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Tag: checklist

  • Checklist for Virtual Store Hosting: Things to Consider Before Hiring

    Checklist for Virtual Store Hosting: Things to Consider Before Hiring

    Considerations before selecting a virtual store hosting service.

    Having a reliable hosting service is crucial for the success of your online business as it directly impacts customer experience and sales.

    There are various hosting choices to choose from, but it is important to take into account your business requirements and your digital expertise level.

    Therefore, we have provided the key factors to think about before selecting a hosting server for your online store.

    Should we?

    Establishing an online store.

    Every online shop requires a strong plan to be successful.

    The security, stability, speed, and uptime of your website rely on choosing the right hosting service.

    Every detail is crucial, particularly since many people are familiar with the process of purchasing items online.

    To create a successful e-commerce website, you must focus on these crucial components.

    Achievement

    A virtual store hosting needs strong processing capabilities to ensure good performance.

    • Data isolation ensures that no other user can disrupt the performance of your account.
    • Uptime surpassing 99.5% can be monitored using tools such as Uptrends.
    • SSD storage typically offers superior performance compared to regular hard drives.

    Discover more about Hostbits High Performance Hosting with Turbo Hosting.

    Safety

    Virtual retailers must guarantee the protection of the data supplied by customers, including credit card details, personal documents, passwords, and addresses.

    It is essential to enlist a hosting service that includes an SSL certificate.

    Assistance

    Imagine you have recently introduced a new product, resulting in a surge in site traffic and causing your site to experience downtime.

    Or if you have to move your store to a different hosting service and find that your domain is not accessible.

    Effective customer service is crucial in such situations.

    The hosting support is proactive and quickly addresses such issues.

    Types of hosting for an online store

    There are a minimum of three hosting options available for websites, each with its own unique features.

    • Shared Hosting refers to a type of web hosting service where multiple websites are hosted on a single server.
    • Private Virtual Server (VPS)
    • Dedicated Hosting services

    Shared Hosting refers to a type of web hosting where multiple websites share the resources of a single server.

    When you buy a shared hosting plan, you will share a server with other customers from the same provider.

    If you’re new to website creation or require a simple website, shared hosting is a more beginner-friendly option.

    Shared hosting is ideal for hosting blogs, small online shops, portfolio sites, and other modest projects.

    Virtual Private Server

    A private virtual server (VPS) operates better than traditional hosting services as it is virtualized on physical machines.

    This server type offers reliable performance and cost efficiency compared to private servers.

    A VPS provides a secure and separate environment with assured resources like memory, disk space, and CPU cores.

    All of this can be done without the need to share with other users.

    If you have a medium-sized online store, such as websites with extensive content or news portals, this option is perfect for you.

    Dedicated hosting services

    Big online retailers such as Magazine Luiza and Amazon often opt for dedicated hosting, which involves having a whole server exclusively for their use.

    Therefore, there will be exclusive resource usage without sharing with others, allowing these companies to manage and tailor the server setup.

    Dedicated hosting is better suited for individuals with advanced technical skills since it is self-managed.

    Virtual Store Hosting Checklist

    What is the top web hosting company for your online store can be overwhelming due to the numerous confusing options, especially for those with limited technical knowledge.

    Choosing the appropriate lodging requires a detailed strategy.

    Estimate the monthly traffic your e-commerce site is likely to receive and determine the file sizes of your store.

    It is simpler to choose an appropriate hosting plan with this information.

    • Is the storage space sufficient for your needs?
    • Is the server able to accommodate the monthly traffic volume you predicted for your store?

    Consider these additional factors that impact the performance of your online store and evaluate each of them.

    1. Speed of charging

    The optimal loading time for an online store is three seconds or less.

    The customer’s experience will suffer if the product pages take too long to load, potentially leading them to abandon their purchase.

    Ensure that your online store loads within a reasonable timeframe. Verify the loading speed with Page Speed Insights.

    Server latency

    The latency from the source location to the server is a crucial factor that is frequently overlooked due to its technical nature.

    The speed of access to your website can be determined using the “ping test,” which is a free tool. Faster access is indicated by a smaller ping.

    Payment Options

    Running an online store can be challenging.

    So you wouldn’t want the hosting invoice payment to become an issue during your daily schedule, correct?

    4. System for managing content

    Updating a product description, replacing an image, and creating a new page should all be straightforward tasks.

    Ensure that the hosting service provides cPanel, a user-friendly management system.

