Website uptime is something that’s easy to take for granted – until, of course, you run into unexpected downtime. One of the most common causes of this issue is a sudden increase in traffic. As more people visit your site, your server’s resources become depleted, which can result in slow page-loading times and dreaded downtime. Of course, when your site is inaccessible (even for just a few hours), it can affect your brand’s reputation and deter visitors from returning down the road.
Fortunately, you can avoid unexpected site downtime by preparing for sudden traffic spikes. Below, we’re breaking down a few best practices to keep in mind. Let’s take a look!
DO: Make Sure Your Hosting is Scalable
When your site sees an increase in traffic and resources are stretched thin, the last thing you want is to be “stuck” with your current hosting plan. Being able to easily and quickly increase your server’s bandwidth allotment, memory, processing speeds, and other vital functions can ensure that your website has the resources it needs to keep running smoothly during an influx of traffic. This is where choosing a web hosting company that offers customizable plans can make all the difference.
DO: Invest in Dedicated Server Hosting
When it comes to reliability, security, and speed, a dedicated hosting plan is your best bet. Compared to shared and cloud hosting platforms, dedicated servers allow your site to enjoy access to 100% of your server’s resources at all times. You’ll never have to share them with another user, which can keep your website running efficiently during a sudden spike in traffic. Dedicated servers are also known for their reliability and minimal downtime, with some reputable hosting companies even offering 100% uptime service-level agreements for your peace of mind.
DON’T: Ignore Software Updates
If you’re prompted to install a software update or security patch, don’t put it off. These updates are key to making sure your site is ready to handle whatever traffic comes its way. Specifically, you’ll want to make sure you’re installing updates to your WordPress site, themes, and applications regularly. Even if you’re not prompted or notified that an update is ready, it’s a good idea to check and install manually at least once a week.
DON’T: Procrastinate
If you anticipate a period of increased traffic on your site due to an upcoming holiday or another special event, plan ahead. Waiting until the last minute to prepare your site for an influx of traffic can backfire, and it’s nearly impossible to predict exactly when your traffic spike will occur. Preparing ahead of time will give you added protection and peace of mind against downtime.
Ready to Upgrade to Dedicated Hosting? ReliableSite Can Help
If you’re not already utilizing dedicated server hosting, now is the time to upgrade your plan. ReliableSite offers fully customizable dedicated servers to suit your site’s changing needs.
Contact us today to get your server set up or find out more about what we have to offer!