What is Shared Web Hosting? The Guide for Beginners

If you’re new to website hosting, shared hosting is a great place to start. It’s affordable and easy to use, making it a popular option for beginners.

In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at what shared hosting is, its advantages and disadvantages, and alternatives to consider and more.

Let’s jump into it.

What Is Shared Hosting (And How Does It Work)?

Shared hosting is the type of website hosting where multiple websites are hosted on the same server, sharing its resources like CPU, RAM, and disk space.

This means that the server’s resources are divided among all the websites hosted on it.

Each website gets a fair share of resources, but if one website on the server experiences a spike in traffic, it can affect the performance of other websites on the same server. Though there has been some improvements in this regard. There are tools that prevent websites traffic of one website to affect other websites, one of them being cloud Linux.

Is Shared Hosting Right hosting solution for You?

Before choosing shared hosting, here are four key considerations to keep in mind:

• What’s Your Budget, and Which Features Do You Need?

Consider your budget and which features you need for your website. Shared hosting is the most affordable option, but some hosting providers offer more features than others.

So what you will get will depend on your web host and budget you have for the hosting package.

• What Are Your Technical Skills? How Easy-to-Use Is the Hosting Control Panel?

Consider your technical skills and how user-friendly the hosting control panel is. Shared hosting providers offer an easy-to-use interface, making it ideal for beginners. This includes cPanel, Direct Admin, Plesk and more.

• How Large Is Your Website, and What Resources Does It Require?

Consider the size of your website and what resources it requires. If your website is large or requires more resources, shared hosting may not be the best option. Shared web hosting is suitable for small websites with less traffic.

If you have a WordPress website with 5000 plus visitors we recommend looking at getting VPS to support that requirement.

• What Restrictions Apply to Shared Hosting Plans?

Shared hosting plans come with some restrictions, like limited customization options and resources. Consider these restrictions when choosing shared hosting. As advised above shared is suitable for websites that require less resources and traffic. Mots web hosting companies do not provide access to SSH/Shell that developers need to deploy, make changes to the server.

What You Should Look for in Shared Hosting Packages and Provider?

When selecting a shared hosting provider, here are some important factors to consider:

• Uptime: Uptime is the amount of time that a hosting provider guarantees that your website will be accessible to visitors. Look for a hosting provider that offers a high uptime guarantee, ideally 99.9% or higher.
• Speed: The speed at which your website loads can have a significant impact on user experience and search engine rankings. Look for a hosting provider that offers fast page loading times and uses SSD storage.
• Traffic or Bandwidth: Consider the amount of traffic your website is likely to receive and ensure that the hosting provider can accommodate your needs. Look for a hosting provider that offers unlimited bandwidth or a high bandwidth limit.
• Resources: Shared hosting plans come with varying amounts of resources such as CPU, RAM, and disk space. Consider the size and complexity of your website and ensure that the hosting plan offers sufficient resources to meet your needs.
• Limited customization: Shared hosting plans may have limitations on the types of customizations you can make to your website. Consider whether the hosting plan offers the level of customization you need.
• Support: Look for a hosting provider that offers 24/7 support through multiple channels such as phone, email, and live chat. Ensure that the support team is knowledgeable and responsive enough.
• Disk Space: Consider the amount of disk space you’ll need for your website files and ensure that the hosting plan offers sufficient disk space.
• Control Panels: Most hosting providers offer a control panel such as Direct Admin, cPanel or Plesk for managing your website. I recommend you look for a hosting provider that offers a user-friendly control panel with all the necessary features.
• One-click Install Applications: Many hosting providers offer one-click install applications for popular CMS platforms such as WordPress, Drupal, or Joomla. Look for a hosting provider that offers a wide range of one-click install applications to simplify the process of setting up your website.
• Scalability: Consider whether the hosting provider offers scalability options to accommodate the growth of your website. Look for a hosting provider that offers the ability to upgrade to a higher-tier plan or migrate to a different type of hosting.
• Requirements: Consider any specific requirements your website may have such as programming languages, databases, or specialized applications. Ensure that the hosting provider supports these requirements.

Advantages of Shared Hosting

• It’s less expensive: Shared hosting is a cost-effective option as the resources of the server are shared among multiple users, allowing the cost to be divided between them, making it more affordable than any other hosting options.
• It’s flexible: Shared hosting providers usually offer a range of hosting plans, allowing you to choose a plan that meets your website’s specific needs and requirements.
• It’s easy to self-manage: Shared hosting is designed to be easy to use and manage, even for those who are not technically proficient. Most hosting providers offer user-friendly control panels i.e Direct Admin that allow you to manage your website, files, and email accounts with ease.
• You can host multiple domains: Shared hosting plans typically allow you to host multiple websites on a single account, making it a great option if you have multiple websites or if you plan to expand in the future.
• It’s professionally managed: Shared hosting providers manage the servers, handle software updates and security, and ensure that the servers are running efficiently. This frees up your time, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your website.
• It can host dynamic websites: Shared hosting plans can support a wide range of websites, including dynamic websites that require database support and content management systems like WordPress.