    Five. Additional services and resources

    Simple installation process for applications, website builder, and resource segregation to prevent websites with harmful behaviors from using up resources shared with others on the server.

    A hosting provider may have various extra features available, which can be seen as a unique selling point when making a decision on which provider to choose.

    Installing virtual store platforms is simple.

    Some accommodations may complicate the installation of virtual store platforms like Magento. This isn’t an issue with Hostbits.

    Through Softaculous, available in all hosting plans at no extra charge, you can effortlessly install numerous applications with just a few clicks.

    Softaculous is integrated with cPanel, saving you time by installing all the necessary apps for your online store.

    Discover the Hostbits hosting service!

    Hostbits’ hosting service is perfect for online shops because it offers a quick, reliable, and safe setting for your business activities.

    Hostbits fulfills the hosting requirements for an online store with instant activation, complimentary SSL certificate on higher-tier plans, and inclusions such as Softaculous across all plans.

    Larger companies in the market become bureaucratic over time, but we provide complete support to ensure the best possible experience for hosting your online store.

    Click the banner below to access all our plans.

  • How to get your website ready for high traffic during Black Friday: Checklist

    How to get your website ready for high traffic during Black Friday: Checklist

    How can websites get ready for the high traffic of Black Friday 2023, especially large online stores during peak e-commerce periods?

    In the past year alone, e-commerce sales in Brazil reached R$ 169.6 billion.

    The Brazilian Electronic Commerce Association (ABComm) predicts a significant 9.5% growth in sales for this year.

    If you’re not ready for one of the top e-commerce dates of the year, make sure to review the checklist to get your site ready for Black Friday!

    Ensure that your lodging can handle the highest number of visitors on Black Friday.

    The initial task in getting your website ready for Black Friday 2022 is to verify whether your existing hosting provider can handle the expected traffic.

    It is crucial to use data from past periods and create a forecast for the current year.

    • What is your target sales figure for the current year?
    • How many accesses are you expecting on Black Friday?

    It is common for websites to experience instability during this time of year, so it is recommended to consider upgrading your hosting plan after reviewing the data.

    Learn MORE: Checklist for Hosting a Virtual Store

    2. Examine the server’s ability to handle increased demand.

    To guarantee optimal performance during peak times such as Black Friday, your e-commerce platform must be capable of scaling up as required.

    If numerous individuals are using your website simultaneously, it will not experience any slowdowns or crashes.

    Here are some items you can verify with your website developer:

    • Can hosting be adjusted based on traffic levels to maintain website speed?
    • Virtual machines (VMs) can be used as virtual duplicates of your server to scale up in case of high traffic.
    • Set up a system that distributes traffic evenly across multiple servers to prevent any single server from becoming overloaded.
    • Monitor and set alerts on the website to track server performance in real-time and receive notifications if it is experiencing high pressure, enabling proactive measures to prevent site slowdowns.
    • Run tests to ensure that the server can effectively manage a high volume of user access, enabling the early detection of potential issues.

    3. Get rid of any resources that are not being used.

    Eliminating unnecessary features lowers the server load and leads to quicker loading speeds.

    During busy periods such as Black Friday, each visit is important.

    Ensure to regularly assess your website and adopt a “less is more” strategy to optimize its performance and enhance the customer experience.

    Consider the following:

    • Deactivate unnecessary scripts and plugins: If you have any scripts or plugins that are not crucial for the site’s operation, disable or delete them.
    • Ensure that all media on the website is pertinent to the content and eliminate any unessential images or videos.
    • Eliminate unnecessary code from your website, such as redundant or unused HTML, CSS, and JavaScript that does not affect the site’s functionality.
    • Make sure to utilize third-party services and integrations effectively, and disable or remove any that are no longer needed.
    • External requests like analytics tracking, social network widgets, and third-party scripts can increase loading time.

    Before reaching the peak, ensure that the backup is up to date.

    Some hosting packages offer regular and automatic backups, so it’s important to verify if this function is enabled on your online store.

    Ensure you have backups in place during the day so you can concentrate on strategies to boost Black Friday sales.

    This security feature is crucial because it guarantees that you can easily retrieve your data following malfunctions and downtime issues on the website.

    Review the responsive version.

    Take a test immediately and visit your mobile website.

    Is there any noticeable issue? Are you satisfied with the shopping experience?

    More people are turning to mobile devices for online shopping each year.

    It is essential to make sure that users can easily navigate their website on any device they prefer.

