A hosting service enables you to make your website accessible on the internet so that anyone around the world can view it. Today, there exist multiple web hosting services. You can host your website on your own server, have your files on a server availed to you by your host or decide to share server space with other clients at your host. Shared hosting is the most common and least expensive hosting service which entails sharing server resources such as bandwidth and disk space with others.
Why Shared Hosting?
While shared hosting may not be ideal for everyone, there’s a reason behind its huge popularity. It is the most cost-effective alternative among the paid hosting solutions available. Monthly rates tend to be low and in some instances, you’ll be granted a discount if you opt to pay for the entire year through a cash lump sum. Individuals, small to medium-sized businesses as well as websites that get moderate traffic will thrive in shared web hosting.
Another advantage of shared hosting is scalability. Most hosts offer clients an array of packages. Normally, the smallest package grants you the lowest disk space as well as bandwidth and may also feature some extra features. Then graduating packages which follow come with better features follow at a greater price. If your business is finding its feet, it would be ideal to choose the minimum package and then you can upgrade gradually depending on how your needs change. You should make sure you choose the best UK web hosting.
Shared Hosting – Disadvantages
Shared hosting may be affordable and easily scalable but, it also comes with its fair share of drawbacks. First, its performance may sometimes be poor. As such, the loading time of websites may be lower and your host may become overburdened and overwhelmed by multiple sites sharing the server. The server may have robust hardware software and hardware but a site with great traffic may affect those with less traffic.
Another drawback relates to file restrictions. Given that every site on the server needs to be considered for the maintenance of high uptime percentages and security, restrictions may be imposed on some applications and functions. What’s more, there are resource restrictions in place and in case your website begins eating up a huge chunk of bandwidth, you may be requested to leave. With dedicated hosting, you are at liberty to do what you want and a better size of resources is at your disposal. However, you’ll be required to part with more cash as well.
Shared Hosting – Conclusion
Shared hosting has its advantages and disadvantages and is a great choice for individuals and small or medium-sized businesses with websites that don’t generate a lot of traffic. With time, one can upgrade to a different hosting option. Among the options available include VPS hosting, dedicated hosting as well as other semi-dedicated alternatives. Even though you’ll have to dig deeper into your pocket, in the end, you’ll get better levels of performance, resources and customizations. However, before settling on any given option, know what each entails and see whether your business will stand to benefit.