Web Hosting: What is it and why is it important?

So, the time has come to invest in a swanky new website. Having spent months perfecting your brand and considering how the final product should look, you think you have it all covered. Then your web developer throws you into foreign territory with questions about servers and web hosting that hadn’t even crossed your mind.

Those technicalities, although boring and confusing, are extremely important. To understand why, you need to know what web hosting is and how it works. Here’s a simple guide:

What is web hosting?

Web hosting, in a nut shell, is the act of storing your website on a server (aka a special computer, in non-technical speak) so that it can be accessed via the internet. Think of it as a rented apartment where your website data lives.

Every website needs a host. Besides keeping it connected to the internet 24/7, a good hosting plan will ensure that your website is fit for business.

How?

When you pay for hosting, you’re not just paying for the site to be hosted. You’re paying for several other features and services that your business will depend on, such as:

Speed and performance

Many factors can influence site speed (including the users internet speed), but your server’s performance is arguably one of the most important factors when it comes to page loading times.

The better your server’s performance, the more engagement, conversations and revenue you can expect. Nobody likes a slow website. Just look at the statistics in this infographic shared by HubSpot!

Storage space

Some web hosts will include x amount of space on their servers to store your website data, but does your chosen hosting solution cover your plans for future growth?

It’s important to choose an appropriate hosting plan that doesn’t limit or prevent your website from expanding over time.

Maintenance and support

If you’re under the impression that once you agree to a hosting plan you’ll never have to hear or speak of it again, we’re sorry to tell you that you’re wrong.

Technology is complex and always changing. Your software and plugin’s need to be kept up to date to avoid your website from collapsing. A reliable web host will monitor your site, update software and provide much-needed technical support.

Security

Cybercrime is on the rise so it’s important to keep your site secure, especially if you collect personal data or online payments. A reliable web host should comply to strict security standards in order to maintain the well being of your website and customer data.

Back up

If a software update doesn’t go to plan or you accidentally delete vital information, you can rest assured knowing that your data is backed up and stored in more than one location.

Reliability

If you’re paying for space on a server, you need to know that the server will be functional at all times. Your online business depends on it.

Your hosting provider should be able to give you an ‘up time’ guarantee for your peace of mind. It’s their job to keep your website up and running at all hours, so this should be as close to 100% as possible.

If you’ve done your research, you’ll have come across hosting packages on the web for as little as £1 per month, but these plans often include the bare minimum. It’s important to understand that your hosting package may have limitations that can affect your online business in the future. Just like a rented apartment, you get what you pay for.

Our promise

As a customer of Billian IT Solutions, you can count on us to provide a reliable hosting solution. Here’s our promise to you:

• 24-hour maintenance and monitoring – We’ll pick up on (and often resolve) any issues with your website before you even notice them.

• 100% up time guarantee – You will never have to worry about our servers going down, and we have a perfect track record to prove it.

• Technical support – We’ll advise and assist you with all your technical questions and needs.

• Storage – You will always have the option to expand your business and site with us.

• Back up – We will automatically back up your website 3 times a day, every day.

• Security – You can rest assured knowing that your website data is in safe hands.

• In house team – We may not use chatbots or call centres, but we’re quick and efficient and always here to help.

To learn more about our hosting solutions, get in touch.