To make your website accessible on the web, you need a web host. While you can host your website, it’s still best to hire a trusted and reputable web hosting provider, such as SiteGround web hosting, to keep all your web pages hosted on a secure server. A good web host should have technical experts and high data speed to make sure your website performs at its best 24/7.
In this post, you’ll learn how web hosting works, to help you make an informed and smart decision when choosing the best web host plan for your site.
Step One: Get a Domain Name
A domain name refers to the address of a website, such as samplewebsite.com. You need to use a domain registrar to be able to purchase a domain name. One thing you have to be aware of is that domain registrars sell the same domain names, with only a difference in services.
Here’s how domain names work:
– Your computer has a unique number called IP address, and the internet senses this identifier when you’re connected to the web.
– A domain name acts as your site’s alias for a specific IP address, which is a more memorable method of identifying your computer on the internet.
– However, when you self-host, your IP address changes, that’s why you need a web hosting company, to have a stable IP address.
Step Two: Set Up a Nameserver or DNS
After purchasing a domain name for your website, it’s time to set up a Domain Name System or DNS. It is also called as Domain Name Servers. The DNS topic is the hardest part of learning how a website is setup.
Here’s how a DNS works:
– Once you have a domain name, someone needs to take charge.
– A DNS works by directing a domain name to the appropriate IP address. For instance, samplewebsite.com should point to the IP address 50.59.246.172.
– Usually, your domain name providers also provide DNS services. There are also companies specializing in providing excellent DNS Services.
– DNS service providers have domain name servers or computers that keep track of telling everyone that your new domain name goes to a particular IP address where the website is being hosted.
– Finally, your domain name can be accessed on different computers. It means that an online user can type your domain name on the browser, and the DNS directs it to the right IP address or server to gain access to your site.
Step Three: Web Hosting
At this point, you already have a domain name and a DNS for your website. So it’s time to talk about cheap hosting or routing your visitors to your site whenever your domain name is entered on the web browser.
Here’s how the actual web hosting works:
– All your files, including CSS files, HTML files, photos, images, and videos are stored in a folder on a server.
– Whenever an online user types your domain name on the internet browser, the DNS ensures that it gets connected to the right server.
– The server will provide the content or web pages by displaying the information on the computer screen. That’s why your visitors can see all the content you’ve stored for your site.
Step Four: Enhancing User Experience
When choosing a web hosting plan, it’s crucial to consider the storage space and bandwidth you need. Simple websites, like a business card or portfolio sites, are fine with shared web hosting, whereas if you run an online store, you need cloud hosting services.
Here are the benefits of choosing the right web hosting plan for your site:
– By having enough bandwidth for your website, online users don’t have to wait for all your web contents to load.
– Enhance user experience through smooth and user-friendly navigation from one web page to another, with minimum or zero delays.
– Expand your business because of excellent web hosting scalability.
– More affordable web hosting services in the long run because web hosting companies also offer promotions and discounts for high-value plans.
– Your website is made more secure because of stronger security features.
Conclusion
Now, you’re more confident in choosing the best web host plan for your site, since you already understand the roles of the domain name, domain name registrars, and domain name servers or DNS better. As you narrow down your search, always consider the needs of your site today and the next one to two years. By doing so, you’ll be able to come up with a user-friendly and successful website.
