With four billion internet users scanning the globe right now, it makes sense that there would be 1.8 billion websites created and hosted to feed that massive internet appetite. With all that competition, only some websites will make it to the top.
What’s one of the key ingredients in getting your blog or e-commerce site to succeed? The hosting provider that you choose will be one of the most important factors as you work your way to the top. That’s why choosing the type of hosting and a host provider can be a difficult challenge.
You might have already considered a shared server or dedicated server, but are you wondering if a virtual private server (VPS) is the next best step? Are you confused about what a virtual private server even is?
Let’s dive into the world of web hosting and talk about the differences between shared, dedicated, and virtual private servers. Making the transition can seem daunting but we’re here to help you get the best VPS hosting so that your website can succeed.
Hopefully, you’re already well-versed on the functions of a website host provider. If you still feel confused though, then we’ll start with a basic overview.
A host provider gives your website a platform to exist online. They make it possible for internet users to access your site, and they also collect your site’s vital files to “store” them on a physical or cloud-based server.
Why is having a web host so important? Because it’s essential to the safety of your site and will help your website function smoothly and efficiently. Sometimes it’s an expensive investment, but it’s an important step for your Irish business.
To fully understand how VPS hosting works, it’s good to know how each type of hosting plan works. You can choose from either a shared, dedicated, or VPS hosting plan. What’s the difference between these three?
A shared hosting plan is the most affordable option for website owners with small sites. You get the space you need to make your site accessible, but you share resources like CPU, RAM, and hard drive space with other website owners on the same shared server.
It’s like renting out an apartment space within an apartment complex. You get a small area for your personal stuff, but you still have to share common areas and utilities.
A dedicated hosting plan is the opposite. With it, you get your own personal system instead of having to share resources with other site owners. This is a good (but expensive) option for websites with large amounts of traffic and transactions.
The third hosting option is VPS hosting, and it’s the best option for websites that are growing but don’t need the expenses of a dedicated server. With it, you get more space and resources for your site but in a more affordable way.
Depending on the size of your website and the scale of your traffic, you’ll need to find a platform that can accommodate your site’s needs. A shared server might not give you space or tools that you need, and a dedicated server might be too expensive and large-scale.
VPS hosting is a good choice for you if you’re between needing a shared or dedicated server. With VPS hosting you still share a server with other websites, but you get a larger amount of space with resources just for you.
Using a virtual private server means you get your own operating system, dedicated storage, a more powerful CPU, larger bandwidth, and scalable RAM. What does this mean for your online site?
It means you get more power over your site but with an affordable price. VPS hosting might be the solution you need if you feel like it’s time to change your website host.
If you’re considering switching over to a VPS hosting plan, then there’s probably good reason for it. You might be spending way too much on a dedicated hosting plan that you don’t need, or your current shared hosting might not be working well for you.
Now that you know how VPS hosting differs from other hosting plans, it’s time to check your website. Here are seven signs that it’s time to go virtual.
Having a website that takes ages to load is no good for anyone. It frustrates users and leaves your page falling in rank because no one wants to open it. It might be time to switch servers if your website’s speed is causing problems.
Most site owners will experience this issue if they’re on a shared hosting plan. This is because shared servers are not meant for large amounts of RAM. The more content, traffic, and sales your site has, the more power it will take to keep it running.
The more data that your site has access to, the more vital it is to have top-notch security in place. If you need specialized security features for your growing site like an SSL encryption certificate, it might be a good idea to go virtual.
Websites that take any forms of payment or need safety features like monitoring capabilities and website reliability should move to a server that’s more advanced. VPS hosting can often be the best route because it offers advanced security features but on a better budget.
You’ll want to upgrade from a shared plan to a virtual plan if your site’s traffic is steadily growing. Keeping your traffic-heavy site on a shared server can make your website run slowly or even crash. When you switch to a VPS platform, you’ll have more space to keep your site running smoothly.
E-commerce is booming, and if you run an online store you’ll want to upgrade servers for both functionality and security. VPS servers come with advanced security features which will protect your customers’ sensitive information and make them feel safe while shopping.
As your website grows, standard software won’t be enough to meet your needs. When it’s time to install custom software or use advanced programming, then you’ll need to switch to a VPS server that allows you more customization.
Do you often get a notification that says, “Service Unavailable” or “Internal Server Error”? Your customers are probably seeing them too.
These errors are signs of important issues that you need to address. Often, it means it’s time to upgrade servers.
Maybe you’ve already upgraded once and found that purchasing your own dedicated hosting plan wasn’t worth the investment. If you still need upgraded bandwidth, RAM, and security, then moving to a VPS hosting plan can get you what you need without breaking the bank.
You have a lot of options when you decide to upgrade to VPS, but do you know exactly what to look for in a VPS provider? You don’t want to entrust your website to just any company. Here are a few things to look for as you shop for a trustworthy VPS provider.
You’ll have two plan options to choose from when changing to VPS: managed services or self-managed services. The difference between the two is the number of admin skills that are required of you.
With self-managed services, you need to have a solid handle on troubleshooting, server administration, and the management of software and apps. If you’re unfamiliar with these skills or don’t have the time, then it’s a good idea to choose a managed services plan. This way, your host provider will take care of them for you.
You should double-check that the host provider you’re looking at can provide updated and powerful hardware. Stronger technology will mean your site can run as smoothly as possible.
Every VPS provider should provide a way for you to backup your site in case something goes wrong. Otherwise, you might lose everything. When you choose a provider, learn about their backup services and how they can protect your site against data loss.
Running a website will always come with challenges and you never know when you might need help. It’s best to choose a VPS provider that can guarantee a helping hand 24/7.
The number one question you’ll be asking as you shop for a host provider is “Which one is the best VPS hosting?” A great place to start is to look at what each company can offer you.
Once that’s done, you should look at where their services stand within the market. Find a company that’s known around the world for their services, but that’s also a leading provider in your area.
Something that not all site owners consider is where their provider’s data centers are physically located. Why is this important? It’s because the geographical location of data centers affect how well your site performs.
Whether your site is regional or international, having a host provider that is closer to your audience will boost speed and SEO. Nearby data centers can also mean better security protection for you.
A provider located near you will have data centers nearby and know the local market better than others. For example, if you’re running an Ireland-based e-commerce site, then you’ll want a host provider who knows how to optimize your site for the Irish market.
Remember that as you cultivate your website and watch it grow, there’s going to come a time when you need more resources to support it. A VPS hosting plan will give you the tools and space you need, and it’s important to know when it’s time to switch.
No matter what type of website you run, increased traffic and data need powerful hardware and extra protection. You’ll want to feel confident that your host provider can take care of you and your customers.
When is the right time to switch? If you’re planning on adding a lot more content or anticipate a spike in traffic, then it’s time to switch to VPS.
As your content grows and your traffic increases, your website will need more memory space to run efficiently. Otherwise, your customers will only get frustrated with a site that never loads or gets constant errors.
Another sign that it’s time to switch to VPS is if your site requires better security or stronger software. If you know that you want to add a shop page to your site or if your current security protocol isn’t enough, you’ll need to switch quickly before major issues come up.
Switching to a more powerful host plan is a lot like moving into a bigger house when you have children on the way. It’s important to know when to switch to the best VPS hosting plan and also to know what to expect from it.
Remember that there are different types of host plans made to fit the size of your website. If you anticipate a boost in traffic, content, or sales, then it’s time to switch to a bigger plan. A VPS hosting plan can be the perfect answer.
With almost two billion websites to compete with, you’ll want your site running at top speed with zero problems. Start a scalable VPS host plan that’s customizable for your specific needs today.
