When it comes to launching a website, one of the most crucial decisions you'll make is choosing the right server. 

This is the foundation of your site – it dictates speed, performance, security, and scalability. 

Picking the wrong one could mean sluggish load times, frequent downtime, and a frustrating experience for your visitors. 

This guide outlines 7 key tips on how to choose a server, so you can find the most suitable option for you, whatever your business needs. Read on as we walk you through the key factors.

1. Understand your website’s needs

Before you start shopping for a server, take a moment to assess your website’s needs. Ask yourself:

  • What type of website am I running? A small personal blog has very different requirements from a high-traffic ecommerce site.
  • How much traffic do I expect? If you anticipate thousands of daily visitors, you'll need a more robust server than if you’re expecting only a few hundred.
  • Do I need special software or configurations? Some websites require specific database management systems, frameworks, or server-side applications.
  • What is my budget? While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, investing in a good server can save you money (and headaches) in the long run.

Once you have a clear understanding of your requirements, you’ll be better equipped to choose the right server type.

2. Different types of servers

Shared hosting

What is shared hosting? Well, it’s like renting an apartment in a large building – you share resources with others. Shared web hosting is an affordable option and is best suited for small websites with low to moderate traffic.

Pros:

  • Cost-effective
  • Easy to manage
  • Ideal for beginners

Cons:

  • Limited resources (shared with others)
  • Performance may be affected by other websites on the same server
  • Less control and customisation

VPS (virtual private server)

VPS hosting is the middle ground between shared and dedicated hosting. It provides a virtual partition within a server, giving you more control and dedicated resources.

Pros:

  • More resources than shared hosting
  • Better performance and reliability
  • Customisable configurations

Cons:

  • More expensive than shared hosting
  • Requires some technical knowledge to manage

Dedicated server

A dedicated server means you get an entire physical server just for your website. It’s like owning a house – you have complete control over everything.

Pros:

  • Maximum performance and security
  • Full customisation and control
  • Ideal for high-traffic and resource-intensive websites

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Requires advanced technical knowledge to manage

Cloud hosting

Cloud hosting is a flexible and scalable solution where your website is hosted across multiple servers. If one server goes down, another picks up the slack.

Pros:

  • Highly scalable and flexible
  • Pay-for-what-you-use pricing
  • Great reliability and uptime

Cons:

  • Can be more expensive depending on usage
  • Requires some technical expertise to optimise properly

3. Performance and speed

Website speed is crucial for user experience and SEO rankings. When choosing a server, consider:

  • CPU and RAM: More power means better performance, especially for high-traffic sites.
  • SSD vs. HDD: SSD storage is believed to be faster and more reliable than traditional HDD.
  • Bandwidth and data transfer: Ensure your server can handle the amount of traffic you expect.
  • Content delivery network (CDN): A CDN can help improve load times by distributing content across multiple locations.

4. Security and reliability

Security should never be an afterthought. Look for servers that offer:

  • SSL certificates: Essential for encrypting data and improving trust
  • DDoS protection: Prevents attacks that could bring down your website
  • Regular backups: Ensure your data is safe in case of a crash or cyberattack
  • Uptime guarantee: Look for a provider that offers at least 99.9% uptime

At Fasthosts, we provide top-tier security measures to keep your website safe and running smoothly.

5. Scalability and future growth

Your website might start small, but if you plan to grow, you’ll need a server that can scale with you. To do this, why not consider:

  • Easy upgrades: Can you increase storage, bandwidth, or processing power easily?
  • Flexible pricing plans: Some hosting providers allow you to upgrade or downgrade as needed.

6. Customer support and management

Even with the best server, things can go wrong. That’s why reliable customer support is essential. Check if your hosting provider offers:

  • 24/7 support: Problems don’t always happen during business hours.
  • Live chat, email, and phone support: Multiple contact options are ideal.
  • Managed vs. unmanaged servers: If you don’t have technical expertise, a managed server (where the hosting provider handles maintenance) might be the better option.

Fasthosts offers expert support 24/7, so you’re never left in the dark if issues arise.

7. Pricing and value for money

While budget is important, don’t just go for the cheapest option. It’s important to take the following into account:

  • Introductory vs. renewal pricing: Some hosts offer low initial rates that increase upon renewal.
  • Hidden fees: Always read the fine print for any additional costs.
  • Feature comparison: Make sure you’re getting the best value for what you pay.

Choosing the right server is a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. 

By understanding your website’s needs, you can make an informed choice that sets your site up for success.

We offer a variety of hosting solutions tailored to different needs – whether you’re just starting out or managing a large-scale enterprise, we have an option for you. 

Explore Fasthosts today and find the right fit for your website! For any questions and additional support you can contact us here.