In a previous blog, we explained the difference between a domain and web hosting. In this blog, we’re going to explore web hosting further and demonstrate why you need it for your credit union website.
What Web Hosting Is
In a nutshell, web hosting is an online service provider that allows your credit union website to be available on the internet. The web host is the physical server that stores all the data, assets, and software used to build your site and make it functional.
The best credit union web hosting should offer more than just publishing your website online. When selecting web hosting for your credit union, you should look for one that will deliver unrivaled member support, maximum security, no to limited downtime, optimal bandwidth, and scalability. You should consider all of these to ensure your business needs are being met.
What Web Hosting Is Not
Web hosting is not the same as online banking. Your online banking or internet banking provider is the service that enables your members to access and manage their credit union accounts.
Although your online banking is different from your web hosting, the two work together. Most users will access your online banking through your main website. Moreover, one of the main reasons members will visit your credit union’s website is to manage their accounts. Online banking wouldn’t be possible without web hosting, and your website wouldn’t be as valuable without online banking capabilities.
While some online banking providers may offer web hosting, best practice is to keep the two separate. That way, if your online banking system goes down or is unavailable, members can still access your main website through your web hosting service.
Final Words
Web hosting is vital to the success of your financial institution. Without it, people wouldn’t be able to conveniently and easily find information about your credit union. Furthermore, members wouldn’t be able to conduct business wherever they are or whenever they need to.
When shopping around for the best credit union web hosting, you want to get the highest return on investment. Keeping web hosting costs within your budget may be at the forefront of your decision, but remember that you get what you pay for.
Most web hosting services offer similar storage amounts, types of hosting, and bandwidth options, which make comparison shopping simple. However, where you don’t want to skimp on cost is customer service and technical expertise. If you don’t have the time or manpower to monitor your site for malicious software and digital intrusions or to troubleshoot technical issues, isn’t having a web hosting service do it for you worth paying a few more dollars?
CUWebsite™ Services offers superior web hosting for banks at an affordable price. Our credit union web hosting cost includes VPS hosting, our exclusive BankSITE® Security Monitor that will notify you of connectivity and security issues 24/7, malware scanning, and third-party vulnerability assessments. Also, we understand the privacy and security concerns specific to banks and credit unions. When choosing a web hosting service, you’ll want one that knows how to keep your business and members’ information safe.
