Shared Hosting: Definition, Downsides, and Upsides

Business website owners need to pay attention to their SEO performance regularly so that they can still occupy the top position in search results. One of the things to check in this case is the use of shared hosting services.

This type of hosting is widely available because the price is quite affordable and suitable for starting a new website.

However, is this type of hosting a suitable choice for running a business website to meet SEO needs?

The following guide explains what shared hosting is, its disadvantages, advantages, and impacts, to help you consider using it.

What is Shared Hosting?

Shared hosting is a type of hosting service where several websites share one physical server. The concept of hosting is more or less like that of living in an apartment.

Each occupant has a residential unit (website) that they manage and control themselves, but they also have other facilities such as a garden or swimming pool (physical server) with other residents.

Downsides and Upsides of Shared Hosting

Shared hosting is often chosen by many website owners because of its affordability and ease of use. However, like other hosting services, hosting that is shared also has advantages and disadvantages that need to be considered before using it. The following are the advantages and disadvantages, namely:

Downsides of Shared Hosting

1. Limited resources: A server that is shared across multiple websites means there are limitations on storage space, bandwidth, and CPU power. This will have a negative impact if there is a sudden increase in traffic.
2. No root access: Root access is the access granted to a user on a Unix or Linux based operating system. Users with root access can exercise complete control over the system. The absence of root access makes it difficult to run alternative operating systems and install applications across servers.
3. Shared IP: IP is used as the address of a domain on the internet. If there is a problem with the domain, you will not be able to access the website.

Upsides of Shared Hosting

1. Affordable prices: The cost of one server is divided between several websites that are hosted.
2. Easy management: Usually provides an easy-to-use control panel. This can make it easier for users to organize and manage their websites.
3. Easy maintenance: There is a responsive technical support team. The team will take care of technical matters such as installing and updating software. That way, website owners can focus on design, SEO, and marketing.
4. Flexible: Offers service packages that can be tailored to the needs of website owners.

The Impact of Shared Hosting on SEO Performance

The use of shared hosting can have an impact on SEO performance. The resulting impact may vary depending on the service used and the type of website being managed.

There are several things that need to be considered when using this type of hosting so as not to interfere with SEO performance, namely website speed, uptime and downtime, and security.

1. Website speed: The speed of a website will have a direct impact on the user experience. Good website speed can reduce page loading times and improve the user experience.
2. Uptime and downtime: Uptime is the time a website can be accessed and functions properly. Meanwhile, downtime is the opposite. If a website experiences frequent downtime, search engines will consider it unreliable. These conditions can affect SEO rankings.
3. Security: Google says that one of the factors that determines a website's position on the SERP is the presence of HTTPS. HTTPS is part of website security, which has a duty to protect communication processes in the internet network. Google will give a higher ranking on the SERP to websites that have implemented the HTTPS security protocol.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Hosting for SEO

There are several factors to consider when choosing a host. This is very important because it can have an impact on SEO. The factors in question, namely:

1. Uptime

Uptime and downtime have a direct impact on the user experience. If the website often experiences downtime, this can have a negative impact on the user experience. So, choose a hosting provider that can provide a 99% uptime guarantee.

2. Kecepatan

Website visitors will usually cancel visiting a website page if the loading time reaches more than 6 seconds. Therefore, website speed has a very important role.

Website speed can be affected by bandwidth. The greater the bandwidth capacity, the faster your website will load. Before using hosting, first check the bandwidth capacity provided.

3. Server Locations

Apart from website speed, website loading time can be affected by server location. This is because data packets take time to transfer from sender to receiver.

This condition is called network latency. Long distances will lead to more network latency, which can slow down loading times.

4. Security

Choose a provider that provides the HTTPS security protocol on the website. This security protocol can be encrypted to increase the security of sensitive data transfers, such as bank accounts. This can reduce the potential for data leakage on your website.

5. CMS Quality

CMS (content management system) is software that provides support for the production, distribution, archiving, and modification of digital materials. A good CMS should be easy to use, provide frequent updates and bug fixes, and be compatible with other applications and plugins.

How to Choose Hosting that Fits SEO Best

Hosting has an important role in SEO. It can impact SEO negatively, which then worsens the visibility of a website. Therefore, choose hosting that is suitable for SEO. Here are some ways to choose hosting, namely:

1. Host Type Used

There are several hosts that can be used, namely shared hosting, VPS hosting, and dedicated hosting. The shared type will be suitable for websites with low traffic and low cost allocations.

VPS hosting offers hosting that has better performance than shared one, but has a slightly higher cost. Dedicated hosting provides a special physical server that is used by one website only.

2. Accessible Support

Choose hosting that has accessible and responsive technical support. Even better if the hosting company has 24-hour technical support via email, live chat, or telephone. This is especially important if you run into technical issues or need assistance.

3. Availability of a CDN (Content Delivery Network)

CDN, also known as a globally distributed network of servers, can reduce network latency to speed up website loading. This is especially important if you are distributing content to servers located in multiple regions.

4. Hosting Service Pricing Structure

Choose a hosting provider that has a pricing structure that suits your needs. Consider the cost of hosting and the features offered. Some of the features to consider are storage capacity, monthly traffic, and the number of allowed domains.

So, that's a guideline about shared hosting and its effect on SEO. Make sure to understand website hosting needs, which are closely related to optimization activities.

To get directions from an SEO specialist, use SEO services from cmlabs and consult with our team to improve the performance of your business website.