With thousands of new businesses emerging every day, and the amount of potential customers decreasing, it is more important than ever for your company’s website to stand out in order attract visitors. A virtual private server (VPS) hosting provider can help you do just that by increasing traffic on your site with powerful tools like root access, dedicated resources (CPU and RAM), and powerful software It may seem difficult at first since there are so many things one needs when starting up. But don’t worry, we’re here to walk you through everything from setting up an account, picking a plan size/shape, and then show you how all these pieces come together seamlessly.
Why VPS?
First, let’s look at what might be gained from having your own virtual private server.
Perhaps your website has grown beyond the bounds of a shared server. If you are having slowdowns on your website from traffic spikes, then it is probably time to look at a VPS. Those who use a VPS also note that they have more control over their website, including things such as the control panel and storage space allotments. And your own dedicated computing resources, so no other users can affect your account.
Others choose a VPS because of the safety and security it provides as opposed to a shared server where all the websites hosted on one server have to share resources and can possibly open the others up to data breaches.
For those who are sure that they need to upgrade, VPS is also a good middle road between shared and dedicated servers that have more options, but costs less than a fully dedicated server.
To learn more, see our full guide on What is VPS Hosting.
Signs of a Good VPS Hosting Provider
If you are serious about making the switch, then you will need to look at a few different features of the prospective VPS hosting provider before you make your decision. These include:
- High Server Uptime—Nobody wants a hosting service that is frequently down or offline. Many of the hosting providers out there will give you a guarantee of high-availability (HA). This is usually directly proportional to the amount of money you pay each month for the hosting service. If you pay for a 99.99% uptime guarantee, it will probably cost more than a 99.95% guarantee. The important thing, however, is that you should not take anything less than that 99.95% guarantee. Any performance level below that is going to be too unstable for you to run a business on.
- Managed vs Unmanaged VPS—Another point you will want to talk to the prospective provider about is whether the VPS will be managed or un-managed. A managed VPS leaves you with less control. It requires the provider to maintain the server and update it with all patches and security upgrades as well as data backups. With an un-managed server, most of that will be placed on your shoulders. If you are a person who is comfortable with technology, then you can take on this task. If not, then leave it to the experts.
- Server Security—Disaster recovery (DR) methods can’t be ignored. A graphical firewall enables you to quickly close ports and disable it for testing purposes. You want the ability to quickly create server snapshots which can be restored with much greater speed than a conventional backup. On managed VPSs, you should be able to easily install SSL certificates for your domains and other anti-malware solutions to protect your data.
- Cost—A quick word about the cost of the provider which is often the figurative elephant in the room for website owners. A low cost may be a budgetary consideration, but remember, you get what you pay for. If you think that a cheap service is right for you, remember that these will probably include more downtime and resource abuse issues. However, the idea that the most expensive server is the best option may not be true in your case. The most expensive servers will be dedicated solely to your website. But your company may not need such a heavy investment up front. Choose the right option for your needs and be sure to get a money-back guarantee if you can.
- Customer support—Finally, you need to ask about what type of support options you will receive from the provider. If your provider doesn’t offer 24/7 customer service, then move on to another one.
- Content considerations —Review the terms of service (ToS) if you create adult content. The price of not doing this beforehand can be painful: sudden account termination.
Linux VPS with InMotion Hosting
When it comes to web hosting providers, customer support should be your first consideration. You never know when you might encounter a technical issue or have a question about your account. The best hosting providers will have knowledgeable and friendly staff who are happy to answer your questions and resolve any issues you may be having. In contrast, some newer cloud hosting providers offer very limited customer support — or none at all. If you choose one of these providers, you could be left in the dark if something goes wrong. So before making your final decision, be sure to check out the customer support options offered by each hosting provider.
Now, you know a little more about what to look for in a VPS provider. It’s time to make your decision. Remember, our team is available 24/7 to answer any questions and help you get started. With servers located all over the world, we have a solution that will fit your needs. Don’t hesitate to reach out!