So, you’ve decided to make the leap from shared web hosting to dedicated server hosting. Big difference in price, right? While it’s true that it costs more to operate a dedicated server than it did your tiny shared hosting plan, there are a few ways that you can save some cash.
Pay only for what you need
Just as your shared web hosting account gave you the option of investing in extras, so too will your new dedicated server. If you don’t need all the bells and whistles, don’t pay for them. This is a great way to shave a few dollars off your bill without cutting corners. Things like extra RAM, Solid State Drives (SSD), control panels and operating systems all cost money. If you can make it work with four gigabytes of RAM instead of eight, you’ll easily cut $50 off your monthly bill.
Invest long term
Paying for your dedicated server upfront, as opposed to being billed monthly, can save you as much as 15%. Some hosts allow clients to pay three, six or twelve months in advance in exchange for massive discounts and the waiving of setup fees. If the host you’re interested in doesn’t advertise prepaid servers, ask. Most hosts are happy to have customers pay in advance.
Have faith in your host
Getting a dedicated server set up and online is a big deal and it takes a lot of work from both you and your web hosting company. If you invest in a host with a less than stellar reputation—perhaps one that decides to close up shop unexpectedly—you may find yourself shopping for a new web hosting company sooner than you expected. And that’s all money down the drain, not to mention the impact it will have on your nerves and schedule.
Choose a web hosting company with a solid background of providing excellent service and support. You can do that by reading web hosting reviews.
Consider sharing
If your website or sites are too big to be handled by a virtual private server, but maybe a little too small to necessitate investing in a dedicated server, consider sharing that server with others who are in the same boat. If you share the server with only one other person you’ll cut your operating costs in half. You can connect with other webmasters who want to share a server by tuning in to web hosting forums like WebHostingTalk.com and HostingDiscussion.com.
And don’t forget to watch for sales. All web hosting companies run specials and sales at various times during the year, and many offer unadvertised savings. Don’t be afraid to speak up and ask what your web hosting company can do for you and your wallet.