What Is Web Hosting?
Written by Julia Lozanov Web Hosting Expert
Reviewed by Craig Raphael Technical Editor
Updated September 9, 2024
Hosting Services Explained
If you're new to web hosting or feeling a bit lost in all the technical jargon, you've found the right place.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the fundamentals of web hosting, covering why you need it and how it works.
We'll also explore the different types of hosting available, including shared, VPS, dedicated, cloud, and reseller hosting, along with the key features to consider when choosing a web hosting service.
What Is Website Hosting?
Web hosting is like renting a house on the internet where your website can live. This house stores all the important things your website needs, like the pictures, text, and videos.
Just like a house keeps your belongings safe and organized, web hosting keeps all the files that make up your website in one place so people can visit and see everything.
Now, every house needs an address so people know where to find it. For your website, the domain name is like its address. It’s the thing people type into their browser, like "www.yourwebsite.com," to find your site on the internet.
Think of web hosting as the place where you store all your website’s stuff, just like a locker at school where you keep your personal things safe. But even if you have a domain name (the address), without web hosting (the house), there’s nothing for people to see—like having an address but no house. Both the house (web hosting) and the address (domain name) are needed for your website to exist and be found on the internet.
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What Is Self-Hosting?
Self-hosting means running your website or application on a server that you set up and manage yourself, instead of using a service provided by a third party.
This approach gives you full control over the server, letting you choose the software, hardware, and settings that suit your needs.
With self-hosting, you decide how your website is run and maintained.
However, it also means you are responsible for all the maintenance and security of the server, such as keeping the software updated, backing up data, and fixing any problems that come up.
Are you wondering: can I host my website on my own computer? Read our blog and find out!
Why Do You Need Hosting?
Opting for professional hosting over self-hosting is often the smarter choice for most users due to several key factors:
Ease of Management: Professional hosting takes care of server maintenance, updates, and technical issues, freeing you to focus on your business.
Cost Efficiency: Avoid the high upfront and ongoing costs of self-hosting, such as hardware, bandwidth, and electricity. Professional hosting spreads these costs over time.
Overall, professional hosting is a practical and efficient choice, allowing you to focus on growing your business instead of managing a server.
How Does Web Hosting Work?
Web hosting providers rent out server space to store your website’s files, making it accessible on the Internet.
Here's a quick rundown of how it works.
1. Renting Server Space: When you purchase a hosting plan, your website's files are stored on a server, ensuring it's always online.
2. Domain Name Connection: Your domain name is linked to the server's IP address. When someone enters your domain in a browser, the server sends the necessary files to display your website.
3. Data Transfer: The server processes requests and sends your website’s files to the user’s browser, which then assembles and displays the web page.
4. Additional Features: Hosting providers often include services like SSL certificates, email hosting, and backups to enhance your website’s security and functionality.
5. Maintenance and Support: Providers maintain the server hardware, keep it secure, and offer technical support to resolve any issues.
If you want to know more about how web hosting works, make sure you check out our blog!
Types Of Web Hosting
Shared Hosting
With shared hosting, you share one physical server with several other websites. Shared hosting plans are usually less expensive since the sites take up fewer resources.
Hosting for WordPress
Hosting for WordPress is a specialized type of hosting designed to optimize the performance of WordPress sites. It provides tools and services tailored specifically for WordPress.
Cloud Hosting
Cloud hosting is web hosting that uses resources from several clustered servers. That cluster of servers in the cloud.
Dedicated server
Dedicated hosting is a type of web hosting where a single physical server is reserved for one business. The customer has full control over the server and can optimize it to meet their specific needs.
VPS Hosting
VPS, or virtual private server, is a type of hosting that uses virtualization technology to split one server into several virtual servers.
Reseller Hosting
Reseller hosting is when businesses sell website space to individuals or other businesses. Effectively, the reseller becomes the hosting provider to the person that’s buying the space.
Managed Hosting
Managed hosting is a type of hosting where the provider handles all technical aspects of the server, including maintenance, updates, security, and backups.
Comparison of Different Types of Web Hosting
Hosting Type | Description | Best For | Key Features | Pros | Cons |
|---|
Shared Hosting | Multiple websites share a single server's resources. | Small websites, personal blogs | Low cost, easy to set up, basic features | Cost-effective, simple management | Limited resources, slower performance during traffic spikes |
VPS Hosting | Virtualized server resources within a physical server, offering more control. | Growing websites, developers | Customizable, root access, dedicated resources | More control, scalability, better performance than shared hosting | Higher cost, technical management required |
Dedicated Hosting | Entire server dedicated to a single website or application. | Large businesses, high-traffic websites | Full server control, dedicated resources | High performance, total control, better security | Expensive, requires technical expertise |
Cloud Hosting | Websites hosted across multiple servers, offering scalability and reliability. | Scalable websites, businesses with fluctuating traffic | Pay-as-you-go, flexible resources, high uptime | Scalable, reliable, handles traffic spikes well | Can be more expensive, complex billing model |
Reseller Hosting | Hosting provided to resellers who manage hosting accounts for clients. | Entrepreneurs, digital agencies, web designers | Control over client accounts, custom packages, low overhead | Cost-effective entry to the hosting business, scalable, easy to manage, low upfront investment, ability to brand as your own, ideal for web designers and agencies | Relies on hosting provider's reliability |
Essential Web Hosting Features
Storage: Storage, or disk space, is the amount of server space available to store your website's content. Choose a web host that can accommodate your site's size.