    If a website is not properly shown and fails to adjust for mobile devices, visitors are likely to leave and opt for rival sites.

    6. Evaluate the loading speed of the website.

    Page loading time should ideally be limited to 2 to 3 seconds.

    This is a crucial factor that significantly impacts user experience.

    Each additional second increases the likelihood of a higher bounce rate, leading to more customers leaving the store.

    It is essential to reduce this likelihood.

    A website’s loading time can be delayed by various factors, therefore it’s crucial to identify the issues hindering faster page opening and address them individually.

    In terms of user experience, this is another aspect to consider when getting your website ready for Black Friday.

    7. Ensure a positive experience for users on the internet.

    In a brick-and-mortar store, it is usual to maintain the windows, display posters, and ensure everything is orderly prior to customer arrival.

    Many companies neglect to utilize their website as an additional sales channel.

    Ensure that navigating your website is easy and the shopping process is enjoyable.

    Focus on usability and the visual aspect.

    Ensure that the webpage is user-friendly and provides guidance throughout the purchasing journey.

    Analyze your proposal and pose inquiries.

    • Are the discounts details easy to see?
    • Is your discount code functioning correctly?

    Attempt to put yourself in the shoes of potential buyers and address any issues before the peak demand hits.

    Make a benchmarking.

    Getting ready for Black Friday involves more than just enhancing your current setup; it also entails being aware of the strategies employed by your competitors and other businesses in the industry.

    Benchmarking is an effective tool for obtaining valuable insights and distinguishing oneself in the market.

    Explore the available activities.

    Concurrent Examination

    Begin by analyzing the actions of your rivals.

    Soon after, go to their websites, explore their pages, and assess their buying process.

    Pay attention to how they structure your deals, pricing strategies, payment choices, and the speed of page loading.

    Market Research involves gathering information about a market to help companies make informed decisions.

    Review current market research online in addition to directly evaluating your competitors.

    They can offer insights into consumer trends, customer demands, and successful marketing approaches.

    Strengths and Weaknesses

    Identify the strengths and weaknesses of your site in comparison to competitors based on these analyses.

    What strengths does your website have?

    Where are you lodged?

    This analysis enables you to create plans for enhancement and to distinguish yourself.

    Benchmarking is an ongoing process that requires adaptation to market shifts and customer needs.

    Use this information to consistently enhance your website, including navigation, promotions, and customer service.

    Calculate the rate of conversion.

    A strong conversion rate is influenced by your company’s background and also requires knowledge of the industry average.

    To boost your e-commerce conversion rate, begin by identifying the typical rate for a company similar to yours.

    Calculate the conversion rate of your website shortly afterwards using the provided formula.

    CONVERSION RATE = SALES / VISITOR COUNT

    Test extra.

    You put in a lot of effort to get your website ready for Black Friday!

    Don’t allow a lost sale due to a broken link or a complicated checkout process.

    Ask a friend or someone who is not very tech-savvy to visit your website and give feedback.

    Ask him to find an item in your store and make the payment to address any minor issues beforehand.

    Get your website ready for Black Friday with Hostbits!

    Preparing a website for Black Friday involves assessing various factors such as user experience and potential server problems.

    In addition to optimizing the website, a comprehensive Black Friday sales strategy involves strategic planning, financial and logistical preparation, cross-selling, and remarketing.

    This year, numerous online retailers are getting ready for a major sales day, and you should also prepare for it.

    With Hostbits, you will receive the necessary assistance and security to help your business expand while getting ready for Black Friday.

    Contact our team for assistance with upgrades and great sales!

  • Migrating website hosting: a thorough checklist

    Migrating website hosting: a thorough checklist

    Migrating website hosting can appear complex, particularly if you lack experience and aim to avoid potential downtime or loss of crucial configurations.

    Don’t be concerned!

    With the appropriate checklist and some organization, you can implement this change smoothly.

    We will provide a step-by-step guide in this article to help you transition smoothly without data loss and maintain the perfect functioning of your website.

    Shall we begin?

    When should a website hosting be transferred?

    There are various signs that suggest it may be time to transfer your website’s hosting.

    One common issue is when the website’s performance is slow or unreliable, which can harm the user’s experience.

    When your hosting services no longer meet your requirements, it may be time to consider other options.

    If the technical assistance provided by your current hosting service falls short of your needs or if the prices are too high for the services provided, it might be a good idea to think about switching.

    When seeking enhanced security and improved features, transitioning to a new hosting service could be the perfect answer.

