If you’re in the process of designing a website or have one up and running, you’ve probably encountered the term “hosting” and wondered, “What exactly is it?” Or maybe you’ve been receiving bills from GoDaddy or Bluehost and are asking yourself, “What am I paying for? Why do I need someone to ‘host’ my website?” Can I cancel this service?
In short, yes, you do need someone to host your website. And no, it’s not something you should cancel—your website will go down without it. Put simply, website hosting is essentially the virtual “parking spot” for your website. It’s the space on a server where your website’s files, images, and data are stored.
This blog will break down what hosting is, what’s included in it, and why you can’t have a website without it.
What is Website Hosting?
Website hosting is a service that allows your website to “live” on the internet. Essentially, you rent space on a server—a powerful computer—where your website files, images, and data are stored. This is what allows people to access your site online at any time and from anywhere.
Without web hosting, your website wouldn’t have a “home,” and customers wouldn’t be able to find you online. Think of it like renting a parking spot in a garage—you pay for your spot (or the space) each month to park your car. With hosting, you’re reserving space on the internet for your website, enabling people to visit whenever they need to.
What is a Server?
Before we go further, you may wonder—what even is a “server”? Think of it as a high-powered computer that stores and manages your website data. When someone types your domain (like www.integritymarketing.biz) into a browser, the server processes the request and delivers your website to their screen. The server essentially acts as the digital landlord for your online space.
Do You Need a Website Host?
Yes. Your website can’t be “live” without a host. A website host provides the necessary infrastructure to keep your site online and accessible 24/7. Without it, your site wouldn’t have anywhere to “live,” and visitors wouldn’t be able to view it at any time.
What is Typically Included in Hosting?
So, is website hosting simply just the “space” on the server? No – the hosting services typically include security measures and other essential features. Most web hosting services include the following:
- Server Space – Storage for your website’s files, images, videos, and data.
- Bandwidth – Determines how much traffic your site can handle at once.
- Professional Email Accounts – Email addresses using your business’s domain (e.g., info@yourbusiness.com).
- SSL Certificate – Ensures secure connections for your website visitors; important for customer trust.
- Control Panel (cPanel) – A user-friendly interface to manage site settings, such as email or databases.
- One-Click Installers – Easily install tools like WordPress or Drupal for site management.
- Database Access – Used for storing large amounts of dynamic content or customer data.
- Backups – Regularly scheduled automatic backups to avoid data loss.
- Security Features – Firewalls, anti-malware, and DDoS protection are often built-in to safeguard your site.
- Uptime Guarantee – Most reputable hosting services promise 99.9% uptime, meaning your site stays live nearly all the time.
Types of Web Hosting Services
Choosing the right type of website hosting depends on your business’s needs and resources. Here’s a brief look at the most common hosting options:
1. Shared Hosting
- Shared hosting is when multiple websites share the same server, including memory, processing power, and storage space.
- Great for small businesses starting out but may face slower performance during high traffic.
Examples: Bluehost, HostGator, SiteGround
2. Virtual Private Server (VPS) Hosting
- VPS hosting divides a physical server into virtual sections, giving you a dedicated portion of resources. Each virtual server acts like its own standalone machine with its own operating system.
- A good option if you are a growing business and need more power than shared hosting at a slightly higher cost.
Examples: InMotion Hosting, A2 Hosting, Liquid Web
3. Dedicated Server Hosting
- Dedicated server hosting is the most powerful type of web hosting, where you lease an entire physical server exclusively for your website. This means you get complete control over all the resources and don’t have to share with other websites.
- Ideal for large businesses that need fast loading times and greater processing power.
4. WordPress Hosting
- Optimized specifically for WordPress-based sites and often includes one-click setups such as themes, plugins for core functions like caching and security, and other tools.
- Great for businesses running their site on WordPress.
4. Cloud Hosting
- Cloud hosting is a web hosting solution that uses a network of virtual servers to host websites. Unlike traditional hosting, where your website is stored on a single physical server, cloud hosting spreads your website’s data across multiple interconnected servers.
- Perfect for businesses with fluctuating website traffic.
Examples: Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud, DigitalOcean
Website Hosting Vs. Domain Hosting
Now that you know what website hosting is, you may be confused about how that relates to your domain name? Do you have to pay for both? Website hosting and domain hosting are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. They are two different things, and you will have to pay for both.
- Website Hosting – Provides the server space needed to “host” your website online.
- Domain Hosting – Refers to purchasing your domain name (e.g.,www.integritymarketing.biz), the unique web address visitors type to find you.
While some companies offer both services (e.g., GoDaddy or Bluehost), it’s common to purchase them separately. For example, you might buy your domain from GoDaddy but choose Bluehost for hosting. You will need to pay for both year after year to keep your website live
How To Choose The Best Hosting Provider For Your Website
Now that we’ve gone through the different types of web hosting and all the various providers (Bluehost, Siteground, WordPress, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud, and so on,) here comes the million-dollar question – who should I go with for my website? Here are a few tips to help you decide which is going to be best for your website and unique business needs.
- Determine Your Requirements – Consider your website size (5 pages or 50?), expected traffic, security needs, and any special requirements like e-commerce or video hosting.
- Check Customer Support – Look for providers with 24/7 support to help troubleshoot issues. You don’t want your website to be down and you can’t get a hold of anyone.
- Research Uptime Guarantees – Uptime refers to the amount of time your website is up and accessible to visitors. A reputable hosting provider should offer a minimum of 99.9% uptime for your website (and for your peace of mind).
- Read Reviews – Let’s face it – each hosting provider preaches they are best, but what are their flaws? Reading real reviews from users will give you a sense of a host’s performance and reliability.
- Consider Scalability – Your hosting needs may start out pretty basic, but If your business grows, you may want to upgrade to make sure the server can handle increased demands.
- High-Security Requirements: If your website handles sensitive information, like customer details, or if it’s at risk of cyberattacks, you’ll need a hosting provider that offers strong security features, such as SSL certificates, firewalls, and malware protection.
Website Hosting: A Non-Negotiable For Your Business
If you have a website, paying for website hosting isn’t just an option—it’s a necessity. It keeps your site live and ensures that users searching online can visit it.
If you have questions about hosting or are considering switching to a more secure provider, Integrity Marketing Services is here to guide you. From building your website to setting up reliable hosting and implementing effective SEO strategies, we’ll help your business succeed online.
About the author
April Young
April is our Project and Content Manager, known for her strong communication skills. With years of experience in SEO, copywriting, project planning, and contract management, she excels in creating compelling website content and leading a dynamic team of copywriters, web designers, and contractors.