Bandwidth: Bandwidth is the amount of data that can be transferred between your site, servers, and users. It determines the maximum data transfer capacity.
Domain: A domain name is your website's address that users type into their browser. Pick an attention-grabbing name and check its availability for registration.
Speed: Your web host should offer enough speed to ensure your website loads quickly, so you don't lose visitors.
Email Accounts: A professional website should have email accounts associated with its domain. Ensure your hosting provider offers this feature.
Cost: Web hosting costs vary widely (anywhere from a few hundred dollars per year to a few hundred dollars per month), so it's important to understand all expenses involved to budget effectively.
For a more detailed explanation of these and other essential web hosting features, check out our full glossary of web hosting features.
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Managed vs. Unmanaged Hosting
When choosing a hosting plan, it's important to understand the differences between managed and unmanaged hosting.
Both options offer unique benefits depending on your needs, technical expertise, and the level of control you desire.
The table below outlines the key differences:
Feature | Managed Hosting | Unmanaged Hosting |
|---|
Support Level | High: Hosting provider manages most tasks, including updates, security, and maintenance. | Low: You are responsible for managing all server tasks, including updates and security. |
Ease of Use | Easier: Ideal for users with less technical expertise or those who prefer a hands-off approach. | More complex: Requires technical knowledge to manage server settings and maintenance. |
Control | Limited: Some aspects of server management may be restricted to ensure stability. | Full: You have complete control over server configurations and customizations. |
Security Management | Provider handles security patches, monitoring, and updates. | You are responsible for implementing and managing all security measures. |
Server Performance | Optimized by the provider, with proactive monitoring and adjustments. | Performance depends on your ability to manage and optimize the server. |
Cost | Generally higher due to the added services and support provided. | Typically lower, but may require additional costs for tools and services to manage the server. |
Flexibility | Lower: Pre-configured settings and restrictions may limit certain customizations. | Higher: You can configure the server to your specific needs without restrictions. |
If you want to know more about managed vs. unmanaged hosting, make sure you read our blog!
What To Expect from A Reliable Web Hosting Provider?
Support
Most hosting providers will provide support through chat support, phone, ticket, or email. You should look for a host that is available 24/7, not just during regular business hours.
Speed
Look for a host that will provide you with the speed that will keep your visitors satisfied and happy.
Scalability
You should consider a host that can scale with you, especially if you’re expecting your site to grow substantially throughout the years.
Security
Look for a host that offers regular and free backups, as well as a free SSL certificate that encrypts all personal and financial information of visitors.
How Much Does Web Hosting Cost?
The cost of web hosting can vary widely depending on the type of hosting service you choose, your website's needs, and the level of support required.
Below is a concise breakdown of the typical costs associated with various types of web hosting:
Hosting Type | Price Range | Description |
|---|
Shared Hosting | $2.99 to $10 per month | Cheapest option, ideal for small websites and blogs with low traffic. |
VPS Hosting | $12 to $80 per month | Mid-range option offering more control and better performance than shared hosting. |
Dedicated Hosting | $80 to $300+ per month | High cost, provides full server control and maximum performance for large, high-traffic sites. |
Cloud Hosting | $2.99 to $150+ per month | Flexible pricing based on usage, scalable for growing websites. |
Managed Hosting | $23.40 to $150+ per month | Higher cost for added support, ideal for those preferring hands-off management. |
Keep in mind that these prices are valid as of August 2024 and can vary depending on the provider and specific hosting features.
Additional Costs
When setting up your website, there are a few additional costs to consider beyond the basic hosting plan:
Additional Services | Price Range | Description |
|---|
Domain Registration | $10 to $20 per year | Required to secure your website’s address on the internet. |
SSL Certificates | Free to $100+ per year | Ensures secure connections; prices vary by type and provider. |
Extra Features | Varies | Costs for backups, email hosting, and enhanced security features. |
At Verpex, we provide multiple additional services like SSL certificates and domain names for free with our hosting plans.
This means you get everything you need to get your website up and running without the extra costs!
Can You Switch Web Hosts?
Yes, you can switch web hosts, and it’s a fairly common practice.
Whether you're dissatisfied with your current provider’s performance, pricing, or customer support, or simply want to upgrade to a better plan, everyone can switch between web hosting providers.
Here’s how it works:
1. Evaluate Your Needs: Identify what you want from a new host, considering factors like performance, support, and pricing.
2. Free Migration Services: Many hosting providers offer free migration services, ideal for those with limited technical knowledge. At Verpex, we will handle the transfer of your website free of charge.
3. Self-Migration: Tech-savvy users can manually migrate their site by following these steps:
Back old up website files and databases.
Transfer the files to the new host via FTP.
Export and import databases using tools like phpMyAdmin.
Update DNS settings to point to the new host.
Test the website on the new server to ensure everything works.
4. Minimizing Downtime: Keep your old hosting account active during the transition to avoid disruptions.
5. Post-Migration: Once the switch is complete, cancel your old hosting account, monitor your site’s performance, and set up backups and security on the new host.
The Future of Web Hosting: Trends to Watch
As technology continues to evolve, the landscape of web hosting is also changing.
Here are some key trends that are shaping the future of web hosting:
