Online store hosting - the ten most frequently asked questions

Anyone who wants to run an online store needs a store hosting. A web host provides the digital infrastructure that makes it possible to run an online store. But what is actually behind Webshop Hosting and what should you know before you run an online store? We would like to answer these ten frequently asked questions about store hosting. Do you also need professional help with the creation of your online store or assistance with monthly support and maintenance? We at EXWE are happy to stand by your side and support you in taking your store to the next level and making your customers happy - feel free to contact us!

1. What is hosting?
2. What is the difference between online store hosting and normal hosting?
3. What are the different types of hosting?
4. What providers are there and how do I find the right one?
5. What are the costs for online store hosting?
6. Do I need programming skills to host a webshop?
7. Do I need my own server to host my online store?
8. How do I protect myself from unsecure hosters?
9. Will my hoster grow with me as I grow?
10. When does it make sense to use SAAS and when should I use my own hosting?
11. Support for your online shop

1. WHAT IS HOSTING?

Hosting means the management of servers that run a website or a webshop. This is because, like all documents on your computer, a website requires storage space. You can access the documents stored on the hard disk of your PC only when it is turned on. In principle, this is also the case for a website or an online store. In order for websites and online stores to be always accessible to everyone, the "computer" or in this case the server must always be available and switched on. Operators of these servers offer hosting. They provide the storage space for websites, which website owners can rent.

2. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ONLINESHOP HOSTING AND NORMAL HOSTING ?

In online store hosting it is important that the functionality of the server fits the necessary applications of a web store. In order for the web store to be visited properly, the host must provide enough storage space. Often, a higher storage capacity is needed because many functions such as payments within the online store need to run smoothly. In addition, the server must support certain script languages, offer high performance and have databases. Store hosting providers specialize in this type of hosting and are therefore much better suited to host an online store.

3. WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF HOSTING?

(Shared Hosting, VPS, Dedicated Hosting etc.) There are a total of four types of hosting: shared hosting, VPS, dedicated hosting and cloud hosting. In shared hosting, many different websites are stored on one server. The advantage is that this is cheap for the tenant of the storage space. However, RAM and CPU, among other things, are shared, which is why this variant of hosting is only suitable for websites with low traffic. With Virtual Private Server Hosting, or VPS for short, each website has its own virtual private server. This is hosted on a hardware where there might be several virtual servers. However, the servers all function independently of each other. Consequently, there is no impact on the performance of a website. Dedicated hosting involves renting a web server that is exclusively responsible for a website. The last variant of hosting is cloud hosting. In this case, several servers act together as a cloud. In case of a large volume of visitors, different computers can handle the requests to the website.

4. WHAT PROVIDERS ARE THERE AND HOW DO I FIND THE RIGHT ONE?

There are several providers for the different types of hosting. Well-known providers for webshop hosting include Timme Hosting, dogado, ALL-INKL and webgo. When choosing the right provider, it depends on which requirements your store has to meet. Approximately how many products will be available? Is your store growing? How many visitors do you expect? You should know beforehand what your hosting provider must be able to do. Then the decision will be easier!

5. WHAT ARE THE COSTS FOR ONLINE STORE HOSTING ?

The costs for online store hosting vary depending on the service. In general, it can be said that hosting a webshop is between five to 100 euros per month.

6. DO I NEED PROGRAMMING SKILLS TO HOST A WEBSHOP?

If you don't have programming skills, you can create your online store at a hosting provider with modules. There are already prefabricated online store parts there, which can be put together according to your own preferences. The disadvantage of creating an online store with modules is that the store cannot be individually adapted to all wishes. There is only a limited selection of functions, designs, etc. to choose from. A flexible and individual alternative is to work with a store developer. The store developer has very good programming skills and can thus respond to individual ideas.

7. DO I NEED MY OWN SERVER TO HOST MY ONLINE STORE?

You do not need your own server to host your own online store. Of course it is possible in principle, but not recommended. Running your own server is much more expensive than renting a server from a hoster. There are many providers who rent a server suitable for you. They will then also take over the administration and maintenance of the server, which you would otherwise have to do if you had your own server.

8. MY WEBSHOP MUST WORK AND BE ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES. HOW DO I PROTECT MYSELF FROM INSECURE HOSTERS?

A reliable hosting partner is the be-all and end-all for a successful webshop. To ensure that the store is always accessible, it is important that the hoster has taken security precautions. This includes building security, data center air conditioning, power supply, firewalls, backups, updates and much more. To ensure that your web store is always accessible, you should only run it with well-known hosting providers and not rely on unknown hosting partners.

9. I'LL START WITH A SMALL STORE AND A FEW PRODUCTS. WILL MY HOSTER GROW WITH ME AS I GROW?

As a rule, your hosting partner can grow with you. You can book additional modules for your small store if you notice that your current tariff is no longer sufficient. It is best to find out in advance from the hosting provider of your choice whether additional services can be booked in the future.

10. WHEN DOES IT MAKE SENSE TO USE SAAS AND WHEN SHOULD YOU USE YOUR OWN HOSTING?

Using a Software-as-a-Service has many advantages. Software is provided via an Internet connection that does not have to be installed locally. Storing a website through a web host is advantageous because the website or web store can be up and running quickly, the server is maintained off-site, and the hosting's customer service is available to answer questions. But there are also disadvantages. Among other things, data must be transmitted to the hosting provider and that the web store is online is in his hands. If there is a downtime, the webshop is not available. When it goes online again depends on the hoster.

SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE FOR YOUR ONLINE SHOP

Do you want comprehensive advice to improve your online store and generate more sales? We will be happy to take a close look at your online store and uncover any potential for improvement. Of course, our developers will implement these improvements directly and help you and your company to get ahead.

You don't have a store yet and don't know how to start this extensive project? No problem, the online store creation from scratch is part of our daily business. You already have an existing store? No problem either! We offer you different packages in the area of service and support of your store - contact us and we will answer your questions.