Welcome to the world of web hosting! If you’re looking to start an online business or launch a website, it’s essential to understand the basics of shared hosting. According to Grand View Research, shared hosting dominates the web hosting market with a share of over 37.64% in 2019, making it the most widely used hosting option for websites. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey into the realm of affordable web hosting and provide you with all the information you need to know about shared hosting.
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What Is Shared Hosting?
Shared hosting is a type of web hosting, a very popular type, where multiple websites are hosted on one server. Shared hosting may also be referred to simply as “web hosting” due to its popularity. Think of it as renting a room in a shared apartment. Each website shares the same server resources, including storage space, bandwidth, and computing power. If you come across any unfamiliar terms related to web hosting, don’t worry. Our Complete Web Hosting Glossary can help you navigate through the technical jargon and understand the terminology used in the web hosting industry.
Shared hosting plans offer a cost-effective solution that allows small businesses, entrepreneurs, and individuals to get their websites up and running without breaking the bank. By sharing server resources, shared hosting providers can distribute the costs among multiple users, making it a cost-effective choice for those on a limited budget. The shared nature of resources also means that the hosting provider can offer competitive pricing, making it an attractive option for startups, personal blogs, and small-to-medium-scale websites.
Shared hosting plans offer a cost-effective solution that allows small businesses, entrepreneurs, and individuals to get their websites up and running without breaking the bank
Shared hosting eliminates the need for site owners to manage the technical aspects of server maintenance and updates. The hosting company takes care of these tasks, allowing owners to focus on their core business or website content. This simplified management approach is ideal for individuals and businesses who may not have the technical expertise or resources to handle server administration.
Furthermore, shared plans often come with user-friendly control panels, like the popular cPanel, which simplify the management of websites, domains, and email accounts. These control panels provide intuitive interfaces and tools that make it easier to manage website settings, install applications, set up email accounts, and perform other essential tasks.
How Does Shared Hosting Work?
Shared hosting works by dividing server resources among multiple users. Each website on the server has its own directory and resources allocated to it. When a visitor accesses your website, their browser sends a request to the server, which then delivers the requested files. The server ensures that the resources are distributed fairly among all the websites hosted on it, allowing each site to function smoothly.
When choosing a hosting plan, it’s essential to evaluate the features and resources provided by the web host. Look for a plan that offers sufficient disk space and bandwidth to accommodate your site’s needs. Additionally, consider the reputation and reliability of the host. Opt for reputable web companies that have a track record of delivering excellent performance and customer support.
Setting up your website on a shared server is relatively straightforward. Once you choose a plan and sign up for a hosting account, you’ll be provided with the necessary login credentials and access to a control panel.
Advantages of Shared Hosting
Shared hosting offers several advantages, making it an excellent choice for many site owners.
- Affordability: Shared hosting is an affordable hosting option, particularly suitable for startups, small businesses, and budget-conscious individuals. Reputable web hosting companies offer shared packages that deliver a cost-effective solution without compromising on quality.
- Ease of Management: With shared hosting, the host takes care of server maintenance and updates. This eliminates the need for site owners to handle the technical aspects of server management, allowing them to focus on their business or website.
- Performance and Speed: Reputable web hosts offer reliable service and advanced web servers for shared hosting. Websites using a shared server can benefit from fast loading speeds and excellent performance. Some shared hosting providers offer solid-state drives (SSD) for storage, instead of regular hard drives, ensuring quick access to data, and enhancing the overall user experience.
- Customer Support: Shared packages often come with responsive customer support teams available 24/7 to assist with any issues or concerns. This ensures that site owners can rely on technical expertise whenever needed, enabling them to focus on growing their business or creating engaging content.
Disadvantages of Shared Web Hosting
While there are numerous benefits, it’s important to be aware of the potential disadvantages of shared hosting.
- Shared Resources: One potential drawback is that the server resources are shared among multiple users. Server resources such as disk space, bandwidth, and processing power are shared among several websites hosted on the same server. Consequently, if a website experiences a sudden surge in traffic or consumes a significant amount of server resources, it can potentially impact the performance of other websites on the same server. However, a reliable web hosting provider addresses this concern by closely monitoring server performance and implementing measures to ensure fair resource allocation.
Additionally, some hosting providers, like MCloud9, utilise specialised operating systems like CloudLinux designed specifically for shared hosting environments. CloudLinux enhances stability, resource allocation, and isolation, preventing the actions of one website from affecting the performance of others on the same server. - Limited Control: With shared hosting, website owners have limited control over the server environment. Since resources are shared among multiple users, certain server-level configurations and settings cannot be customised or modified. This restricted control may limit the installation of specific software or the ability to make server-level adjustments, depending on the hosting provider’s policies.
