Web hosting is a service that stores your website's files on a server connected to the internet, making your site accessible to visitors worldwide. When someone types your domain name, their browser connects to the hosting server to retrieve and display your site.
Types of Web Hosting
Shared Hosting
Multiple websites share one server's resources.
- Pros: Cheapest option, easy to start
- Cons: Limited resources, affected by other sites
- Best for: Small sites, blogs, starting out
- Examples: Bluehost, SiteGround, Hostinger
VPS (Virtual Private Server)
Virtualized server with dedicated resources.
- Pros: More control, better performance
- Cons: More expensive, requires some management
- Best for: Growing sites, moderate traffic
- Examples: DigitalOcean, Linode, Vultr
Dedicated Server
Entire physical server for your site alone.
- Pros: Maximum performance and control
- Cons: Most expensive, requires expertise
- Best for: High-traffic sites, specific requirements
- Examples: Liquid Web, OVH
Cloud Hosting
Distributed across multiple servers.
- Pros: Highly scalable, pay for usage
- Cons: Can be complex, costs can vary
- Best for: Variable traffic, enterprise applications
- Examples: AWS, Google Cloud, Azure
Managed Hosting
Provider handles server management.
- Pros: Less technical work, optimized for platform
- Cons: Less control, higher cost
- Best for: WordPress, specific platforms
- Examples: WP Engine, Kinsta, Flywheel
Static Hosting
For sites without server-side processing.
- Pros: Fast, secure, often free
- Cons: No dynamic functionality
- Best for: Static sites, JAMstack
- Examples: Netlify, Vercel, Cloudflare Pages
What to Consider
Performance
- Server location (closer = faster)
- Resources (CPU, RAM)
- Storage type (SSD vs. HDD)
Reliability
- Uptime guarantees (99.9%+)
- Redundancy
- Backup systems
Support
- 24/7 availability
- Response time
- Expertise level
Scalability
- Can you upgrade easily?
- Traffic spike handling
Security
- SSL certificates
- DDoS protection
- Firewall
- Malware scanning
Domain vs. Hosting
Domain: Your address (example.com) Hosting: Where your files live
You can buy them separately or together.