Buying a web hosting service is one of the most expensive parts of managing a website. If you’re looking into web hosting services, chances are you’ve come across numerous packages with varying features, including managed security services, and a single price for each plan. For many hosts, this is not true. They have a range of hidden costs that can raise your bill beyond expectations.
Let’s take a closer look at website hosting costs, whether they vary for hosting types, and what hidden expenses you should watch out for:
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Comparing Types of Web Hosting
First things first, what are some types of web hosting, and how do they vary?
Shared Hosting: As the name indicates, shared hosting is a space where multiple websites use the same physical server. All the resources, including bandwidth and space, are shared between hundreds of websites. Shared hosting is quite affordable, which is the only reason why some businesses choose it. On a shared server, you might face performance issues and security threats. The cost of shared hosting can be as low as $5 per month.
Dedicated Hosting: In comparison, dedicated hosting means having the entire server to yourself. From hardware to configuration tools, your site will have all the resources. Dedicated hosting is often recommended for large enterprises that need an entire dedicated server for regulatory purposes. It is quite expensive, starting from $80 per month.
Virtual Private Server (VPS) Hosting: This is by far the most popular choice among businesses. A VPS server combines the features of both shared and dedicated hosting. Reliable hosting providers, such as Liquid Web, allow you to customize the hardware and software configurations without paying extra costs. The cost of VPS hosting is somewhere in between, costing around $50 per month.
The Hidden Costs of Web Hosting
Examples of hidden web hosting costs include:
Higher Renewal Rates
Higher renewal rates are extremely common when you buy a cheap shared hosting plan. Hosting providers offer extremely low introductory prices for the first billing cycle. Once the month ends, you’re automatically charged a much higher cost. Always factor in the promotional and regular price before buying a hosting package.
Add-on Services
Another overlooked hosting cost is add-ons. These are some basic features that a hosting provider should provide by default. Examples include:
- SSL certificates
- Security backups
- Additional plug-ins
- Content delivery network (CDN)
Overage Charges
Some hosting providers also charge users for exceeding bandwidth or storage limitations. They might make their policies clear when you sign up for the hosting plan, and charge you extra later on.
Poor support and customer service by the hosting provider can lead to unnecessary downtime and lost revenue. This can also be considered a hidden cost of choosing an unreliable hosting provider.
How to Save on Web Hosting
Fortunately, there are some ways to save on web hosting and avoid paying hidden costs. Monitor your usage and optimize your website to ultimately lower costs. Moreover, pick a host that gives you an all-in-one solution with transparent costs.
