What IS the best website hosting for a small business? As you know, a website is essential for every small business owner, whether you’re marketing a local business or setting up a global eCommerce store. In today’s global, high-tech world, your business simply will not get found unless you are on the internet. But, in order to get your website up on to the internet, you will need a web hosting service. There are a ton of web hosting companies out there and even more experts writing reviews and giving their opinion as to which is the best. But, we are going to break through all of that technical noise and focus on which one is the best for a small business.
What is Web Hosting
First, let’s talk about what web hosting is. Web hosting is a service that allows people or organizations to post a website or web page onto the internet. A web host, or web hosting service provider, is a business that provides the technology and services that gets websites up on the internet. The websites are hosted or stored on special computers called servers.
When someone types your website name into their browser or finds you on a Google search, their computer will then connect to the web host’s server and your web pages will be delivered to them through the browser. It’s all the technical back-end stuff that keeps your website up and running.
You will need to have your own domain name but, if you don’t already have one, your hosting provider will be able to help you purchase one.
The Different Types of Web Hosting
Shared Hosting – This is the least expensive type of web hosting. Basically, you will be sharing a server that is provided by the hosting company with other businesses or websites. It is a great option for small businesses just getting their online presence established and for businesses who are not expecting a lot of traffic initially. The amount of bandwidth and disc space you have will be limited and you may be charged extra if you go over.
Managed WordPress Hosting – This hosting service is designed specifically to run WordPress websites. Everything about managed WordPress hosting is optimized to run WordPress sites. They offer blazing fast speeds, enhanced security, automated backups of your site, and automated updates. This means that your website will be continuously monitored to make sure you’re running the most updated and secure versions of everything. You will also get better support from managed WordPress hosting since they know WordPress and can usually zero in on the issue very quickly. The main drawbacks to managed WordPress hosting are the price and the fact that they only support websites that run on WordPress. However, if you are running a WordPress website, you should definitely consider the extra cost for what you get.
Dedicated Hosting – With a dedicated hosting package, you are buying a server that is dedicated to your business and that you do not share. This option is great if your website gets a lot of traffic or you are expecting it to get a lot of traffic in the near future. The main disadvantage is that it is more expensive than shared hosting.
Cloud (VPS) Hosting – There is another option you’ll find at most hosting companies called VPS (Virtual Private Server) or Cloud hosting. Your hosting is provided across a network of servers instead of just one. You’ll find significantly better uptimes and stronger safeguards against DDoS attacks which essentially try to overwhelm your site with traffic in an attempt to shut it down. This is great for eCommerce websites expecting a lot of traffic. It is significantly more expensive than shared hosting so, if your site doesn’t yet require an upgrade, you may not want the additional expense.
What You Should Look For In A Web Hosting Service
There is a lot of information out there on all the myriad of web hosting companies. Much of the information is technical and geared toward individuals and companies with large web hosting needs. As a small business owner, or someone creating a start-up blog or website, don’t get caught up in all of that. Keep it simple and start with a hosting plan that will meet your initial needs and is within your budget. You can always upgrade as your business needs change. For a small business just trying to get an online presence, a shared hosting service that will handle all of the technical details of getting your website on to the internet may be all you need.
When looking for the right service for you, I would recommend you consider the following criteria to guide your decision.
- Your Business Needs – do you expect a lot of traffic initially or will a shared hosting package work in the beginning? If you are starting an eCommerce site or an online business, you may need to consider a different option.
- Server Reliability and Uptime – How reliable are the servers and will your website experience any down-time? Some hosting companies may offer a shared service at a really great price but, if customers are not able to access your website, it’s not worth it.
- Pricing – Many web hosting companies will offer a discount during initial sign-up but their renewal rates are considerably higher. Factor this in to your decision.
- Support – What type of support can you expect if you have any issues?
My Top Picks
1. Bluehost
Pros
- They have built a solid reputation over the years especially where it comes to WordPress hosting
- They are the #1 recommended hosting company by WordPress.org
- eCommerce features are good with multiple shopping carts available and SSL security
- Most plans include unlimited disc storage, domain hosting, email addresses and bandwidth
- Reliable web hosting with strong security features
- You get a free domain name for a year included with your purchase
Cons
- Although they have eCommerce features, they are not necessarily known for their eCommerce – but it is an economical choice
- Bluehost loves to try and upsell customers so beware of that
Price
- Starter Plan – $3.49/month ($7.99/month when you renew)
- Plus Plan – $10.49/month
- Business Pro – $23.99/month
- WordPress hosting – starts at $12.49 for the first month ($24.99/month after that)
Support
- All plans are backed by 24/7 support and money back guarantee
- Their customer support has received mixed reviews
2. SiteGround
Pros 
- Offers managed WordPress hosting
- It comes with automatic updates and daily backups of your site
- It is great for beginners but most will probably opt for their GoGeek package (which is only $14.95/month) and still cheap
- GoGeek package with some premium upgrades like 1-Click Installer, SuperCacher, and Git pre-installed
Cons
- The entry-level option is a little more limited than some competitors but the price reflects this
Price
- StartUp Plan – $3.95//month ($9.95/month when you renew)
- GrowBig Plan – $5.95/month
- GoGeek Plan – $11.95/month
Support
- SiteGround claims to have virtually no wait time on chat and phone support inquiries
3. HostGator
Pros
- Offers superior shared, cloud, WordPress, VPS, and dedicated web hosting packages
- All of these services offer tiered plans so you can pick the one that works best for your business
- You can start out small and upgrade service plans as your business grows without having to change providers
- Great uptime across a variety of hosting plans
- Great website building tools and unlimited data transfers
- Their beginner plan (for one website) is dirt-cheap at $2.75/month
Cons
- No Microsoft-based option for VPS hosting
Price
- Hatchling Plan (Single domain) – $2.75/month ($6.95/month when you renew)
- Business Plan (Unlimited domains) – $5.95/month
- Cloud Hosting – starting at $4.95/month
- WordPress Hosting – starting at $5.95/month
- VPS Hosting – $19.95/month
- Dedicated Hosting – $119.00/month
Support
- HostGator has solid customer service and support
4. GoDaddy
Pros
- Best all-in-one hosting – if you’re just starting out and need literally everything from a domain name to security, website builder, and hosting
- World-renowned as being the #1 domain registrar
- Very intuitive and flexible site-building tools with lots of themes
- Great uptime, reliable
- Solid security, bandwidth and disc space
- Offers great growth flexibility allowing you to change plans to meet the needs of your growing business
Cons
- No eCommerce tools – not easy if you’re planning on having an online store
- Can’t switch between themes without losing content
Price
- Economy Plan – $1/month ($7.99/month when you renew)
- Deluxe Plan – $5.99/month
- Ultimate Plan – $9.99/month
Support
- Customer service has been a big focus for GoDaddy and, since buying Media Temple, have made huge improvements
- Support is available 24/7
To Sum It All Up
Choosing a web hosting service for a small business or a start-up website shouldn’t be a difficult, time-consuming process. The top 4 picks I outlined above are all great, solid web hosting service providers and offer flexibility to grow as your business grows. And, you’ll learn along the way what is working and what is not and you can make changes as needed. So, start out with one of the beginner plans above that meet your business needs and get your site up on the internet.
Let me know if you have any questions or comments. Thanks.