay for what you use, and you can cope with traffic peaks without worry. It's ideal for sites that have variable traffic or that want to be able to grow quickly.

On the other hand, it can quickly become complex to manage if you're not a pro. And if you don't monitor your consumption, the bill can quickly climb. It's a bit like having an unlimited credit card: you have to be careful not to get carried away. But for large companies or start-ups that want scalability and flexibility, This is the best of the best.

Criteria for choosing web hosting

1. Availability

There is nothing more frustrating on the Internet than clicking on a link and the target site does not open. This problem annoys not only the user but also Google itself. Thus, Google starts giving less value to such sites in organic search results for that address. So, make sure that the website hosting service you hire offers the best quality of uptime.

This availability factor can be measured using the tools offered by Google. The more 100% The closer the distances are, the better the service uptime guarantees. When choosing your website hosting provider, keep an eye on this and prioritize options that offer higher uptime than 99%.

2. Available storage

Depending on the purpose of your website, you will need a lot or a little storage space for your files. Whatever your case, it is always recommended to use the service that best suits your needs.

If you need a lot of space, make sure the website hosting company offers the amount you need to avoid running out of memory. Or, if you need little, opt for cheaper plans and save money. But if your service has unlimited disk space, you can relax on this factor and move on to the next tip!

3. Monthly traffic

When choosing your web host, you also need to consider monthly traffic. You may not know this, but some web hosting services have a monthly traffic limit. In practice, this means that after a certain number of accesses, the server will charge additional fees for the " additional visitors » or will stop displaying your website on the web.

Therefore, always pay attention to the information provided by the hosting providers and make sure to use the ones with unlimited data traffic so as not to run the risk of your website going down.

4. The page loading speed

If you already know a bit about SEO, you know that Google will always prioritize the pages that load the fastest, always aiming to provide the best experience to its users.

So check if the website hosting service you are hiring offers good loading speed. It is worth remembering that this may seem like an insignificant difference in theory. In practice, it is the difference between a user continuing to actively consume your content or getting annoyed by the delay and abandoning your page. Test your page speed with this tool from Google, page speed Insignt.

5. Data security

A good web host keeps its customers' data secure. Trusting someone to host your website and content is not an easy task. Therefore, you need to make sure that the chosen provider is able to fully protect its customers. This is done by offering constant file backup services.

This way, even in the event of natural or unforeseen problems, your website will always be online and functional.

6. Customer Support

More than offering you all the conditions for the success of your page, a website host must also be effective in supporting you. Customer support is a key factor for many users and the availability of the vendor to help you can be the difference between a crisis resolved quickly or a website offline for several hours.

Find out how the support of the service you are considering hiring works and see what channels the company offers you to contact and ask for help.

7. The price to pay

Price should not be your guide when choosing your web host. It can also help make the decision easier. A cheaper service does not guarantee that it is bad, just as being more expensive does not guarantee a quality provider. Understand exactly what type of needs you have and look for a plan that balances your needs with your pocket.

Remember that many website hosting services also offer discounts based on the period you choose. As a general rule, the longer the term of use, the lower the final price you will pay.

8. Content Management System

Look for a host that offers its own intuitive content management system, such as WordPress. These platforms will be part of your daily routine when you interact with your website. Think about it, especially if you plan on creating content frequently.

9. Take a free trial

Many web hosting services offer free trial periods. These periods are essential to help you decide whether a certain service is worth using. They also help you identify any potential obstacles that you may not have thought of before putting your idea into practice.

After that, if the provider does not live up to your expectations, you can leave without charge. If this is the case, Great ! You have found the perfect accommodation.

10. Discover additional benefits

Since this is an extremely competitive market, it is worth remembering that many companies offer a website hosting service. To stand out, they usually offer additional benefits to get ahead of the competition. For this reason, stay vigilant! Find out everything you are entitled to in each plan and identify the unique benefits that could match your needs exactly.

Top 6 best web hosts

1.LWS

LWS is a French web host recognized for its web hosting solutions adapted to all needs. Founded in 1999, it offers a wide range of services, including hosting shared, VPS and dedicated. LWS stands out for its ease of use, allowing beginners to create their site without difficulty thanks to tools like the site builder. Their customer support is available 24/7, guaranteeing fast and efficient assistance.

Additionally, LWS offers solid performance with optimized servers and good loading time. The prices are competitive, especially with frequent promotions. LWS also includes features like free SSL certificates and automatic backups, making it an ideal choice for small and medium-sized businesses.

2. Discount Host

Discount Hosting is a budget-friendly option for those looking for reliable hosting without breaking the bank. This provider offers shared hosting plans at very competitive rates, making internet access more affordable for small businesses and individuals. Despite low prices, Discount Hosting doesn’t compromise on quality, offering stable performance and responsive customer support.

Users also get essential features like free domains, MySQL databases, and website builder tools. Their user-friendly interface makes account management easy, even for novices. All in all, Discount Hosting is a great option for those who want a budget-friendly hosting service without sacrificing quality.

3. AA Accommodation

AA Hosting is a web hosting company that focuses on simplicity and efficiency. Offering shared, VPS and dedicated hosting solutions, AA Hosting is aimed at both individuals and businesses. Their platform is designed to be intuitive, allowing users to easily manage their sites. Their servers are located in France, guaranteeing fast loading times for the French-speaking public.

AA Hosting also places a strong emphasis on security, offering regular backups and free SSL certificates. Customer support is accessible and knowledgeable, ready to resolve issues quickly. With attractive pricing and robust features, AA Hosting is a solid choice for those looking for reliable and affordable hosting.

4. 007 Accommodation

007 Hosting is a web hosting provider that stands out for its varied offers and attractive prices. Specializing in shared hosting, it also offers VPS and dedicated solutions tailored to the needs of developers and businesses. 007 Hosting focuses on performance, with fast servers and a robust infrastructure. Their user interface is simple and intuitive, making it easy to manage sites.

Customer support is available 24/7, ensuring prompt assistance should you need it. Additionally, 007 Hosting offers website building tools and advanced security features, such as automatic backups and SSL certificates. In short, 007 Hosting is a reliable choice for anyone looking for quality hosting at a competitive price.

5.SiteGround

SiteGround is a web hosting provider recognized worldwide for its exceptional performance and quality customer support. Founded in 2004, it offers a variety of hosting plans, including shared, cloud, and dedicated. SiteGround stands out for its advanced technology, offering fast loading times thanks to optimized servers and a global network of data centers. Their support team is available 24/7 and is renowned for its responsiveness and expertise.

SiteGround also includes features like daily backups, free SSL certificates, and site builder tools. While its prices are slightly higher than some competitors, the quality of service makes the investment worthwhile. Overall, SiteGround is a great choice for those looking for reliable, high-performance hosting.

6. Ionos

Ionos, formerly known as 1&1, is a web hosting provider that offers a wide range of hosting services. With over 30 years of experience, Ionos is positioned as a leader in the industry. It offers shared, VPS and dedicated hosting solutions, tailored to the needs of individuals and businesses.

Ionos stands out for its competitive pricing and robust features, such as free domains, website builders, and automatic backups. Their customer support is available 24/7, with support in multiple languages.

Conclusion

If you pay attention to these 10 tips, you will definitely have much more confidence in choosing the best web host. Even so, it is always good to remember the most important information: there are several different website hosting services and you need to understand your needs well to choose the type of plan that best suits your profile.

The good news is that nowadays, providers themselves are increasingly aware of this. So, they already offer packages targeted at different segments. Even so, do good research, remember all the factors we have brought in this article and start creating your content! Personally, my web host is LWS, and honestly I am satisfied.

Leave me a comment