What is web hosting, and why does it matter for your website? Whether you’re launching your first business site or redesigning an old website, understanding web hosting is the first step in bringing your online presence to life.
Simply put, web hosting is the behind-the-scenes service that powers your website, ensuring it’s visible and functional for visitors. But with so many options out there, from free plans to premium web hosting providers, it can feel overwhelming to choose the right fit for your needs.
Don’t worry—we’ll break it down for you and help you find a hosting solution that works for your business.
- Website hosting is what keeps your website live and accessible to everyone online.
- The difference between website hosting and a domain is that the domain is your website’s address, while hosting is the space where your site lives.
- The main types of website hosting services include free, shared, dedicated, cloud, and collocated hosting.
- Platforms like VistaPrint’s Digital Website Builder let you register a domain, create a website, and host it—all in one easy-to-use platform.
What is the difference between a domain name and web hosting?
WebHostingSecretRevealed used this analogy for the difference between a domain name and web hosting, which makes perfect sense for the less technologically savvy: “A domain name is like the address of your home; web hosting on the other hand, is the space of your house where you place your furniture.”
Your domain name gets you to the right place and web hosting is where all of your content resides. Both are necessary components of a website, but they serve different purposes.
What is web hosting?
According to First Site Guide, “web hosting is the activity or service of providing storage space to individuals or organizations, for the websites that are accessible via the World Wide Web.” Hosting provides a server and connection point for your web pages to your domain name, so when someone types your business URL into a browser, it is connected to your website.
Many web hosting providers require you to own your domain name in order to host with them. If you are without a domain, the provider can assist you in finding one that fits your business.
Types of web hosting services
Your website layout and overall performance hinge on the hosting service you choose. With options ranging from free to dedicated servers, the types of website hosting available cater to different needs and budgets. Here’s a clear breakdown to help you decide what works best for your site.
Free hosting
Free hosting providers are best for the following types of websites: non-business websites or sites created just for entertainment. These services tend to be slower in connection and have more advertisements associated with the individual pages. If you purchase a domain from a provider, they will often give you free hosting services. Alternatively, others will give you a free domain with the provider’s extension attached to your domain, such as [johnsmithpainting.websitehost.com]. Take note, though, once your domain is established, it cannot be transferred, so you’re stuck with this domain unless you’re willing to rebrand and buy a new domain.
Shared hosting
This type of hosting allows your website and others to share one server. Shared hosting is an economical option because all services, such as cost of operation and software applications, are split among all users. Yet, shared hosting platforms tend to run slower, as your site is sharing RAM and CPU with hundreds or thousands of other sites, and may not be the best option for a professional business.
Dedicated hosting
Dedicated hosting means your site has its server, so you’re not competing with other websites’ needs, demands and usage of applications. Your website speed is much faster than the previous two options, but is costlier because you’re incurring the expense of maintaining an entire server. If your business requires a high level of security, this is a good fit.
Cloud hosting
A team of servers, also known as a cloud, manages groups of websites. Cloud hosting can control high traffic because it enables multiple computers to handle site-specific traffic tendencies. The speed of your site is fast, but because it utilizes multiple servers and resources, it is a more expensive offering than other hosting options. A limitation of cloud hosting is that customization, such as server settings and certain software, is not available. For the average business owner, this is not a major concern, but if you are in the tech industry or have an interest in specific customization, you may consider a different hosting platform.
Collocated hosting
Collocated hosting combines the best of two worlds: your business has its server, but it is housed within a web host’s environment. Since the server is yours, the operations and maintenance fall on you, but you have unlimited reign to install whatever applications, plugins or scripts you want to bring your vision of a responsive website design to life.
Ready for your business website to go live?
As you can see, there are a number of ways to host your website successfully. Determine the hosting method that makes the most sense for your business and consider the time and resources required to manage that type of hosting. Businesses with lots of discretionary time and resources can make the most of these outsourced hosting platforms.
However, Vistaprint Digital’s website builder is a one-stop shop for small business sites. You can select and register your domain name, design your site, and host it all within our platform and circumvent the research required to choose and connect a hosting provider. Your business needs only one login and account to handle the entire website process. For small businesses, this is an excellent tool for getting your website professionally designed and into the public eye quickly.
Web hosting FAQs
How does web hosting work?
Web hosting stores your website’s files on a server and links them to your domain name. When someone enters your URL, the web hosting provider sends your site to their screen, acting as a bridge between your content and your visitors.
How much does web hosting typically cost?
Web hosting costs vary based on the type of hosting you choose. Shared hosting can start as low as $2–$10 per month, while dedicated hosting or cloud hosting can range from $50 to $300+ per month. Pricing depends on factors like speed, storage and additional features.
What features should I look for in a web hosting provider?
Look for a web hosting provider that offers reliable uptime (99.9% or higher), fast loading speeds, sufficient storage and bandwidth, strong security features, easy scalability as your website grows and responsive customer support.
Is free web hosting a good idea?
Free web hosting can work for hobby projects, but it’s not ideal for businesses. Free plans often come with slow speeds, limited storage, ads on your site and no support. For a professional and reliable website, investing in a paid web hosting plan is the better choice.
Can I change my web hosting provider later?
Yes, you can switch web hosting providers later if needed. Most hosting providers offer migration tools or services to make the process easier. Be sure to back up your website files and database before transferring to avoid data loss during the move.
