Welcome to the exciting world of website hosting! As a beginner, you might wonder what website hosting is and why it matters. Well, you've come to the right place. In this beginner's guide, we will cover everything you must know to start website hosting, from the basics of web hosting services to choosing the best website hosting plan for your needs. And to top it off, we'll even introduce you to Strikingly, a fantastic website host to help you get your website up and running in no time. Let's dive in!
Understanding Website Hosting & A Website Host
Website hosting is like renting space on a server where your website files and data are stored and made available to visitors who want to access your site. Think of it like having a virtual storefront where customers can visit and browse your products or services. Website hosting is storing and serving website files on a server so people can access them online. Any company providing web hosting services is sometimes known as a website host.
Types of hosting you can get on a website host:
- Shared hosting (where multiple websites share the same server resources)
- VPS hosting (where a virtual private server is created from a shared server)
- Dedicated hosting (where a single website has an entire server to itself).
Shared hosting is similar to sharing an apartment complex, where multiple websites share the same server and its resources. VPS hosting is like having your private studio apartment within the complex, where you have more control and resources dedicated to your site. Dedicated hosting is like owning your own standalone house, where the entire server is dedicated to your website.
Each hosting type has pros and cons, and we'll explore those in more detail so that when choosing a website hosting plan, you make a good decision.
Shared Hosting
Shared hosting is a good option for those just starting with a small website, as it is usually the most affordable option. However, there may be better choices for websites with high-traffic or resource-intensive applications.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Easy to set up and maintain
- Suitable for small to medium-sized websites
Cons:
- Other websites on the same server can affect limited resources and performance.
- Less control over server settings
- Not suitable for high-traffic websites
VPS Hosting
VPS hosting is a level above-shared hosting, providing more resources and flexibility but at a higher cost.
Pros:
- More resources and better performance than shared hosting
- More control over server settings
- Suitable for medium to large-sized websites
Cons:
- More expensive than shared hosting
- Requires more technical knowledge to set up and maintain
- Performance can still be affected by other websites on the same physical server
Dedicated Hosting
It may be the most expensive option to choose, but dedicated hosting provides the highest level of control and resources, making it suitable for large, high-traffic websites
Pros:
- Maximum control and flexibility over server settings
- Great for high-traffic websites
- High level of security
Cons:
- Most expensive hosting option
- Requires advanced technical knowledge to set up and maintain
- It can be overkill for small to medium-sized websites
When choosing a web hosting service, it's essential to consider factors such as uptime guarantees, customer support, and security measures. The best web hosting services offer reliable performance, top-notch security, and excellent customer support.
One popular website host is Strikingly, which offers various web hosting services for individuals and businesses of all sizes. Their plans come with various features, such as a free domain name, SSL security, and 24/7 customer support. Consider your website's needs, budget, and technical expertise when choosing the best web hosting plan.
Image taken from Strikingly
Choosing A Website Host
Now that you've decided what hosting plan you need, it's time to choose a website host. Refrain from being swayed by flashy ads or low prices, though. There are some crucial factors to consider when selecting a website host.
- Reliability
Firstly, reliability is vital. You want a hosting provider that guarantees a high uptime percentage, so your website isn't down more often than it's up. Additionally, security is critical. Look for a website host with SSL certificates, regular backups, and advanced security features to keep your website safe from hacks and cyber attacks.
- Customer Support
Another vital factor to consider is customer support. You want a hosting provider that offers 24/7 customer support, so you can get help whenever needed. Also, check if they provide online resources like tutorials, articles, and guides that can help you solve common issues.
- Plans & Features
When comparing different hosting providers to select a website host, look at their plans and the features they offer. Some providers might provide unlimited storage or bandwidth, while others offer more robust security features or better performance. Consider your needs and budget, and choose a provider that offers the best value for your money.
- Scalability
It's essential to consider the future growth of your website when selecting a hosting provider. Ensure the provider offers flexible hosting plans and can scale up or down as your website's needs change. It will ensure that your website is always running smoothly and efficiently.
- Speed and Performance
The speed and performance of your website are crucial for user experience and search engine optimization. Look for a website host with excellent performance, fast loading times, and optimized servers. You can also check their data center locations to ensure your website is hosted in an area closer to your target audience.
- Cost
While cost shouldn't be the only factor when choosing a hosting provider, it's essential to consider your budget. Compare pricing plans of different hosting providers, and ensure that no hidden fees or charges may affect your budget in the long run. It's also worth considering if there are any discounts or promotions available.
- Reputation
Research and check the hosting provider's reputation. Read customer reviews and feedback to understand their reliability, customer support, and overall service quality. A reputable hosting provider with a good track record will likely provide you with a positive experience.
Image taken from Strikingly
Why Should You Choose Strikingly As Your Website Host?
One website host that ticks all the boxes is Strikingly. It is a website host offering various features to help individuals and businesses maintain a professional web presence. Some of the key features of Strikingly include the following:
- Fast load times - Strikingly's servers are optimized for speed, which means that your website will load quickly and efficiently for your visitors.
- Secure hosting - Strikingly takes security seriously and offers HTTPS encryption for all websites hosted on its platform. It helps protect your website and visitors' data from hackers and other threats.
- 24/7 customer support - Strikingly provides round-the-clock customer support to help you with any issues you may encounter while using their platform. Their support team is available via email, chat, and phone.