Disadvantages of Shared Hosting

• Security issues: Shared hosting is less secure than other hosting options, as the actions of other users on the same server can affect your website’s security. Additionally, shared hosting providers may not implement the same level of security measures as other types of hosting, leaving your website more vulnerable to attacks.
• Limited resources: With shared hosting, your website shares resources such as CPU, RAM, and bandwidth with other websites on the same server. This can lead to slower load times and performance issues if other websites on the server are using too many resources.
• Potential impact on SEO: If other websites on the shared server engage in spammy or unethical practices, it can negatively impact the SEO of all the websites on the server, including yours.
• Limited customization options: Shared hosting providers may limit the customization options available to you, as they typically offer preconfigured server settings that cannot be altered. This can be a drawback for those who require more control over their server configurations.
• No root access: With shared hosting, you typically do not have root access to the server, meaning that you cannot install certain software or make certain configurations that may be necessary for your website.

Alternatives to Shared Hosting

• VPS Hosting: Virtual Private Server (VPS) hosting offers a dedicated amount of server resources to a website owner. With VPS hosting, the physical server is divided into virtual compartments, with each compartment having its own resources such as CPU, RAM, and disk space. This type of hosting offers more control, flexibility, and scalability than shared hosting.
• WordPress Hosting: WordPress hosting is a specialized hosting service that is designed to optimize the performance and security of WordPress websites. It typically comes with pre-installed WordPress software, automatic updates, and specialized support.
• Cloud Hosting: Cloud hosting is a type of hosting that uses a network of servers to provide hosting services. This type of hosting offers high availability, scalability, and redundancy. Cloud hosting can be either public, private, or hybrid.
• CMS Hosting: Content Management System (CMS) hosting is designed for websites that use a CMS platform such as Drupal, Joomla, or Magento. This type of hosting comes with pre-installed CMS software, specialized support, and other features such as automatic updates and backups.
• Dedicated Server Hosting: Dedicated server hosting offers a physical server that is dedicated to a single website owner. This type of hosting offers the highest level of control, customization, and performance. It’s typically used for websites with high traffic volumes, complex applications, or specialized hosting requirements.

Overall, each type of hosting offers different benefits and features, and website owners should choose the type of hosting that best suits their specific needs and requirements.

Best Shared Hosting Providers in South Africa

InslyHost

InslyHost is a South African hosting provider that offers a variety of hosting solutions including shared hosting, VPS hosting, dedicated server hosting, and reseller hosting. They have been in business since 2012 and are known for their reliable and affordable hosting plans.

InslyHost’s shared hosting plans come in three different sizes: Starter, Standard, and Premium. All plans come with a Direct Admin control panel, unlimited bandwidth, and a free domain name registration for the first year for South African domains . The Starter plan offers 2.5GB of storage space, while the Standard plan offers 10GB and the Premium plan offers 20GB.

InslyHost also offers a range of other services such as website design, SSL certificates, and domain registrations. They have a 24/7 customer support team that can be reached via phone, email, or live chat.

Overall, InslyHost is a reliable hosting provider that offers affordable shared hosting plans with plenty of features and resources. They have a strong focus on customer support and satisfaction, and their plans are designed to accommodate websites of different sizes and traffic volumes.

Afrihost

Afrihost is a South African hosting provider that offers a range of hosting solutions including shared hosting, VPS hosting, dedicated server hosting, and reseller hosting. They have been in business since 2000 and are known for their high-quality hosting plans and excellent customer service.

Afrihost’s shared hosting plans come in four different sizes: Home, Business, Enterprise, and Platinum. All plans come with a cPanel control panel, unlimited bandwidth, and a free domain name registration for the first year. The Home plan offers 2GB of storage space, while the Business plan offers 10GB, the Enterprise plan offers 50GB, and the Platinum plan offers 100GB.

Afrihost also offers a range of other services such as website design, domain registration, and online marketing solutions. They have a 24/7 customer support team that can be reached via phone, email, or live chat.

Overall, Afrihost is a high-quality hosting provider that offers reliable shared hosting plans with plenty of features and resources. They have a strong focus on customer support and satisfaction, and their plans are designed to accommodate websites of different sizes and traffic volumes.

