Hawaii SEO – Choosing the Right Web Hosting Service

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In Understanding the Basics of Web Hosting, I was able to discuss the tip of the iceberg. Now, I will go deeper and talk about the 3 distinct types of web host plans you can get for your website.

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The Three Categories

In web hosting, there is NO one solution for all websites out there. Basically, get to choose from 3 options:

  • Shared Hosting

    • This basic option will help you to get started with your website.
    • Shared hosting is an ideal option for anyone who is creating to create very first website. Perfect for beginners and small websites!
    • If you go for shared hosting, the web host will put your website on a server together with hundreds of other websites. Thus, shared hosting would imply that every customer has to share the allocated space with other people.
    • Think of it as having roommates. Naturally, if you have someone to share the expenses, the rent will obviously be cheaper than the other options. However, you get to share the same amenities like shared kitchen, bathroom, and etc.
    • So, the same is true with your website, and memory and disk space with other customers. Shared hosting is the cheapest out of the 3 options. If you are managing a personal blogs or a small site, then, this is the practical solution for you.

Pros

    • As I have said, shared hosting is cheap. In fact, I have seen companies offering shared hosting for as low as $3.95 per month.
    • It’s also user-friendly because the web host helps you maintaining the server. The security updates and other upgrades are dealt with.

  • VPS Hosting

    • This offers flexibility with your server. You get to have control over what happens. Ideal for medium to high influx of website visitors.
    • For those who are wondering of the difference between VPS and Shared, VPS still shares a server with a couple other websites, but this time, there will be a fewer number of sites sharing the same space and resources. The moment your website experiences an increased traffic, there are available resources you can use.
    • Think of VPS as a high-end condominium; you still share the same building, but there are fewer tenants as compared to the first example.

Pros

    • Better than shared, and less expensive than having a dedicated server.
    • More secure and faster than shared hosting.
    • VPS provides scalability. As your site grows, your server can accommodate the changing needs.

  • Dedicated Hosting

    • Lastly, you have a dedicated option to provide full customizations. Choose this if you want full control of the security and performance of your website. If your website receives a high volume of traffic, this is the ideal choice.
    • As the name suggest, you have your own dedicated server for your website. Think of it as owning your own house. No one to share it with. Thus, the entire property is yours  and you can do anything with the given available resources.
    • So, expect this kind of hosting to be expensive, and you are responsible for maintaining everything you need.

Pros

    • You get to customize your own “property” and decorate it the way you want it to be.
    • Faster than VPS because the available resources of the server are 100% yours.
    • Smooth and seamless performance because you have no one to share it with.
    • Secure and reliable because you don’t have to worry about your “neighbors” hogging all the resources.