It’s a necessity for every website to have web hosting. That is what allows a site to live online. While the decision to purchase web hosting may seem obvious, selecting the best web host is not. There are many options, each with jargon and features that can appear similar but differ. We worked hard to identify the best small business web hosting so you could quickly choose the exemplary service.
You need to understand what is essential for your site before we begin. Each small business site needs a customized domain, an SSL certificate, and a CMS. It also requires enough bandwidth and storage for your website’s content and should be backed up automatically. Forbes Advisor researched to determine the most suitable web host for small businesses. They looked at each provider’s costs, uptime, and functionality.
The best web hosting service for small businesses in 2023
- HostGator: Best for content-heavy sites
- TMDHosting: Best for speed
- Bluehost: Best for new sites
- DreamHost: Best for WordPress beginners
- InMotion Hosting: Best unlimited plans
- MochaHost: Best renewal rates
- IONOS: Best introductory rate
- InterServer: Best free website migration
- Hostwinds: Best website monitoring
- GoDaddy: Best two-in-one web host and website builder
Methodology
Our research began by comparing over 50 providers to determine the most suitable for small businesses. What is the most crucial thing that a web host should provide? And what’s most important for a small company? We considered the following factors for each hosting service.
- Prices can be very different depending on many factors. We also looked at the difference between introductory and renewal prices. We took into account the fact that host services have notoriously high renewal rates.
- We checked for features important to small businesses, like storage, bandwidth, user-friendliness, security, and uptime guarantee. Also, we looked at the additional tools provided by each service—for example, one-click WordPress installers or drag-and-drop website builders.
- Customer support: A web hosting company that provides reliable customer service is essential. Support options such as phone and live chat support were also evaluated, along with the knowledge and speed of the staff.
- Ease of Use: We looked for a hosting service that offered an intuitive interface to manage your website. We looked at the comfort of using the control panel to create an email, edit or build a site, and transfer domains.
- What are the guarantees? The majority of web hosts offer both uptime and money-back guarantee.
The results are calculated based on the weighting of these criteria.
Web Hosting: What is it?
Web hosts are businesses that provide the technology and services required for websites, such as storage, connectivity to the internet, and security. A web host can offer domain registration, SSL certificates, and one-click WordPress installations. They may also provide backups or DDoS monitoring. Small businesses that invest in web hosting plans can benefit from an online presence without needing to manage and purchase their servers.
Best web hosts offer reliable hosting, uptime, and page load speeds. They also provide security features like DDoS monitors and a scalable platform for future growth. These web hosts also offer features that help you build and customize your website. They may even include free email accounts, domains, and marketing credits. Small businesses will save money and time by choosing the best web host.
Choose the best web hosting service for your company.
Small businesses should consider several factors when choosing a host—a few key elements. Begin by searching for services that offer excellent value and fair prices. Consider storage space, availability, customer support, and extras that save you money, such as domain names for free, SSL certificates, and email accounts. It would help if you chose a service provider that can grow with you and your business and is safe, scalable, and trustworthy.
It would help if you looked for a service offering round-the-clock support and quickly resolving issues. The best small business web host should provide the options and tools to succeed online.
Essential Web Hosting Features
There are several essential features that you should consider when choosing the right web host:
- Uptime: Search for reliable hosts with high page load speeds and uptime.
- Storage: Consider the storage space when deciding whether to use shared hosting or dedicated servers.
- Customer service: Determine the customer support offered.
- Monitor: Choose a service provider that offers 24-hour monitoring, automated backups, and security features like DDoS protection.
- Bandwidth: Ensure that your host provides enough bandwidth for the traffic on your site.
- Email: Find a service provider with email accounts suitable for business or allowing you to use your domain.
- Domes: See if your host provides free parts or offers savings if you sign a contract for a more extended period.
- SSL Certificate: A SSL certificate can be critical to your website’s security and ranking in search engines. Please verify that your host includes an SSL certificate in its hosting plan.
Cost
Prices for web hosting vary depending on the plan you select, the amount of resources required, and how long you are willing to commit. The best-value plans will include free domains, unlimited email addresses, and SSL certificates to ensure your site is safe.
Easy to Use
Look for a hosting provider with an easy-to-use control panel and intuitive dashboard. You can easily manage your site by creating content, editing it, and setting up emails and domains.
Many providers offer drag-and-drop website builders with customizable templates. They may also provide helpful resources like tutorials and videos. It is possible to create websites quickly without requiring extensive knowledge of coding. You can benefit from free migration help or a transfer automated process if you move an existing site to a different host.
Scalability
When choosing a, it is essential to consider your hosting service’s scalability. Choosing a web host who can scale with your site is critical. Plan that offers unlimited email, storage, and bandwidth, along with the option to upgrade.
Look for a service provider who makes increasing your reach and access to resources simple with just one click.