Xneelo

Xneelo (formerly known as Hetzner South Africa) is a South African hosting provider that offers a range of hosting solutions including shared hosting, VPS hosting, cloud hosting, and dedicated server hosting. They have been in business since 1999 and are known for their reliable and high-performance hosting plans.

Xneelo’s shared hosting plans come in four different sizes: Micro, Small, Medium, and Large. All plans come with a cPanel control panel, unlimited bandwidth, and a free domain name registration for the first year. The Micro plan offers 2GB of storage space, while the Small plan offers 5GB, the Medium plan offers 10GB, and the Large plan offers 20GB.

Xneelo also offers a range of other services such as website design, domain registration, and SSL certificates. They have a 24/7 customer support team that can be reached via phone, email, or live chat.

Overall, Xneelo is a reliable hosting provider that offers high-performance shared hosting plans with plenty of features and resources. They have a strong focus on customer support and satisfaction, and their plans are designed to accommodate websites of different sizes and traffic volumes.

1-Grid

1-Grid is a South African hosting provider that offers shared hosting, VPS hosting, dedicated server hosting, and domain registration services. They have been in business since 1996 and have a strong reputation for their reliable and affordable hosting solutions.

1-Grid offers three shared hosting plans that include unlimited bandwidth, unlimited email accounts, and cPanel control panel. Their plans are designed to accommodate websites of different sizes and traffic volumes, with options for 10GB, 20GB, or 30GB storage space.

In addition to their hosting plans, 1-Grid offers a range of other services such as website design, online marketing, and website security solutions. They have a 24/7 customer support team that can be reached via phone, email, or live chat.

Overall, 1-Grid is a reliable hosting provider that offers affordable shared hosting plans with plenty of features and resources. They have a long history in the industry and a strong focus on customer support and satisfaction.

Selecting a Shared Hosting Package from InslyHost

InslyHost offers a range of shared hosting plans with different features and pricing options. Their plans come with 24/7 customer support and a 99.9% uptime guarantee. We have standard web hosting and business web hosting solution to suite all types of website traffic.

When Not to Use Shared Hosting

If your website requires more resources or customization options, shared hosting may not be the best option. Consider alternatives like VPS hosting or dedicated server hosting.

How Many Websites Can I Have with Shared Hosting?

The number of websites you can host on a shared hosting plan depends on the hosting provider and the plan you choose. Some providers allow unlimited domains while others limit the number of domains. check our web hosting packages for different options we offer.

Shared Hosting Add-Ons

Shared hosting providers offer add-ons like backup managers, dedicated SSL, dedicated IP addresses, and managed hosting. Consider these add-ons when choosing a shared hosting plan.

What Is Shared Hosting FAQ

Q: Who Should Use Shared Hosting?

Shared hosting is ideal for beginners, small businesses, and bloggers who need an affordable and easy-to-use hosting solution.

Q: What Is the Cost of Shared Hosting?

The cost of shared hosting varies depending on the hosting provider and the plan you choose. It can range from as low as $2 per month to $20 per month.

Q: How secure is shared hosting?

Shared hosting can be secure if the hosting provider takes necessary measures to protect their servers and customers’ data. Look for a hosting provider that offers security features such as firewalls, DDoS protection, and malware scanning.

Q: Can I upgrade from shared hosting to a different type of hosting?

Yes, most hosting providers allow you to upgrade to a different type of hosting such as VPS or dedicated server as your website grows and requires more resources.

Q: Can I use shared hosting for an e-commerce website?

Yes, you can use shared hosting for an e-commerce website. However, make sure to choose a hosting provider that offers secure e-commerce features such as SSL certificates and PCI compliance.

Q: What happens if my website exceeds the shared hosting resources?

If your website exceeds the shared hosting resources, your hosting provider may ask you to upgrade to a higher plan or a different type of hosting. They may also suspend your website temporarily until you optimize it to use fewer resources.

Q: How many websites can I host on shared hosting?

The number of websites you can host on shared hosting depends on the hosting provider and the plan you choose. Most shared hosting plans allow you to host multiple websites, but there may be restrictions on the number of domains, subdomains, or databases you can have.

Q: How do I transfer my website to a shared hosting account?

To transfer your website to a shared hosting account, you need to upload your website files to the hosting server, create a database, and update your domain’s DNS records. Most hosting providers offer migration services or tools to help you transfer your website.

Q: Is Shared Hosting Good for Blogging?

Yes, shared hosting is a great option for bloggers who are just starting out. It’s affordable, easy to use, and can handle moderate traffic.

Conclusion

Overall, shared hosting is a great option for beginners and small websites. It’s affordable, easy to use, and can handle moderate traffic. Just make sure to choose a reputable hosting provider and consider your website’s needs before making a decision.