Have you ever wondered what web hosting is and why you need it? If you’ve ever wanted to create a website, you’ll need to understand web hosting.
It’s just like renting an apartment. Web hosting companies offer you space on their servers to store your website files. Once you’ve signed up for web hosting, you’ll need to point your domain name to your web host.
In this article, we’ll explain web hosting and why Australian businesses need it.
What Is Web Hosting and What Does It Do?
Web hosting services provide the technology and tools needed to post a website or web page onto the internet. These services allow organisations and individuals to make their content available online, making it accessible to users from anywhere in the world. Websites are stored on computers called servers.
When users want to view your website, they type your domain into their browser and connect to your server. Your webpages are then delivered to them through the browser.
Why Do You Need Web Hosting?
With some exceptions, every website on the internet needs to be hosted. That’s because, for your website to be accessible by everyone in the world, it needs to be stored on a server that is connected to the internet 24/7.
Here are some other reasons why you need web hosting.
You Need Hosting to Store Your Website’s Files
Your website is made up of a bunch of files (e.g. HTML, CSS, images). In order for your website to appear on the internet, you need to store these files on a web server. Once you have signed up for web hosting, you will be given access to a web server where you can store your website’s files.
More Customisation Options
While you can create a website with free hosting, you will be severely limited in what you can do with it. A free option may sound appealing at first, but it will severely restrict your website’s growth potential.
You won’t have access to the same plugins and tools as you would with a paid option, limiting your site’s customisation options and scalability.
With good web hosting, you will have much more control over your website and can do things like install WordPress, create email accounts, and more.
Increased reliability
When you use web hosting, your website will be more reliable. This is because web hosting companies offer features like backups and monitoring that can help keep your website up and running.
Better Support
Who doesn’t love good customer service? If you run into any problems with your website, you’ll want to be able to get help from your web hosting company as soon as possible.
With free web hosting, you will either have to solve the problem yourself or wait for someone to get around to helping you. With paid web hosting, you can access customer service representatives who can help you solve any issues.
Your Website is Safe
Free hosting might not have the same security features as paid hosting. This could put your website (and your visitors’) at risk.
When you use web hosting, your website will be more secure. This is because web hosting companies offer features like backups and monitoring that can help keep your website up and running.
FAQs
How do I choose the right type of web hosting for my needs?
There are a few things you’ll want to consider when choosing the right type of web hosting for your needs:
- 100% uptime.
- 24/7 live support.
- 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Unlimited storage and bandwidth.
- Reputable company.
- Free SSL certificate.
- Website security.
Should I use a free or paid web host?
This is a common question with a few different answers. It really depends on your needs as a website owner.
A free web host could be a good option if you’re just starting out. You can test the waters and see if having a website is something you’re interested in before making any commitments.
However, for a professional business website, it’s generally not a good idea to use a free host. Paid web hosts offer more reliable service, better customer support, and more features.
Additionally, free web hosts often put advertisements on your website, which can be disruptive and off-putting for visitors.
How much does Australian web hosting cost?
Australian web hosting companies offer a range of different pricing options, depending on your needs. You can expect to pay around $5 per month for a basic website, but your mileage may vary in regard to overall costs. You can expect to pay around $50 per month for a more complex website. Of course, discounts and deals are always available, so be sure to shop around.
Final Thoughts on Web Hosting
Web hosting is an important part of owning a website. It allows you to store your website’s files on a server and make them accessible to people worldwide.
When choosing a web host, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind, such as price, features, reliability, and customer support.
Rest assured, there is a web host out there that’s perfect for your needs. Feel free to reach out for free advice too!
