Are you considering hosting your website on a shared hosting plan? Shared hosting is a popular choice for entrepreneurs and business professionals looking to establish their online presence without breaking the bank. In this article, we’ll delve into the pros and cons of shared hosting, helping you make an informed decision about whether it’s the right hosting option for your needs.
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What Is Shared Hosting?
Shared hosting, commonly referred to simply as ‘web hosting‘, is a type of hosting where multiple websites share resources on a single server, much like living in an apartment building where residents share common facilities. In this case, the facilities are the server’s resources, including disk space, bandwidth, and server memory (RAM). The popularity of shared hosting has been on the rise in recent years, with the global shared hosting market experiencing significant growth. According to FinancesOnline, the market for shared hosting witnessed a remarkable 57% increase between 2015 and 2020, reflecting the growing demand for this cost-effective hosting solution.
Shared hosting, commonly referred to simply as ‘web hosting’, is a type of hosting where multiple websites share resources on a single server
How Does Shared Hosting Work? What Is a Shared Server?
With shared hosting, websites are hosted on the same physical server, each with its own designated space and resources. The hosting company manages the server’s infrastructure, ensuring that it remains secure and operational. When someone accesses your website, their browser sends a request to the server, which then serves the requested web pages.
Who Should Choose a Shared Hosting Option?
Shared hosting is an excellent choice for small to medium-sized businesses, bloggers, and individuals who are just starting their online journey. It’s ideal if you have a limited budget and don’t anticipate high traffic volumes initially. This hosting is also suitable for website owners who don’t require extensive technical control over their server environment and prefer a hassle-free hosting experience.
Pros of Shared Hosting: Exploring the Advantages of Shared Web Hosting
- Cost-Effective: Shared hosting is one of the most affordable hosting choices available. Since the server’s resources are shared among multiple users, the costs are divided, making it a budget-friendly choice. In South Africa, the average cost of shared hosting ranges from R99 to R215 per month.
- User-Friendly: Some web hosts, like MCloud9, go the extra mile to ensure an easy and intuitive experience. Shared hosting providers typically offer easy-to-use control panels, such as the popular cPanel control panel, or Plesk, which simplify website management tasks. These intuitive platforms allow you to easily manage your website, email accounts, and other features without needing advanced technical knowledge.
- Support and Maintenance: Web hosts usually offer comprehensive customer support to assist you with any technical issues or inquiries. They handle server maintenance, security updates, and backups, freeing you from these responsibilities.
- Scalability: Shared hosting allows you to start small and easily scale your hosting plan as your website grows. Most hosting companies offer different shared hosting packages with varying resource allocations, giving you the flexibility to upgrade when needed.
- Resources and Performance: Although resources are shared amongst multiple users, reputable providers monitor and distribute them fairly for reliable performance. Additionally, intuitive control panels and pre-installed software simplify website management, making shared hosting accessible to non-technical users. To ensure optimal performance, MCloud9 leverages advanced technologies like the LiteSpeed web server, SSD storage, and CloudLinux. These cutting-edge solutions mitigate the impact of other websites on the shared server, resulting in a smoother user experience for your visitors.
- Cost-Efficient Security: Web hosts implement security measures to protect their servers and the websites hosted on them. While the security level may not match that of dedicated hosting, shared hosting still offers a cost-efficient way to safeguard your website against common threats.
- Community and Add-Ons: Shared hosting often provides a vibrant community of users who can exchange ideas and support each other. Additionally, many hosting plans include add-ons like website builders, content management systems (CMS), and one-click installation scripts, making it easier to create and manage your website.
Cons of Shared Hosting: Examining the Disadvantages of Shared Web Hosting
- Resource Limitations: Since the resources of a server are shared, there is a limit to the amount of disk space, bandwidth, and server memory available to your website. If your site experiences high traffic or requires extensive resource usage, you may encounter performance issues. While this type of hosting has resource limitations, MCloud9 leverages technologies like LiteSpeed and CloudLinux to optimise resource allocation and ensure efficient performance. LiteSpeed’s high-performance web server helps minimise resource usage and improve website loading times, while CloudLinux enhances stability by isolating resources and preventing one website from negatively impacting others on the shared server.
