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Web hosting is the service that stores your website's files on a computer that stays connected to the internet, so people can visit your site at any time. That computer is called a server, and a hosting company runs and maintains it for you.
Think of your website as a shop. Hosting is the building the shop sits in. Your domain name is the street address that tells people where to find it.
What happens when someone visits your site
Here is the short version:
- A visitor types your domain, such as yourbusiness.com, into a browser.
- The domain name system (DNS) looks up which server holds your site.
- The browser asks that server for the page.
- The server sends the files: text, images and code.
- The browser assembles them into the page the visitor sees.
All of this normally takes a moment. A good host helps it stay that way.
What a hosting company does for you
You could technically run a server yourself, but few small businesses should. A host generally takes care of:
- The physical servers, power and network connection
- Keeping the machines running and secure at the hardware level
- A control panel for managing your site
- Email accounts, on many plans
- Security certificates (SSL), which give you the padlock and HTTPS
- Backups, depending on the plan
- Support when something goes wrong
Domain vs hosting
These two get mixed up all the time.
- A domain is your website's name. You register it through a registrar.
- Hosting is the place your site's files live.
You need both for a typical website. Many hosts sell domains too, so you can buy them together, but they are separate things and you can keep them with different companies.
The main types of hosting
Shared hosting. Your site shares a server with other sites. It is usually the cheapest option and suits most new small sites. The trade-off is that resources are shared.
VPS hosting. VPS stands for virtual private server. You still share physical hardware, but you get a reserved slice of resources. It suits sites that have outgrown shared hosting.
Dedicated hosting. You get a whole server to yourself. It offers the most control and costs the most, and usually needs technical skills to manage.
Cloud hosting. Your site runs across connected servers, which can make it easier to scale up and down.
Managed WordPress hosting. Hosting tuned for WordPress, where the host handles things like updates and caching.
If you are starting out, shared hosting or a basic WordPress plan is usually enough. You can move up later.
Do you need hosting if you use a website builder?
Not separately. Website builders usually bundle hosting into one subscription, which is simple but ties your site to that platform. With your own hosting and software such as WordPress, you have more control and more to manage. Some hosts now include a site builder in their plans, so you can get a mix of both.
What to look for in a first hosting plan
Ignore the long feature tables and focus on the basics:
- Renewal price. Introductory prices often increase at renewal. Check what you'll pay after the first term.
- Free SSL. It should be included.
- Backups. Find out how often they run and how you restore one.
- Support. Check the hours and channels, such as chat, phone or tickets.
- Email. See whether business email is included or costs extra.
- Easy WordPress or builder setup. One-click installation saves time.
- Room to grow. You want an upgrade path that doesn't require a painful move.
Be careful with the word "unlimited." Plans labelled that way usually still have fair-use limits in the terms.
Where to start
Popular options for beginners in our directory include Hostinger and Bluehost. Both offer plans aimed at small sites and WordPress users. Compare current plans and renewal prices before you buy.
For help comparing providers in more detail, read our guide on how to choose web hosting for a small business.
Setting up your first site
Once you've picked a host, the usual order is:
- Register a domain, or connect one you already own.
- Buy a hosting plan.
- Install WordPress or open the site builder.
- Choose a theme and add your key pages: Home, Services, About and Contact.
- Confirm SSL is active, so your site loads over HTTPS.
- Set up business email.
- Confirm backups are running.
Most people can get a simple site online in a day or two.
Quick checklist
- Hosting is where your website's files live.
- A domain is your site's name. You need both.
- Shared hosting is enough for most new sites.
- Check renewal prices, backups, SSL and support.
- Choose a host that lets you upgrade as you grow.