Website Optimization, Security, and Updates

PHP is an open-source programming language that runs on a web server. It is one of the most popular languages for web development; for example, all WordPress sites run on PHP. PHP is a server-side script, meaning that it is executed on the web server, contrary to HTML, which is executed in the browser.

PHP, like WordPress, is maintained by its community. Because PHP is so popular, it is a target for hackers – but the latest version will have the latest security features. Older versions of PHP (lower than 7.4) do not have this, so updating is essential to keep your WordPress site secure.

Plugin and core updates often come with new features and improved performance. The core development team is constantly adding things that make WordPress easier to use and faster to modify. Likewise, plugin developers will add new features that provide additional functionality or an improved interface.

Optimizing web images is a process of delivering high-quality images in the right format, dimension, size, and resolution while keeping the smallest possible size.

Image optimization helps in improving page load speed, boosts websites’ SEO ranking, and improves user experience. The importance of images in connecting users to your products has been proven. If your website takes more than 3 seconds to load, users are more likely to abandon it, which will drastically increase your bounce rate, and eventually affect your conversions.

Your web host is responsible for getting your website online, so that your target market can visit it.

A “VPS” host is short for “virtual private server.” The server is what actually holds onto all your data, and it has a physical location inside of a data center. You don’t need to purchase your own server (which is expensive and time-consuming) to get your website online.

In a “shared” server, you share your specific server with lots of other websites that are also renting out space on the server. Often, this is the most affordable option.

However, it also means that if one of those sites gets a sudden spike in traffic, your site could be kicked offline.

Dedicated hosting, on the other hand, is when you have an entire server all to yourself. Yes, this means that you won’t be affected by other web traffic. However, a dedicated server is expensive. Plus, truth be told, unless you’re getting an abnormally high amount of traffic, you likely won’t really need one.

Enter the VPS, the perfect compromise between these two options.

You’ll rent out your own separate space on a shared server which means you don’t share RAM, CPU, your data, and other important aspects with other sites.

Think of it like renting out your own apartment in a larger building. Yes, other people are living in the building with you.

But once you all go inside your individual apartments and lock your doors, your space is all your own. (Read more here if you need more specific guidance on VPS hosting.)

So, why are so many people making the switch to VPS hosting?

Let’s take a closer look at that now.

The Benefits Of VPS Hosting
When it comes to your website hosting options, what are the specific benefits of going with a VPS?

First of all, no other websites will be able to access your files, since your operating system is all your own. Having your own operating system also allows for much greater customization.

You can install your preferred applications onto your server, and restart your system whenever you need to.

Mobile optimization is the process of adjusting your website content to ensure that visitors that access the site from mobile devices have an experience customized to their device. Optimized content flows easily between desktop and mobile devices to provide the user with an outstanding experience.

A mobile-optimized site reformats itself for mobile devices. It not only makes sure to properly display on smaller screens but also makes the site much easier to navigate. It reformats content, displays larger navigation buttons, and optimizes images according to screen size.