Common Website Hosting Myths Debunked

Websites are non-negotiable for NZ businesses – but how do you find reliable hosting in a sea of myths?

Fact vs. Fiction

You guessed it – the emphasis on having a professional website is a box that all New Zealand businesses should have ticked. However, choosing the right hosting provider to ensure your website runs smoothly and securely can be confusing with so much conflicting information online – so, what’s fact and what’s fiction?

Here’s what you should know…

Myth #1: Free Hosting is Good Enough

Fiction: While free hosting options exist, they generally come with hidden costs and limitations. Platforms like these often display intrusive ads on your site, impacting your user’s experience and brand image. Other absent features may include a lack of customer support and email addresses, further hindering your website’s functionality and professional image. Free hosting also comes with the platform domains and brands, for example, username.wixsite.com/siteaddress—and it’s not great for your SEO either.

Fact: Choosing to invest in paid hosting with a reputable company means you have complete control over the appearance of your site and the content reflected.

You’ll further benefit from a host of features that include…

• Professional email addresses: Paid hosting providers will always provide and help set up email addresses with your domain name (e.g., [email protected]) – this builds a more trustworthy image among online users.
• Security: Protect your site data and site with safeguards like SSL certificates that encrypt your information.
• Growth: With a series of hosting plans, you can quickly settle on a plan that will adapt as your business grows by boosting storage and bandwidth when needed.
• Support: When faced with technical issues, you want help and fast, reliable hosting companies provide support, giving you access to responsive, expert troubleshooting.

Myth #2: All Hosting Providers Are the Same So I Should Choose the Cheapest One

Fiction: Hosting providers supply many features and cater to all a business’s needs. Going with the most budget-friendly option may not promise the best service or optimal website performance.

Fact: While cost is a factor, focusing solely on the most affordable option can be detrimental. Different providers offer variable service levels, security, features, and customer support.

You should consider these factors when choosing which hosting provider to partner with…

• Improved CDN: Choose a provider with better CDN solutions like Cloudflare (which Hosting Harbour uses) to bring website content closer to users. A major plus point is that you’ll experience faster loading times!
• Uptime: Look for web hosting companies that offer a high uptime guarantee (ideally 99% or higher) to minimise downtime and save you from losing potential customers.
• Data protection: Ask your provider about the security measures they offer, such as firewalls, malware scanning, and automatic backups to protect your data and website.
• Customer support: Does your web hosting company provide reliable customer support via multiple channels (e.g., phone, chat, email), meaning speedy assistance when you need it the most?

Myth #3: You Don’t Need to Update Your Hosting Plan

Fiction: As your business grows, so do your site’s traffic and storage needs.

And outdated plans could lead to…

• Slow website loading times: This is one of the main reasons users drop off from a site. Individuals have become used to lightning-fast response times when browsing websites. If a prominent website update is planned or expecting a traffic explosion, consider upgrading your hosting plan to keep up with all security features.
• Insufficient storage space: Want to add fresh content to your site with new content, images, or features but are running out of space? Not adding these may limit your growth potential, and what business wants that?

Fact: Review your hosting needs regularly and decide to upgrade if necessary. Hosting providers offer flexible plans and options to upgrade that will evolve alongside your business.

Myth #4: Setting Up and Managing Website Hosting is Too Technical

Fiction: Anyone can with a computer can do this…

Fact: It can be very technical, especially for business owners or someone who doesn’t have basic web admin knowledge. The control panel that users can access has minimal functionalities; therefore, a professional hosting provider like Hosting Harbour should take care of everything!

Myth #5: I Can Just Switch Hosting Providers Later if Needed

Fiction: All hosting providers are the same.

Fact: Before partnering with a hosting provider, research their reputation, features, and access to customer support. Some hosts will offer website migration services, so the users don’t have to worry about doing it themselves. If you are migrating the site from other hosting providers to us (Hosting Harbour), we will take care of this part.

Remember…

If you are considering switching web hosting providers, think about your scalability and envision your future growth. This will aid you in selecting a plan that aligns with your long-term needs and goals. Ultimately, moving to a new provider now rather than later will save you time and be far less of a hassle.

Website Speed, Security, and Conversions – Why Hosting Matters

Start making informed decisions about the fundamental online areas of your business, like your website, and which web hosting company offers a comprehensive package that meets all your needs. Reliable hosting is an essential investment in your online presence.

With improved website speed and performance, you can reach higher conversion rates while protecting your customer’s information and website from cyberattacks. Reputable, scalable hosting is out there; trust us, it’s all about finding the best web hosting agency that gives you peace of mind knowing your website is in good hands, leaving you the time to focus on running your business.

Start Your Journey with Hosting Harbour Today

Don’t let hosting myths hold your business back! At Hosting Harbour, we offer reliable and feature-rich website hosting solutions specifically tailored to the needs of New Zealand businesses. Contact Hosting Harbour today for a free consultation and discover how we can help you build a website that drives results.