Are you in the process of setting up a website? If so, finding the right web hosting solution for your needs is a vital part of getting your website live and running. Web hosts play an important role in storing your website and making sure that it stays accessible to web users from all over the world.
That being said, it is no secret that if you want your website to stand the test of time, then you will need to pay a fee to your chosen web hosting provider. However, in recent years, several free web hosting platforms have emerged that make big promises that they cannot always keep. So, let us discover 3 reasons why hosting your website on a free web hosting platform is not worth the risk.
More Limitations Than Paid Options
The customization and branding options offered by free web hosting platforms is limited. This may not seem like much, but how your website looks and how you brand is everything. You don’t want a generic looking brand or generic site. People can forget about those easily. When building a website, it’s easier and better for you to be able create your own looks and designs. Sometimes, only the colours, backgrounds, and page content can be edited, and this can restrain creativity. With this in mind, you can learn more about why paid canadian web hosting options might be better for you by checking out the resources on the HostPapa website.
There are no doubts about it, if your website is for a business or a personal brand, then these limitations in customization can have a negative impact on the consistency of your branding, and this can hamper audience growth. When using a free platform, it is much more difficult to differentiate your website from others created using the same platform. Moreover, free web hosting options usually provide less storage space than paid alternatives and this can reduce the number of audio and video files that can be added to your website.
Free Web Hosting Platforms Steal Sense of Ownership
Similarly, when your website is hosted on a free platform, you are bound to the rules and regulations stipulated by the web host. In most incidences, this means that you will not have your own domain. For example, with free web hosting, your URL will typically look something like www.yourdomain.platformname.com. There is also a chance that you might not be able to use branded email addresses. These are email addresses specific to your name. And a lack of them can make your brand seem less professional and less established.
Another disadvantage of using free hosting platforms is that providers often serve ads on your website. Ads can make your website look cluttered, and less legitimate. In some cases, the ads might even cover your content, especially when viewed on mobile. Furthermore, you have no authority if the web host provider decides to make changes to rules or policies. Overall, you run the risk of losing functionality and features on a whim. Consequently, if you want more freedom to make changes to your website, then paid options offer better controls and more of a sense of ownership.
Your Website Could Be Lost
One of the biggest risks is that you can lose your website without reason. If the host decides that they no longer want your website there is very little that you can do. How this happens can stem from all kinds of things:
- You break a rule that you are aware – or not – of.
- The host decides to change how the hosting operates.
- Or you’re not given any reason.
In all of these scenarios, your website can be totally wiped, leaving you with no option at all. This is time-consuming, expensive, and could be avoided easily. Starting with paid service will be easier for you in the long term.
Free hosting providers are also less obligated to provide technical support. Of course, no one wants to deal with website issues. But even a small glitch can stop your website in its tracks. Therefore there is always a chance that you might need to reach out to someone for technical advice. Additionally, if you are hacked or breached, then you’ll need a way to protect your business and customers. If your technical support options are limited, then this can have far-reaching repercussions.
A Successful Site Doesn’t Use Free Web Hosting Platforms
If you want to run a successful website, you need to invest in a web hosting package from a reputable provider. For a small monthly fee, you will get peace of mind that your website is secure and under your control. While there are many host provides, make sure you do the research and determine which features matter most. Once you know, you can choose the best plan for your needs.
Investing in quality web hosting can significantly improve the security of your website. For more online security tips for businesses, check out this useful article that highlights technology that can keep your business secure.
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