    Same or different domains?

    The process of moving website hosting may differ based on whether you retain the current domain or choose a new one.

    1. Same field

    If you are switching servers but wish to retain the same domain (example.com), the procedure is quite straightforward.

    It is important to transfer the website files, databases, and update the DNS settings when moving to a new hosting provider to prevent any downtime and ensure everything is set up correctly.

    1. Various fields

    When opting to switch domains (e.g., from .com to .net), it’s important to not only transfer files and update DNS settings but also to assess the SEO implications and redirect traffic from the previous domain to the new one.

    Setting up 301 redirects is crucial for maintaining a website’s search engine ranking and preventing a loss of traffic.

    More careful consideration is needed for this scenario, particularly if the website already has an established audience or is recognized by the previous domain.

    Migrating website hosting can be done gradually, following a step-by-step process.

    By following these steps, you can transfer your website from one hosting provider to another with minimal difficulties.

    1. Employ a fresh hosting service.

    Search for and select a new hosting provider that meets your requirements (such as speed, support, and storage) before getting started.

    After employing the service, you will be provided with login details and access to the control panel of the new hosting.

    2. Make a copy of your existing website.

    Now that you’ve acquired the new hosting, the next thing to do is make sure you have a backup of your website.

    Locate the file manager in the control panel or use an FTP client such as FileZilla to download all files from your website.

    This refers to images, scripts, themes, plugins, and other components that form your website.

    Export the database.

    The database is crucial for interactive websites like those powered by WordPress and Joomla.

    Go to phpMyAdmin or another database management tool in your previous hosting to export the data.

    Usually, this can be done in .sql format.

    Move files to a new hosting provider.

    It is now time to transfer the backed-up files to the new hosting after you have successfully completed the full backup of your website.

    Here is a detailed guide to simplify and make this process hassle-free.

    Access the new server via FTP.

    You’ll require an FTP client like FileZilla, which can be easily downloaded and set up if you don’t already have one. FTP allows you to transfer files from your computer to the server.

    Obtain the FTP login information for the new hosting.

    When you signed up for the new hosting service, they sent you an email containing essential details like the FTP server address, username, and password.

    These are the login details for connecting to the new server in FileZilla.

    Establish the link.

    Access FileZilla, input the server details, including the address, username, and password, then select “Connect.” Upon successful entry, a split-screen will display with your local files on the left and the server files on the right.

    Transfer your website files to a different hosting provider.

    Locate the public folder where your site will be hosted on the new server, typically named “public_html” or “www.”

    Locate the backup of the site files on the left side of FileZilla and then drag all the files to the public folder on the right side.

    The transfer might take a couple of minutes, depending on the site’s size.

    Import the database into the new hosting.

    If your website utilizes a database (like WordPress or Joomla), the subsequent action involves restoring the database.

    • Access the latest hosting panel by locating the phpMyAdmin section in the control panel, like cPanel.
    • Before importing the backup, it is necessary to establish a new database on the new hosting, ensuring to make a note of the database name, username, and password for future reference.
    • Import the database by selecting the newly created database in phpMyAdmin, going to the “Import” tab, and selecting the .sql file exported from the previous hosting. Click on “Run” and wait for the import to finish.

    Set up the database connection file.

    If your website utilizes a database connection, such as in WordPress, you will need to modify the configuration file, typically named wp-config.php for WordPress sites.

    In this document, you need to modify the details of the new database – such as the name, user, and password – to guarantee proper connection between the website and the new database.

    6. Modify DNS settings.

    After transferring all your data, it’s time to direct your domain to the new hosting.

    Change the DNS servers to the ones given by the new hosting provider in the domain’s registration control panel.

    The full effectiveness of this change may require up to 48 hours, but during this period your site should remain accessible.

    Test and complete.

    After finishing the migration, ensure that the website functions correctly on the new hosting by testing various pages and features.

    Verify that all links, images, and functionalities are functioning correctly in order to conclude.

    Consider switching website hosting to Hostbits!

    Migrating website hosting might appear complex, but by following the correct steps, you can accomplish it smoothly and securely.

    Now that you’ve learned how to transfer your website smoothly, why not consider trustworthy hosting with dedicated assistance?

    At Hostbits, you will discover perfect options designed for individuals seeking reliability, fast performance, and readily available support.

    Migrate your website now and discover the simplicity of having a worry-free running site.

    Contact Hostbits to guarantee the optimal website experience!