- Security Risks: Shared hosting poses security risks compared to other hosting types. As several websites are hosted on the same server, if one website is compromised or vulnerable to security threats, it can potentially impact the security of other websites. However, reputable hosting providers, including MCloud9, employ measures such as CloudLinux for isolation, malware scanning, and regular backups to safeguard against these risks. It is still important for site owners to maintain strong security practices and keep their websites updated to minimise the risk of breaches.
Is Shared Hosting Right For You?
Shared hosting is an ideal choice for many website owners, but it may not be suitable for everyone. If you’re just starting out, have a small to medium-sized website, or expect moderate traffic, shared hosting is a cost-effective and reliable option. However, if you have high traffic or have specific technical requirements, you may want to consider other hosting services like VPS or dedicated hosting.
Types of Hosting: Shared, WordPress, VPS Hosting & Dedicated Hosting
- Shared Hosting: As discussed in detail, shared hosting involves various websites sharing resources on a single server. It offers affordability and convenience for individuals and small businesses.
- WordPress Hosting: Specifically tailored for WordPress websites, this type of hosting optimises the server environment to enhance WordPress performance. It often includes pre-installed WordPress, automatic updates, and specialised support.
- VPS Hosting: Virtual Private Server (VPS) hosting provides a middle ground between shared hosting and dedicated servers. It offers more resources and control than shared hosting while being more affordable than dedicated hosting.
- Dedicated Hosting: With this type of hosting, you have an entire physical server dedicated solely to your website(s). This option provides the highest level of control, performance, and flexibility but comes at a higher cost.
Choosing the Best Shared Hosting Provider
When choosing a web host, it’s crucial to consider several factors:
- Reliability and Uptime: Look for a hosting company with a proven track record of high uptime and reliable service. A high uptime percentage ensures your website is accessible to visitors at all times.
- Customer Support: Opt for a provider with excellent customer support so you can reach out for help whenever you need it.
- Features and Add-ons: Evaluate the features and add-ons included in the hosting plans. Look out for packages that come with SSD storage, LiteSpeed web server, SSL certificates, and other value-added features to enhance your site’s performance.
- Scalability: While starting with shared hosting, keep in mind your future growth potential. Choose a provider that offers easy scalability options, allowing you to upgrade your hosting package seamlessly as your website expands.
- User-Friendly Control Panel: A user-friendly control panel, such as cPanel, makes managing your website and hosting settings a breeze. Check if your chosen provider includes an intuitive control panel interface.
Selecting a Shared Hosting Plan
When selecting a shared hosting plan, consider the following factors:
- Your Website’s Requirements: Assess your site’s needs in terms of storage space, bandwidth, and expected traffic. Ensure the hosting plan you choose provides adequate resources to support your site’s growth.
- Number of Websites: Determine whether you need to host multiple websites or just one.
- Additional Services: Check if the hosting package includes any additional services, such as free domain registration or SSL certificate. These can add value and convenience to your hosting package.
- Pricing and Renewal Fees: Evaluate the pricing structure, including introductory offers and renewal fees.
FAQ for What Is Shared Hosting
What is the difference between shared hosting and VPS hosting?
Shared hosting involves several websites sharing resources on a single server, while VPS provides dedicated resources within a virtualised server environment.
Can I host multiple domains on a shared hosting plan?
Yes, shared plans often allow you to host multiple domains or websites, depending on the plan’s specifications.
Is shared hosting suitable for high-traffic websites?
Shared hosting is generally better suited for low-to-moderate-traffic websites. If you have high traffic, you may want to consider more robust options like VPS or dedicated hosting.
Can I upgrade my shared hosting plan in the future?
Yes, most hosting providers offer easy scalability options. You can upgrade your shared hosting plan as your site’s needs evolve.
Is shared hosting secure?
While shared hosting providers implement security measures, it’s essential to maintain proper website security practices and keep your site’s software up to date.
In Conclusion
Shared hosting provides an affordable and convenient hosting solution for individuals and small businesses. With shared hosting, you can get your website up and running quickly while enjoying the benefits of LiteSpeed web servers, SSD storage, and excellent customer support offered by MCloud9. Consider your website’s needs, growth potential, and the level of control required when choosing a hosting plan. Whether you’re starting a new online venture or looking to migrate an existing website, shared hosting can be an excellent choice to establish your online presence. Get started with MCloud9 and experience fast, reliable and affordable web hosting today.
