If you’re looking to launch a website, you’ve probably already got some ideas about who your target audience is, and the look and feel you want to go with. But there are other parts of the picture to consider – some that sound a bit techier than others. The bits you’d like to just slide under the carpet but know you can’t because, despite the fact you don’t know anything about them, you know you need to at least brush up on them a bit.
For instance, you’ve probably heard the terms “web server” and “web hosting” thrown around, but what do they actually mean? All sounding a bit technical? Don’t worry – we’re here to help break these terms down. After all, you’re going to need to know a bit about them if you want to get your website up and running.
What is a server? A simple definition
Rather than going into the technicalities of what a web server is, it’s a good idea to look at the word ‘sever’ in its simplest term. For instance, imagine you go to a restaurant for dinner. You select what you want from the menu and a waiter or waitress comes over to take your order. Once the food is ready, that waiter or waitress serves you your food.
That is, essentially, the same as a web server. A client types in a web address of a site they want to visit, and the server (a device that stores web files) checks that this is a valid website and, if it is, sends back that website to the client.
What is web hosting?
Web hosting is, basically, a service that provides a space to host your website. Imagine an office full of filing cabinets, and that those cabinets are full of files. When you break it down to its simplest term, that is, essentially, what web hosting is – a filing cabinet holding files that can then be served to clients (those who want to access your website) whenever they need them, wherever they are.
3 things to consider when it comes to web hosting
Ok, so now you know the basics, but if your business is thinking about launching a website, you’ll probably be keen to learn a bit more about web hosting. So, what are the most important things to think about when it comes to web hosting?
For us, the three biggest points to consider are page load speed, security, and whether your web hosting is green-powered (stay with us on this one). Let’s look at these in more detail…
Is it quick?
Imagine you go to a site and it takes forever to load. There’s nothing more frustrating than that spinning wheel! We’re all in a hurry all the time, so ensuring your site loads quickly is a must for any business.
And don’t just take our word for it. According to research by Google, if your page load speed is 1-3 seconds, your bounce rate is likely to increase by 32%. If it’s between 1 and 6 seconds, you’re looking at a 90% bounce rate. And if it’s over 9 seconds? A whopping 123% chance of visitors leaving your site immediately.
It’s not just about web visitors, either. A slow page load speed also negatively impacts your SEO efforts, as search engines will be less likely to rank you highly. This means that the people looking for products or services like yours won’t be able to find you.
Is it secure?
The next thing to consider is that you’ll want to be sure the server is completely secure against hackers and bots. Essentially, you’ll want to know that anyone who shouldn’t have access to your data cannot get their hands on it. A bit like storing your money in a safe. Only those with the code can access your cash, but you want to keep it as safe as possible from anyone else.
Is it green?
Ok, so this point might sound a bit out of place in an article about launching a website, but it’s a valid one, nonetheless. We’re all more green conscious nowadays, right? From the transport choices we make to the clothes we wear. You see, while you might never have considered that web hosting can be green, it absolutely can.
Fancy learning more about green-powered web hosting and doing your bit for the environment? We’ve got the article just for you!
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