When you’re building your first website, one of the questions you’ll see popping up again and again is what is hosting. If it sounds a bit technical, don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it seems.
In this guide, we’ll break down what website hosting actually is, why you need it, the different types available, and how to choose the right option for your site.
Every website you visit lives on a computer somewhere. That computer is called a server. Website hosting is the service that provides space on that server to store your website’s files, images, code, and content so that people can access it online.
In simple terms, your domain name is like your address, and hosting is like the plot of land where your house (your website) is built.
When someone types your web address into their web browser, their device connects to the hosting server where your site is stored. The server then sends your web pages to be displayed on their screen.
Do I Really Need Hosting?
Yes, if you want your website to be live on the internet, you need some form of hosting.
Some website builders (like Wix, Squarespace, or WordPress.com) include hosting in their packages, which makes things a bit easier for beginners. But even in those cases, your site still needs to “live” somewhere, it’s just bundled in with the platform.
If you’re using a self-hosted website setup (like WordPress.org), or you’re building your site with a web designer, you’ll need to choose a hosting provider separately.
What Does a Hosting Service Do?
A good hosting provider will offer:
Storage space for your site’s files and data
Reliable uptime (so your site doesn’t go offline)
Security features (to protect against hackers)
Backups in case anything goes wrong
Technical support if you need help
Email hosting (sometimes optional)
Some hosts even help you install platforms like WordPress with one click.
Different Types of Web Hosting
Let’s take a look at the main types of hosting and who they’re best suited to:
1. Shared Hosting
Your site shares a server with lots of other websites. It’s the most affordable and beginner-friendly option.
✅ Best for: Small websites, blogs, start-ups
❌ Downside: Can be slower if other sites on the server use too many resources
2. VPS Hosting (Virtual Private Server)
Still shared, but with more space and better performance. Think of it as a flat in a block where everyone has their own entrance.
✅ Best for: Growing websites with more traffic
❌ Downside: Slightly more technical to manage
3. Dedicated Hosting
You get your own server just for your website. This gives you full control and great performance, but comes at a higher cost.
✅ Best for: Large websites, online shops with high traffic
❌ Downside: Expensive and not beginner-friendly
4. Cloud Hosting
Your website is stored on multiple servers. If one fails, another kicks in, which can help with speed and reliability.
✅ Best for: Businesses expecting growth or needing flexibility
❌ Downside: Costs vary and can add up over time
5. Managed Hosting
A premium hosting service where the technical bits (like updates, backups, and security) are managed for you.
✅ Best for: Business owners who want to focus on content, not tech
❌ Downside: More expensive than basic hosting
How Much Should Hosting Cost?
Costs vary widely, but here’s a rough guide:
Shared hosting: £2–£10/month
VPS hosting: £15–£50/month
Managed hosting: £20–£100/month (depending on features)
Dedicated hosting: £70–£300/month
Free hosting is available (like on WordPress.com), but it usually comes with limitations—such as ads on your site, a lack of control, or no option for a custom domain name.
If you’ve already read our post on domain names, you’ll know how important it is to have a good domain name to build trust and look professional. That’s another reason to avoid free hosting that sticks you with a subdomain.
What to Look for in a Hosting Provider
Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing hosting:
Uptime Guarantee: Look for at least 99.9% uptime
Speed: Fast-loading websites offer a better experience
Security: Firewalls, malware protection, SSL certificates
Backups: Regular, automated backups are essential
Support: 24/7 support via chat or email is ideal
Scalability: Can your hosting grow with your site?
What Is a Hosting Control Panel?
Most hosting packages come with a dashboard or “control panel” where you can manage things like:
Connecting your domain name
Installing WordPress or other tools
Creating email addresses (like hello@yourdomain.co.uk)
Checking website traffic and storage
Setting up SSL (more on that in the next post!)
The most common type is called cPanel, but some providers have their own version.
Can You Host a Website Yourself?
In theory, yes, you could turn your home computer into a webserver. But in reality, it’s slow, insecure, and not practical.
It’s always best to use a proper hosting provider with the infrastructure to support your site safely and reliably.
Popular Hosting Providers (UK-Friendly)
Fasthosts – Long-established UK provider with flexible plans and reliable performance
SiteGround – Excellent support, ideal for WordPress
Bluehost – Beginner-friendly, especially for blogs
Krystal – UK-based and eco-friendly
IONOS – Affordable for small businesses
Kualo – UK-based with great customer service
There are many others, it is best to shop around and ask before you commit.
🧠 Final Thought
Without hosting, your website can’t be accessed by anyone.
Whether you’re using a drag-and-drop builder or working with a designer, web hosting is something you’ll need to get right from the start. Think about what you want your site to do, how much traffic you expect, and how hands-on you want to be.
like with domain names, you don’t need to figure it all out alone. A bit of guidance goes a long way.