After joining the blogging community for 2 years; at a point, I am thinking to self-host my own blog. Hence, I started to do research on web host. To be honest, it isn’t easy. There are a lot of server providers, offering the similar plan but pricing may vary. Not small but huge difference. A lot of people tend to go for the cheaper one. However, you have probably forgotten a very important point – the server speed.
Why does the server speed matter?
Let’s do a simple test here.
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The moment when you see the “loading” above, what’s in your mind?
We are living in a fast-changing era, we want thing as fast as it can. When loading a website, when you see the loading sign and when it is not complete in 1-2 seconds after, a feeling of frustration is floating inside you. Don’t deny it, everyone has this feeling.
This tells why the server speed matters!
Perhaps, for a blog, the server speed doesn’t affect much. But.. What if you are doing e-commerce?
Let’s look at the facts:
- Amazon would lose $1.6 BILLION every year if they slowed down by a second!
- Nearly half of internet users expect your site to load in less than two seconds.
- 40% will leave completely if it takes longer than three seconds to appear.
– Source from Bitcatcha
See? These facts tell you the impact. It is clear that a fast website is gaining more users.
Fast website = Better user experience = More profit
I am sure you don’t wish to lose a single cent just because you are hosting your online business in a slow server!
Besides, Google loves fast loading website. They want to provide the best user experience to their users. Meaning that, if you want your website has a higher rank in Google, you website must respond fast! How does the page rank affect you? Let’s say your Google page rank is 10 while competitor website’s page rank is 2, apparently, the chance of a user views your website is lower than views your competitor’s.
Again, this affects your sales. Meanwhile, for blogger, a lower rank may cause less audience.
I think now you have a better idea on why you should choose a fast responding server.
Yet, another issue. How do you know if your hosting is fast (or slow)?
Here’s where Bitcatcha’s speed checker comes in!….
Bitcatcha is a server speed checker to show you how fast (or slow) your server is performing. And the best part is Bitcatcha speed checker is absolutely FREE!
To check your server speed, simply head to www.bitcatcha.com, key in your website address. Then, Bitcatcha will do the calculation and show you the speed testing result.
Below are my blogs’ speed testing results.
My blogs are graded as B. It sounds quite fast, but, I believe the speed can be improved if my blog visual and cache, etc improve.
Meanwhile, I also tested few popular websites and e-commerce websites too.
For sure, Google has an excellent server speed. On the other hands, the others seem to have very slow server speed.
Apart from that, Bitcatcha also provides hosting reviews. Bitcatcha has interviewed website owners and asked them about their web host.
You may check out the review here >> http://goo.gl/doygS3
I am happy to read all these reviews before I decide which server provider I should choose to host my websites. If you are seeking a web host too, you must read them!
Remember, speed is important! Make sure you choose a faster web host, not a cheaper one.
For more information/updates, find/follow:
Website: www.bitcatcha.com
Facebook: Bitcatcha
this is exactly what we need to take care…better speed lead to better engagement..hehe