This post was last updated on April 21st, 2022 at 05:17 pm
Starting an eCommerce business is a great way to generate income in the internet era. While most of the considerations when starting an eCommerce business focus on products and delivery, there are a lot of moving parts to consider behind the scenes.
Choosing between VPS or Shared Hosting for eCommerce Business
One of the most important foundational decisions you’ll make when starting an eCommerce business is your hosting option.
Should you choose VPS or shared hosting for your eCommerce business? Read on to find out.
VPS or Shared Hosting: What’s the Difference?
To understand which is better for your business, a VPS or shared hosting, you must first understand the differences.
Shared hosting puts your website on a server with hundreds of others. Essentially, you split the cost of hosting with numerous other websites, similar to having roommates. However, you’re also sharing memory and disk space with your virtual roommates, and their actions can affect your own.
A VPS is similar to shared hosting, but with more privacy and control. Rather than having roommates, you share a co-operative apartment or condo with other websites. While you might share a server with a few other people, your space is your own. However, you are also responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of your space.
There are pros and cons to both shared hosting and using a VPS. Here are some of the important benefits and challenges to consider when choosing the right option for your business.
Pros of VPS
Security and customization are the main benefits of a VPS. As you aren’t sharing memory and disk space with numerous other websites, you will have faster loading times and less downtime. These features are essential when operating an eCommerce business, as a delay can cost you, potential customers.
Read Also: Things You Need to Consider in Choosing the Right Cloud Storage for Your Business
Cons of VPS
The overarching con of using a VPS is the cost. As far fewer people share a server, it tends to be more expensive than using shared hosting. However, with adequate research, you will be able to find a secure, fast and cheap option that suits your needs.
Another barrier to entry with a VPS is that the onus to set it up and maintain it is on the user.
Pros of Shared Hosting
The main benefit of shared hosting is the affordability and ease-of-access. For many businesses and site operators that are new to running a website, the convenience of a shared hosting option is hard to resist. Additionally, rather than having to deal with the setup and security yourself, the provider takes care of everything.
Cons of Shared Hosting
In a nutshell, you often get what you pay for when it comes to shared hosting. While it might be effective when you’re getting started, it lacks scalability. As traffic increases to your site, speed will inevitably go down, quicker than it would on a private server.
The other concern is security, which shared hosting providers often oversell. While they might have general security measures put in place, one site on the server getting hacked or breached could have a ripple effect throughout all of the other service users.
Should You Use VPS or Shared Hosting for eCommerce?
When it comes to operating an eCommerce business, using a VPS is a must. The loading speed and security features not only have a direct impact on the overall customer experience but also on the site’s SEO.
Shared hosting is better suited to small personal blogs and test environments. For example, if you want to put together the site and have lots of time to work out the kinks before launching it to the general public. However, this should be viewed as a temporary, budget-oriented option in the beginning before switching to a VPS. Once you decide to switch to VPS, take a look at the best VPS hosting providers and make a comparison between them. Go to hostadvice.com/vps so you can read reviews of the companies that offer this type of hosting.
Must Read: 3 Ways Poor Website Performance Affects Businesses
While it’s crucial to keep costs low when starting an eCommerce business, hosting isn’t the area where you want to make budget cuts. Invest in a VPS, and you’re investing in success.
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