A Comprehensive Guide to Hosting a Website in 2022

If you’re building a website, you will also need a server to host it. To put it simply, it is like renting real estate online to put your website files. To make the website more accessible to people, the host connects you to a web server. If this sounds a bit daunting to you, don’t fret. Your host website manages all the IT back-end work to ensure that your website runs smoothly.
Before moving on to how to host a website online, you’ll need for it a domain name registration (or your website address) and the right web hosting provider. This comprehensive guide will help you understand the basics of website hosting and help you take your content online.
Decide the type of website you want
Based on your content or your business, you will need a specific type of website. Depending on whether you’re uploading regular blogs, or running an E-commerce website, you will need to choose a type of website along with a hosting plan. Websites are broadly categorized into the following:
Static websites
Static websites are built using simple HTML code or website software. They are generally basic, inexpensive, and low maintenance. The website may need to be reuploaded to the server when changes are made to it. They offer limited functionality with no e-commerce option.
Dynamic websites
The content on dynamic websites can be changed in real time. These websites are resource-intensive and require high-speed servers and high-end security. Edits and content updates can take place at the servers’ as well as the clients’ end. The website can be loaded with extra features, to make it a fully-functioning E-commerce website.
Choose the right web hosting provider
Choosing the right hosting service can be confusing. Before making a decision, it is important to learn about the possibilities available platforms. Given below are the most common hosting service types:
Shared hosting
This is one of the most popular and beginner-friendly web hosting plans, where the websites have their private accounts and login credentials, but the cost of hosting and operating the server is shared.
Virtual private server
Websites are hosted on well-configured and virtually distributed, fast, powerful web servers. This is a great user plan for those who want to create a unique customer experience without compromising on security or having to pay high prices.
Dedicated hosting
Here, the websites are hosted on the entire server, making them faster, with powerful performance and security. These also tend to be more expensive than the other two forms of hosting. This is suitable for websites with high traffic.
Managed WordPress hosting
Many websites are built on WordPress CMS, which is why a lot of web hosting service providers also sell a Complete Managed WordPress hosting solution. This is optimized for WordPress sites and does not need any user intervention.
Cloud hosting
Cloud hosting is an advanced option that uses multiple web servers to host a website. It is efficient and more cost-effective for E-commerce or large websites with a high average monthly traffic rate.
What to look for in a web host?
A web hosting service does not just take your website to live, it also provides other services like security, firewalls, uptime monitoring, expert technical support, and others. Apart from the costing, here are some criteria to consider when picking a hosting service:
Server technology
It is important to check out the technology stacks of various servers before shortlisting one. Powerful and faster servers will result in better performance for site visitors.
Maximum Uptime monitoring
Web hosts must ideally offer at least 99.95% of uptime monitoring, to ensure that your website remains online at all times. Smaller websites can ignore uptime, but it is an essential feature to keep in mind for larger websites. Some hosts also provide compensation for any business interruption or losses incurred due to website downtime, so you don’t have to worry about losing revenue.
Security
Security is one of the most essential features that should not be compromised. Not only does it affect SEO rankings, but it also creates a strong shield against malware and hackers. When possible, opt for an SSL certificate for your website.
Bandwidth
Bandwidth refers to the amount of data that can be transferred between sites, servers, and users. For websites with lots of videos, graphics, and images, it is advisable to pick a website with higher bandwidth. Text-based websites with a few images don’t need as much bandwidth from their server host.
Scalability
If you’re setting up your website for a business, you likely have growth plans for the future. Choosing your website host and design needs to consider this factor, and offer a decent amount of scalability, so your website can grow and adapt to your growing business needs. Start with a limited program depending on your budget, but look for hosts with additional upgrade programs or resources so you never feel constrained.
Back-up
Taking regular backups of your website can be a cumbersome task. Many website hosts offer backup services that can take these tasks off your hands, and restore your data to its original form, should something happen to your website.
Manageability
Managing your data on your web hosting server is also important. For this, it is important to have a web host with a user-friendly interface and dashboard that lets you manage your website, hosting plan, back-ups, and add-ons in a simple yet effective manner.
Final thoughts
Once you have chosen your service provider and purchased a plan according to your needs, you will be presented with a Domain Name Server (or DNS), along with credentials to change name servers and manage your website. Make sure you choose a web host with good customer support, so they can walk you through the process should you run into any difficulties.