Web Development Brisbane explains the importance of reliable web hosting to ensure the performance of your website.

This blog is the final instalment of a four-part series exploring the most important aspects of Web Development by Web Development Brisbane. The third part of this series covered why excellent User Experience (UX) is important for your website. In part four, we outline how good web hosting is crucial for the success of your website.

As we have learnt in previous instalments of this series, your website is often the first point of contact between your business and your potential customers. We’ve also learnt that the design of your website can seriously impact your website’s ability to convert these customers. There is, however, another aspect that can affect whether you successfully capture website visitors: your web hosting.

If you’re researching your options for web hosting in Brisbane, here’s what you should consider before selecting a provider.

What is Website Hosting?

Website hosting involves providing individuals and businesses with server space and resources for storing and serving website content. That is, your website files are stored on a server, where they are then made available for users to access through their web browsers.

What are the different types of website hosting?

While there are several types of website hosting available, the three most common – and the options you are likely to be presented with when searching for hosting – are…

1. Shared Hosting – The most basic and inexpensive option; this involves several websites being hosted on the same server.

2. VPS Hosting – This hosting type involves providing users with a virtual server with dedicated resources, providing more control and performance than shared hosting.

3. Dedicated Hosting – This is web hosting where your website has exclusive rights over a server, providing the highest level of control, performance and security.

The type of hosting you require will depend on your individual needs, so it’s best to consult with an expert about which option is best for you.

Aspects to look for in a web host

There are a number of factors that you should look for in a web host to ensure that your website is active and working well for potential customers. If these aspects are not prioritised, you run the risk of missing valuable conversions.

Reliability and Uptime

‘Uptime’ refers to the time your website is live and active, and therefore useable by potential customers. When researching potential hosts, you should ensure that they guarantee high uptime (the closer to 100%, the better), and have a reputation for backing up this claim.

Performance and Speed

Website load time has an undeniable effect on visitor retention. Just a one second delay can result in a 7% reduction in conversions. A good web host will ensure the performance and speed of your website by investing in high-quality, local server infrastructure. The location of your server can affect website speed, so if you’re a Queensland local, web hosting in Brisbane is your best option.

Scalability and Resources

If you’re hoping to grow your business’s online presence in the future, it’s important that you select a host that allows for scalability – that is, increasing or decreasing the resources allocated to your website for its hosting. A good host should allow you to easily upgrade or downgrade your resources and your website’s needs grow and change.

Security

One of the most important aspects of web hosting is security. A good host will implement measures such as firewalls, regular security updates and intrusion detection systems to protect against potential threats to your website.

Customer Support

This is where working with a local host can be advantageous. When issues arise, you want to be able to receive customer support quickly and efficiently, from a company that operates within your timezone.

How significant is the impact of a reliable web host?

Securing a dependable web host is essential, as it directly influences the overall performance and user experience of your website. An efficiently running and properly maintained website not only enhances user engagement but also increases the likelihood of converting leads, ultimately driving more growth and success for your business.

At Web Development Brisbane, all of our websites are hosted on Australian-based dedicated servers and are custom-provisioned to best suit your specific needs. Contact us today about web hosting in Brisbane with our secure, fast and reliable servers.

That’s it for our 4-part series outlining the most important aspects of Web Development. If you haven’t yet, please read parts 1, 2 and 3.