New Year’s Web Hosting Resolutions for 2016

If you’re determined to improve your web hosting infrastructure in 2016, here are some New Year’s Resolutions to help you on your way.

My website will not crash in 2016.

This should be the starting point for any business or organisation planning to improve their web hosting in 2016 because it is now so easily achievable. The data centres we use guarantee 99.995% availability. You can guard against the other 0.005% and other unforeseen problems with dual-server solutions and load-balanced solutions (in other words, hosting on more than one server to hedge your bets).

I will plan web hosting infrastructure for where I want to be, not where I am right now.

The beauty of web hosting at the moment - and 2016 is not going to be any different - is the flexibility and scalability it can provide, as long as you plan for this. Don’t fall into the trap of looking at the short-term. Analyse where you’re planning to grow and get web hosting that can grow with you.

I will consider the role of web hosting in user experience.

When it is done properly, web hosting is not only a means of keeping your website available but also a way of enhancing the experience your customers have when using the website. So, when you’re thinking about the specification for your web hosting requirements, don’t forget the UX aspect. We’ve written more on that here.

I will host near my customers.

Continuing that user experience point, one key way to ensure your customers have a pleasant journey round your website is to host your website near to them. Geographic proximity to your servers will improve your website’s performance for your customers. Try to choose a web host who will ensure your website is hosted in your main market. If you have more than one major market, consider hosting versions of your websites in each market.

I will get the right level of support and management.

If you don’t have the technical expertise to be able to manage your own server, check on the level of support you’re entitled to when purchasing your web hosting. It is more cost-effective to have an appropriate level of support factored in at the outset rather than facing extra expense in an emergency.

I will talk to my web host or IT team more regularly.

Make 2016 the year you bring your web hosting team or whoever is responsible for your hosting into the loop when it comes to things like marketing activity, promotions and sales. Sharing more information will allow your host to fine-tune your server to give whatever you’ve got planned the best possible chance of being a success. It also takes away the opportunity for excuses after the event.