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Web hosting is where your website's files live so people can visit it. For most small businesses, choosing a host isn't complicated once you know which questions to ask.
What you actually need
Most small business websites are a handful of pages: home, services, about and contact, maybe a blog. They don't need powerful servers. What they need is a host that is reliable, easy to manage, secure and responsive when something goes wrong.
The main types of hosting
- Shared hosting. Your site shares a server with many others. It's the cheapest option and is usually enough for a small business site.
- Managed WordPress hosting. Hosting tuned for WordPress, often with automatic updates and backups. Good if you use WordPress and don't want to manage it.
- VPS hosting. A slice of a server with dedicated resources. Useful for busier sites or custom setups.
- Dedicated and cloud hosting. Whole servers or scalable cloud resources, mainly for large or technical projects.
Start with shared or managed WordPress hosting. You can move up later.
Features that matter
- Free SSL certificate. Puts the padlock in the browser and is expected by visitors and search engines.
- Backups. Automatic, with an easy way to restore.
- Email. Many plans include business email like you@yourbusiness.com, or offer it as an add-on.
- One-click installs for WordPress and other tools.
- Support. Check how you can reach them (chat, phone, tickets) and when.
- Storage and bandwidth. Plenty on most plans for a small site.
Domains: a separate piece
Your domain name (yourbusiness.com) is registered separately from hosting, though many hosts sell both and some include a free domain for the first year. You can keep your domain with a registrar such as Namecheap or GoDaddy and point it to any host.
Watch the renewal price
Hosting is often advertised with a low introductory price for the first term, then renews at a higher rate. Before you buy, check:
- the renewal price, not only the first-term price
- how long you must commit to get the advertised price
- what the refund policy is
How to compare hosts
Well-known options in our directory include Hostinger, Bluehost, DreamHost and InMotion Hosting. Compare them on:
- what's included in the plan you'd actually buy
- renewal pricing
- support options
- ease of use of the control panel
- backups and security features
A simple checklist
- Do I need WordPress, a website builder, or a custom site?
- Does the plan include SSL and backups?
- Do I need business email included?
- What is the renewal price?
- How do I reach support, and when?
- Can I move my site out easily later?
After you choose
Once your site is live, connect it to the rest of your business. Make sure every contact form and enquiry lands somewhere you'll follow up, such as a CRM like FoxyCRM, so website leads don't get lost.
Browse all hosts and registrars in our Web Hosting category.