How to Host a Website
Are you looking to learn how to host your own website? Self-hosted web builders such as WordPress allow you to build your own website with complete freedom to design any type of site.
The issue is that many people aren’t aware of the best method of hosting an online site. Some even think that it takes special technical abilities to host their own sites.
This isn’t the truth.
If you decide to go with the best method, you can effortlessly host your own site in just a few minutes. Most of the time, it is as simple as setting up a Facebook account.
In this beginner’s guide we’ll walk you through the exact steps for hosting websites without having to learn any technical expertise.
We will also discuss how everything is working behind the background. This will help you get an understanding of various ways to host your website.
What Does it Mean to Host a Website?
Hosting a site means that you place your website’s files on a computer that is a server. The computer makes your site’s files available to everyone on the internet, which means that everyone can view it.
To allow other users all over the world to view the site, these computers come with a certain set of programs installed. This software is known as web server. web server.
A web server’s primary job is to take in the requests that come in and then respond by delivering the page requested to the browser of the user.
All of this might appear like a bunch of technical jargon. And it could be.
But, you don’t have to master all of these things to set up your site. There are a lot of companies offering this service (at extremely low costs).
Every website that is that are online utilize the services of a web hosting service to run their sites. Even giants of the tech industry like Netflix (hosted by Amazon) along with PayPal (hosted via Google Cloud hosting) use third-party service companies for their hosting.
There are a small number of companies such as Google, Microsoft, and Amazon who offer all their services on the platforms they own.
They can accomplish this since they have the technological and financial resources to complete this huge job. Every other business (including us) make use of the services of a web hosting firm to manage their websites.
What Do You Need to Host a Website
It is necessary to have the following two elements for hosting a site.
- Hosting service provider for Web hosting service provider
- Domain name
The web hosting service providers can provide you with ready-to-use web servers for hosting your site. They handle everything technical and offer website owners simple tools for managing their hosting.
How do visitors access your self-hosted site? This is the point where domain names are involved.
The domain title is the name of your site that users type into the browser to go to your website. For instance, wpbeginner.com will bring you to this site.
In simple terms the concept behind the concept behind a domain name can be described as a user-friendly method of connecting users’ browsers to the web server associated with the domain name. For more information, refer to our explanation of what is an domain names and on how domains function.
You can buy an domain name through one of these leading domain registry companies. They are licensed companies that provide domain registry names.
To know the connection with your web host and your domain read our guide to the distinction in web hosting as well as domain names..
Note: later in this article, we’ll explain how you can get an domain address for free.
Let’s first examine the different kinds of web hosting plans, and then determine which is the most suitable for hosting your site.
Types of Website Hosting Services
There are many websites that are not identical. Some are smaller with low traffic, whereas others are bigger with more content and traffic.
A website with a smaller size requires less resources, including bandwidth and disk space. However an even larger and well-known website will require more resources in order to function effectively.
Website hosting businesses offer different kinds of hosting packages that address particular needs of websites. Here are a few of the most popular hosting choices.
1. Shared Hosting
Shared hosting service is ideal for blogs and websites that are small as well as small-sized businesses that are just beginning their journey.
They can lower their costs by permitting multiple websites to use their server resources. This helps to make hosting your site affordable.
Pricing: Beginning at 2.75 per month up to $7.99 per month.
It is suitable for: starting an online blog, or a small business site
Our top shared hosting provideris: Bluehost
For more information, check out our guide to the facts concerning best hosted web hosting.
2. VPS Hosting
VPS hosting (Virtual Private Server hosting) is an open hosting environment. However, it provides the flexibility of resources to deal with large spikes in traffic.
You will receive a partitioned your own server for your site that you control from the hosting account control panel. This allows you to enjoy an opportunity to enjoy the best from both sides: the cost-effectiveness of shared hosting along with an ability to adapt with dedicated resources.
Pricing: Starting at $29.99 per month
For medium-sized businesses as well as popular blogs and online stores.
Our top VPS hosting company is: HostGator
For more information, read our post on why you require VPS hosting to host your website.
3. Managed WordPress Hosting
Managed WordPress hosting is a special hosting service specifically designed for WordPress. It’s an equivalent of a concierge service to you WordPress website.
When you use an managed hosting platform the hosting company handles updates as well as backups and caching of your site. This lets you focus on creating content while also growing your business.
Pricing: Starting at $35.00 per month
Recommended for: popular blogs and business websites. sites for membership
We recommend a managed WordPress hosting companyis: The WP Engine
For more information, read our blog post on when you really require an managed WordPress hosting.
4. Dedicated Hosting
The dedicated server hosting offers you all the resources of a server dedicated exclusively to the development of your website. You will have all the resources on the server including advanced tools to manage the server administration, the ability for installing your personal software , and even your personal operating system.
You’ll be in charge of your own server which could require technical expertise. It’s an option that is advanced for websites with larger amounts of traffic that require high-performance in order to deal with the higher volumes.
Pricing: Starting at $79.99 month
It is suitable for: Enterprise-level companies, extremely famous eCommerce sites, websites
Our preferred dedicated hosting provider: SiteGround or HostGator..
Note: We utilize SiteGround customized dedicated server to run the WPBeginner website.
To give you a visual representation We have designed an infographic you can make use of to select the best web hosting options. web hosting.
Choosing The Right Plan to Host a Website
You can clearly see that of the hosting plans have various server configurations and prices. It is important to select one that is suitable for your requirements and budget.
At WPBeginner we advise users to begin with a low priced shared hosting plan and upgrade as their business expands. This lets you cut costs while only paying for services you need.
Sharing hosting plans start at $7.99 each month (paid each year) or $14.99 for the cost of a domain name.
If you’re just beginning to get started, it’s still an important purchase.
We are happy to announce that Bluehost have offered our customers discounted hosting as well as a free domain names. You’ll be able to start at $2.75 monthly.
They are among the biggest hosting companies around the globe and is an official recommended WordPress web hosting service. They provide an free SSL certificate and excellent customer service.
For more hosting plans, including shared hosting plans, check out our review of the best hosting companies..
After signing up to get the hosting account then the second step would be to build your site. For more detailed instructions, refer to the guide below on how you can create an online website.
How Much It Cost to Host a Website
We have so far discussed the costs for web hosting firms. However, the cost of hosting your website could differ dependent on a number of variables.
The first consideration is your hosting plan you select. We recommend starting with the smallest shared hosting plans, and then upgrading when your business or website expands.
When you begin building your site, you may have to invest in other items like templates for websites or software extensions, as well as other services.
Your aim is to only buy the things you require, and utilize free tools as often as possible.
We have an excellent guide on the costs of the building of the costs of building a WordPress website, and the best way to stay clear of spending too much.