Small business websites are often hosted on a Shared server, which involves a hosting company putting multiple websites on the same web server.  Even though each website has its own URL (e.g., www.mysite.com, www.yoursite.com, etc.,), the underlying IP Address is the same for all sites on the server (e.g., 123.45.67.890).

This can lead to big problems if someone else on “your” server sends out illegal spam, gets blacklisted, or otherwise compromises the server and shared IP address – and it can affect everyone else on the server.  Shared IP addresses leave your site vulnerable to being blacklisted or blocked due to the actions of others hosted on the server.

A Dedicated IP address, on the other hand, is a unique address that is assigned to your website only – no sharing.  Dedicated IP addresses protect you and your business from the security risks of sharing an IP address with third parties. A Dedicated IP Address also gives you greater control over your online reputation and access to additional functionality and upgrades to help keep your site in compliance with ever-changing technology.

HOW TO FIX IT:  Get a Dedicated IP Address for your website.  A Dedicated IP Address is uniquely assigned to your website – insulating you from the actions of others and giving you better control over your website’s reputation.  Also, many third-party apps and plug-ins already require a Dedicated IP Address, so adding new functionality or upgrading your technology is seamless and secure.

Dedicated IP Addresses are available from most hosting companies, and pricing starts at a few dollars per month and goes up from there.  Once you switch a shared IP Address to a new, Dedicated IP Address, you may experience a period of 6 to 24 hours where your site may be non-functional. This is normal – it is the standard propagation time required for the internet to update your DNS information all across the web.

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