Tech and Auto

Affordable Web hosting for a tight budget

For those who are not aware what web hosting is, it refers to a company that offers its service so that you can store and deliver the files which comprise your website. Every business, large or small, requires a webpage –with some companies spending hundreds of dollars each year to ensure that they get the best.

Nonetheless, even if you don’t have a sizeable budget, there’s no need to give up yet, as there are numerous web hosts designed for tinier pockets. Since not every business needs a full-blown e-commerce presence until they substantially grow, it’s time to look at some of the most reliable services when on a budget. Bear in mind that companies can advertise incredibly attractive discounts for their products.

What Cheap Web Hosting Gets You

It’s crucial to understand what cheaper web hosting services can offer you and your website, and that includes the acknowledgement that powerful and pricey VPS options are out of the question. Instead, you will aim to select a plan, and shared hosting is usually a viable option.

Shared Hosting

This hosting runs across multiple websites on a server which also incorporates your page. Although most people scoff when hearing the word “shared”, it might not be as bad as you imagine, as you won’t be able to peak into anybody else’s files –while the same rules apply to your data as well. The main benefit of this service is that the price is considerably low in comparison to the other types. In contrast, the primary downside is that the other websites on the service may cause yours to run at less-than-ideal performances, or sometimes even crashing altogether.

Managed WordPress hosting

If you are running a small WordPress blog, then managed WordPress hosting services allow you to set and run it with minimal interference. In other words, if the website you are building on is designed to run as a blog, then there is no need to bother with shared hosting plans or other types of web hosting.

Affordable Web Hosting services

Bluehost

Bluehost is the first company worth mentioning when we talk about affordable web hosting. They offer incredible discounts to new customers and their price to value ratio is very hard to beat. The uptime has improved significantly over the last few years and the quality just keeps getting better. There are also third party websites that offer a special offer, also known as a ‘coupon’, which allows for a discount up to 75% including a free domain.

1&1

1&1 aims to offer its client the most of their developing web experience, regardless of if you are a programming expert or not. Using their web hosting services, you will get the chance to create functional and reliable websites using a simple and quite intuitive interface. This can be purchased as an add-on to an existing web hosting plan, where you can benefit from further discounts the company has to offer.

Whether you are looking for a simple web hosting service or extra little bits and piece which can help you in designing professional templates on all electronic platforms, 1&1 packs an incredibly attractive price – while offering rich website creation tools, customer service support, and impressive uptime. It’s also useful for those needing WordPress hosting.

HostGator

Featuring a robust migration team, you can seamlessly transfer any data or content from your existing website to HostGator. You can even configure it to fit their platform optimally. With an easy-to-use interface and a vast array of useful plans for both small business owners and consumers, this web hosting service is a safe and great pick for any novice webmaster.

GoDaddy

With a guaranteed 99.9% uptime, GoDaddy is a feature-packed web hosting service that comes equipped with excellent 24/7 customer service and flexible website-creating tools. If you’re a first-time buyer and are unsure of what would suit your needs (i.e., you want to have a blog, host a podcast, or create a shopping cart), GoDaddy’s hosting support team will be able to help.

Moreover, if you already have an existing webpage and have access to your file, you can then directly upload them to the hosting service’s FTP client centre or the hosting control centre. Even if you don’t currently hold a copy of your website, you can still request that from your current website provider and transfer the needed files.

Hostwinds

Founded in 2010, Hostwinds is a hosting service which was designed to revolutionise the market through the provision of user-friendly websites and incredible functionality. The creators observed that there is an oversaturated industry focusing on providing substandard services and supports to clients worldwide. Alternatively, you have the premium costs for excellent and reliable services.

Trying to bridge this gap and achieve the best of both worlds, Hostwinds quickly became an industry expert, nowadays providing excellent services to its customers. Featuring 24/7 customer support, compatibility with both Linux and Windows servers, shared hosting options, and other incredible characteristics; Hostwinds is an excellent budget option.

Things to keep in mind

The main thing to remind yourself when selecting a web hosting service is to read the fine print, especially if the low prices are ringing alarm bells. It’s not uncommon to hear that many web hosts offer several tiers of service, starting from the most basic options to expanded offerings for the more premium-based plans. You don’t need more than what you will use, and keep that in mind while making your decision.

Some services ask customers to commit to a staggering timeline of three years to get the lower price per month. Alternatively, you might find that the initial payment is introductory, and after a period, it will revert to the real cost. As a general rule of thumb, don’t commit to big plans, as you don’t know how quickly your business will grow.

Conclusion

The cost has always been and will forever remain a critically important consideration when selecting any product –web hosting included. Although there is the truism of “you get what you pay for”, there are services which don’t require you spending an arm and a leg for something you can get five times cheaper. Be smart and start small, and that’s exactly what the services we’ve outlined can offer –the combination of functionality and the least amount of damage to your wallet.

Jess Young

Jess is a writer at the UK's largest independent press agency SWNS. She runs women's real-life magazine Real-Fix.com, as well as contributing articles and features to all of the major titles and digital publications.

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