- Limited Control: With shared hosting, you have limited control over server configurations and software installations. This may restrict your ability to customise your hosting setup according to your specific needs.
- Server Overload: In rare cases, if one website on the shared server experiences a sudden spike in traffic or utilises excessive resources, it can impact the performance of other websites hosted on the same server. However, advanced technologies like CloudLinux help mitigate such instances.
- Security Concerns: While web hosts implement security measures, the shared nature of the server means that vulnerabilities of one website can potentially affect others. It’s essential to keep your website up to date and implement additional security measures to mitigate risks. MCloud9 takes security seriously and utilises advanced technologies to enhance the safety of the hosting setup. By leveraging the power of LiteSpeed, MCloud9 ensures optimised performance and robust security features. MCloud9 also provides free SSL certificates with their hosting plans, ensuring secure data transmission between the website and its visitors.
- Downtime Risks: Some hosting setups may be more prone to downtime compared to dedicated or VPS hosting. If another website on the server experiences technical issues or exceeds resource limits, it can have an adverse effect on the overall server performance and cause interruptions for the other hosted websites. As mentioned in the previous point, some web hosts take precautions against this by utilising advanced security features.
- Limited Software Compatibility: Some specialised software or applications may not be compatible with shared hosting environments. If you require specific software configurations or have unique hosting requirements, shared hosting may not be the best choice.
- Limited Software Flexibility: Shared hosting often has restrictions on the types of software and applications you can install. The hosting company may have limitations on certain programming languages, database options, or software configurations. If you require specific software or advanced functionality that is not supported by the shared hosting setup, it may be necessary to explore alternative types of hosting like VPS or dedicated hosting.
Things To Consider When Selecting a Shared Hosting Service
- Reliability and Uptime: Look for a hosting company that guarantees high server uptime to ensure your website remains accessible to visitors.
- Support Quality: Consider the level of customer support provided by the hosting company. Responsive and knowledgeable support can be crucial, especially if you encounter technical issues.
- Scalability Options: Check if the web host offers flexible upgrade options, allowing you to seamlessly transition to a higher hosting plan or alternative type of hosting like VPS or dedicated hosting as your business grows.
- Security Measures: Inquire about the security measures in place, such as firewalls, malware scanning, and SSL certificates. Consider additional security measures you can implement to protect your website.
- Backup and Recovery: Ensure that the hosting company performs regular backups and offers options for restoring your website in case of data loss or accidental modifications.
FAQ for Pros and Cons of Shared Hosting
Can I host multiple websites on shared hosting?
Yes, most hosting packages allow you to host several websites under a single account, either through addon domains, subdomains, or both. Check with your hosting provider for specific limitations and resource allocations.
Is shared hosting suitable for e-commerce websites?
Possibly, shared hosting can be suitable for small to medium-sized e-commerce websites. However, as your business grows and traffic increases, you may need to consider more scalable hosting options.
How secure is shared hosting?
Web hosts implement security measures to protect their servers and the websites hosted on them. While it’s generally secure, you should still follow best security practices and consider additional security measures for added protection.
In Conclusion
Shared hosting offers several advantages for entrepreneurs and business professionals looking to establish their online presence. It’s a cost-effective, user-friendly, and scalable option with robust support and maintenance. However, shared hosting also comes with certain limitations, such as resource sharing and potential performance issues. Consider your specific needs, growth projections, and technical requirements when choosing a hosting type. With the right hosting provider and proper website management, you can successfully run your online business or brand with ease. So, weigh the pros and cons, and make an informed decision to ensure your website’s success in the digital realm.
With its cost-effective and reliable hosting solutions, MCloud9 has established itself as a trusted and authoritative web hosting company. By considering your specific needs and the advantages of shared hosting, alongside MCloud9’s perks such as LiteSpeed, SSD storage, CloudLinux, and free SSL certificates, you can make an informed decision that ensures your website’s success in the digital realm.