- Easy-to-use website builder - Strikingly's website builder is user-friendly and intuitive, making it easy for anyone to create a professional-looking website without any coding knowledge.
- Mobile responsiveness - Strikingly's templates are mobile-responsive, meaning your website will look great and function smoothly on any device, including smartphones and tablets.
- E-commerce functionality - Strikingly allows you to add e-commerce functionality to your website, including selling products and accepting payments.
- SEO optimization - Strikingly's website builder includes built-in SEO tools that help to optimize your website for search engines, making it easier for potential customers to find you online.
Strikingly is an excellent option for anyone looking for a reliable and feature-rich website host. With its fast load times, secure hosting, and 24/7 customer support, Strikingly makes creating and maintaining a professional online presence easy. Plus, they offer a free website builder, making it easy for beginners to create a professional-looking website.
Image taken from Strikingly
How To Host A Website?
If you decide to take the plunge and set up your account with a website host, take these steps to set up your website hosting account with Strikingly.
Sign Up For A Website Hosting Account
First, head over to Strikingly's website, and choose the best hosting plan for you. Strikingly offers a range of affordable plans that cater to different needs, so whether you're a small business owner or a blogger, there's a perfect plan for you. Once you've chosen your plan, follow the instructions to sign up and create your account.
Set Up Your Website
Now that you've signed up for your website hosting account, it's time to set up your website! Domain name registration is the first step; it is selecting the address people will use to access your website. Strikingly offers a domain registration service, so you can easily search for and register an available domain name.
Next, you'll want to install WordPress, a popular website-building platform that allows you to easily create and manage your website. Strikingly offers a one-click WordPress installation, so you don't need to worry about any technical setup.
Finally, create your email accounts. Strikingly offers email hosting services as well that are secure and easy to set up. You may create professional email addresses for your team that match your domain name.
Image taken from Strikingly
Optimize Website Performance & Security
After your website is actively running, optimizing it for performance and security is essential. Strikingly offers fast load times, meaning your website will load quickly and provide a seamless experience for your visitors. Additionally, Strikingly offers secure hosting, meaning your website is protected from malware and hackers.
To further optimize your website's performance, you can also take advantage of Strikingly's built-in SEO tools, which help you optimize your website for search engines. It will help your website rank higher in search results, which can drive more traffic and leads to your business.
Maintaining Your Website Hosting Account
Congratulations, you're now a website owner! But wait to pop that champagne bottle - your website still needs maintenance. Let's learn the importance of maintaining your account with a website host and how to use Strikingly's hosting dashboard to manage your account.
- Smooth Performance
First and foremost, maintaining your website hosting account is crucial for keeping your website up and running smoothly. It includes updating software, backing up data, and monitoring website traffic. Neglecting these tasks can result in slow load times, security breaches, and even downtime.
- Easy Account Management
Luckily, Strikingly's hosting dashboard makes it easy to manage your account. You can view your website's performance, monitor traffic, and make updates all in one place. Furthermore, Strikingly provides 24-hour customer support to assist you in troubleshooting any possible difficulties.
- Resources
Plenty of resources are available to further your knowledge about website hosting and maintenance. Strikingly's blog is a great place to start, with articles covering optimizing website speed and improving security. Additionally, there are many online forums and communities where website owners can share tips and ask for advice.
- Regular Updates and Backups
Regularly updating your website's software is essential for ensuring that your website remains secure and runs smoothly. It includes updating your content management system (CMS), plugins, themes, and any other website software. Additionally, backing up your website's data is crucial in case of a security breach or website failure. Strikingly offers automatic backups, but it's also a good idea to manually back up your website periodically.
- Monitoring Traffic and Analytics
Monitoring your website's traffic and analytics is essential to maintaining your account on the website host. It helps you track your website's performance, identify areas for improvement, and make data-driven decisions to optimize your website's content and design. Strikingly offers built-in analytics tools to help you track your website's traffic and user behavior.
- Securing Your Website
Security is critical to maintaining your website hosting account. Strikingly offers SSL certificates to ensure that all data transmitted between your website and visitors is encrypted and secure. Additionally, you can use security plugins and tools to protect your website from malware, spam, and other cyber threats.
- Regularly Monitoring and Testing Your Website
Regularly monitoring and testing your website is critical to ensure it runs optimally. It includes checking for broken links, optimizing images, and testing your website's load time. Strikingly offers tools to help you optimize your website's performance and test its speed.
Maintaining your website hosting account is crucial for keeping your website secure, running smoothly, and providing a positive user experience. Now that you know the ins and outs of website hosting, you're ready to take on the web! Keep these tips in mind as you navigate the world of website hosting, and remember, with Strikingly as your website host, you're in good hands.
Conclusion
Congratulations, you've made it to the end of our beginner's guide to website hosting! We've covered everything from understanding website hosting, choosing the best hosting provider for your needs, and setting up your website. Now, let's recap some of the key takeaways:
- Website hosting is storing and serving website files on a server so people can access them online.
- There are different types of website hosting, including shared, VPS, and dedicated hosting, each with pros and cons.
- When choosing a website host, consider factors like reliability, security, and support, and compare different plans to find the best fit.
- Strikingly offers fast and secure hosting with 24/7 customer support, making it an excellent choice for website hosting.
What are you waiting for? If you're ready to take the plunge and start hosting your website, sign up for a website hosting plan with Strikingly today. We can't wait to see what you'll create!
