GleadlessTownend Shared Website Hosting Powered By cPanel

Shared website hosting is a service where multiple websites reside on a single web server connected to the internet. This option is particularly attractive for small to medium-sized websites due to its cost-effectiveness and simplicity. When you opt for shared hosting, your site is stored on the same server as many other sites, all sharing the server’s resources such as RAM and CPU.

Shared website hosting is best suited for small businesses, bloggers, and personal website owners who are looking for an affordable way to get online. It’s particularly beneficial for those who have limited technical skills and smaller budgets, as it requires less technical maintenance and the cost is shared among the users hosted on the same server.

While shared hosting is beneficial in many ways, it also has limitations. The main disadvantage is the shared resources, which can lead to slower website performance if other sites on the same server experience high traffic. Additionally, there are restrictions on the amount of customisation and control you can have, which can be a drawback for those needing specific software or configurations.

Shared hosting differs significantly from VPS (Virtual Private Server) and dedicated hosting in terms of resource allocation and control. In shared hosting, resources are distributed among all websites on the server. In contrast, VPS provides a virtualised environment with set resources for each user, offering more stability and customisation. Dedicated hosting allocates an entire server to a single user, providing maximum control and performance but at a higher cost.

When selecting a shared hosting provider, consider the uptime guarantee, customer support, and scalability options. A reliable uptime guarantee ensures your website remains accessible to visitors. Responsive customer support is crucial for resolving technical issues quickly. Lastly, look for providers that offer easy scalability to accommodate your website’s growth without requiring a server change.

Custom software installation on shared hosting is generally restricted. This is due to the shared nature of the environment, where server settings are standardised across all hosted sites to maintain stability and security. However, many hosts offer a range of pre-installed applications and tools, and some may allow limited custom software installations if they do not threaten the server’s operational integrity.

Securing a website on shared hosting involves several key practices. Firstly, regularly update all software and scripts to their latest versions to protect against vulnerabilities. Secondly, use strong, unique passwords for your hosting and website accounts. Thirdly, consider adding security plugins or tools offered by your hosting provider, which can help defend against common threats like malware and brute force attacks.

Shared hosting can be suitable for small e-commerce websites with low to moderate traffic. However, as your business grows, you may need to upgrade to a solution that can handle increased traffic and provide enhanced security features critical for protecting customer data, such as SSL certificates, dedicated IP addresses, and more robust payment processing capabilities.

Most shared hosting providers offer backup services, but the scope and frequency can vary. It’s important to understand what is included in your hosting plan. Some hosts provide daily automatic backups, while others might offer more basic options that require manual intervention. Always ensure that there is a reliable method to restore your site in case of data loss.

Our servers are located in the Amsterdam datacentre. We are a Sheffield base business that offers local support to GleadlessTownend and surrounding areas.