VPS hosting is an ideal option for those who want more resources but do not want to invest in an expensive physical server. VPS hosting plans offer more resources, better security, broader scalability options, and more at a lower cost compared to dedicated hosting.
So it makes sense that most businesses would go for VPS hosting, especially if they plan to expand. However, it is essential to map out your strategy to use its features correctly in order to reap the benefits of VPS hosting.
If your server and resources are not used properly, your investment in the plan is worthless.
In this article we will learn the 5 common mistakes that you can avoid when using VPS hosting to maximize its efficiency and be profitable for your business.
1. Security
VPS hosting involves software components like operating systems, database software, web server software, and more. It is true that this type of hosting is more secure than shared hosting, however, if you are not regular with your updates, then there is a possibility of a security breach. Protecting your data is of the utmost importance if you run a business.
Not using strong passwords can lead to security breaches. Using strong passwords would help prevent unauthorized access to your accounts. If someone gains access to your account without your permission, there is a risk of data loss and theft, which could be detrimental to your business.
Among many of the great features of VPS hosting is secure remote access to the hosting environment. Attackers could gain the same access if you’re not protected with strong passwords and encryption. So take security seriously and make the most of your VPS hosting features.
2. Avoid overloading resources
One of the easiest solutions to stop overburdening your resources is to upgrade to a higher tier plan. When you get more RAM, CPU cores, and better memory, you won’t need to overuse any resources. If you suspect that your website will need more resources in the near future, then it is better to make the change immediately.
This way, you get more resources to work with. Another way to reduce the load on your resources is to optimize the VPS hosting environment. Optimizing your VPS hosting environment will help you use your resources carefully. Some ways to optimize VPS are through caching, content delivery network, reverse proxy, and website code optimization.
To avoid overloading your resources, regularly monitor your VPS hosting environment. This allows you to address any potential issues. You can also implement resource limits. This can help you avoid overusing your resources.
Select your hosting provider carefully. Depending on your needs and requirements, choose a provider who can provide you with your ideal resources. If you are dealing with a hosting provider that is not capable of handling the amount of traffic you receive, then it is better to migrate your website to a new hosting provider.
3. Regular updates
Ensure regular updates for your VPS server. This makes your server well optimized and secure. It is best to choose a VPS hosting provider that offers automatic updates.
Another way to stay on top of updates is to use monitoring tools like Nagios, which can help spot problems that might be occurring on your server. Your server will also be updated for you. Tracking will be detailed in more detail in later sections.
One important thing to keep in mind is that you should always keep track of what updates are needed for any of the third-party apps you have installed.
Use managed VPS hosting plans so you don’t have to worry about upgrades as these tasks will be handled by the hosting providers.
4. Regular backups
It is important to back up your data and avoid losing important information. You can schedule your backups yourself, or you can trust your provider.
The backup tool you use is also important. For example, use Acronis. It is an excellent tool that you can use to back up your data. They can also help you compress and encrypt data while storing it in a secure location.
A great strategy to prevent data loss is to store it in multiple locations. Use cloud storage, an external hard drive, and a separate server to keep your data safe in case disaster strikes.
Check if your data is restored accurately and regularly. Being aware of your data and its storage can pay off. Many reliable hosting providers also provide automatic backups, so make use of these features as they are absolutely essential for a business.
5. Monitoring
Monitoring your VPS is a crucial step to ensure its optimal performance. You can monitor your resources like CPU, memory, disk usage, etc. Besides Nagios, you can also use other monitoring tools like Zabbix or Cacti for this purpose.
There are many advantages to using monitoring tools. For example, Zabbix helps you monitor your disk space, measure CPU load, and also makes sure your SSH is online.
Bonus tip!
Technical knowledge
Unless you are using a managed VPS hosting plan, you will need to have some level of technical knowledge.
You can hire a system administrator to help you set up your VPS and manage it. If you don’t have a technical background and don’t have time to manage your server and business, this is a good option.
Simple settings can help manage the server. Using managed applications is another way to reduce the need for technical expertise when using VPS hosting.
All these problems can be solved if you use a managed VPS hosting service. A managed VPS hosting has all the features to ensure that your server is well protected, optimized for best resource utilization, updated regularly, backed up and constantly monitored.
Conclusion
VPS hosting is a great hosting option for those looking to expand their business. Even though the features offered by most of the plans are great, there is also some responsibility on the part of the users.
In this article we have discussed 5 common problems that can lead to minimizing the benefits of VPS hosting plans.
The first big mistake to avoid is taking security too lightly. We know that VPS hosting has better security features and your website will be safe from attackers and other threats. However, taking security too lightly can cause breaches no matter what feature is provided.
Use strong passwords and take steps to prevent any unauthorized access to your account.
Don’t overload your resources. Plan how to use your resources instead. If your current plan doesn’t meet your requirements, switch to a different plan. Optimize your VPS hosting environment and use resources wisely.
Other steps you can take to avoid overloading your resources when using VPS hosting is to monitor the server and select the ideal hosting provider.
The third mistake to avoid is using an outdated server. Regular updates are necessary for the server to perform at its best. You can use monitoring tools to help keep track of upcoming updates. Upgrade to Managed VPS Hosting to avoid any unnecessary hassle!
Backups are extremely important for a business. You can use tools to back up your data. Storing data in multiple locations is also a good strategy. Automatic backups should be one of the most important features to consider when choosing a VPS hosting plan.
None of these problems will be found unless you monitor your server. So keep it as important advice. The use of monitoring tools is very helpful in such situations. These tools can be used to identify when and where a potential problem could arise so that you are prepared for it.
VPS hosting is a great option when you are expanding your business. Make it worth the price by keeping these tips in mind!