If you’re planning to build a website, understanding web hosting is one of the most important first steps. Without web hosting, your website can’t be seen online.
In this guide, we’ll explain what web hosting is, how it works, and how to choose the best hosting for your website.
What is Web Hosting?
Web hosting is a service that make their websites accessible on the internet. Hosting companies provide the computer servers, storage space, and technology needed to keep your website online 24/7.
How Does Web Hosting Work?
Here’s a simple breakdown of how web hosting works:
- Your website files (HTML, CSS, images, content, etc.) are stored on a web server.
- When someone types your domain name (e.g. www.mysite.com) into their browser, the hosting server sends those files back to their browser.
- The visitor can now view and interact with your website.
This process happens in seconds, and the hosting server ensures your website is always online, fast, and secure.
Types of Web Hosting
There are different types of hosting depending on the size, traffic, and purpose of your website:
Shared Hosting
Your website shares a server with other websites. Shared hosting is best for small websites and blogs
- Pros: Affordable, beginner-friendly
- Cons: Slower speeds if other websites on the server use too many resources
VPS Hosting (Virtual Private Server)
Your site is hosted on a portion of a shared server with more dedicated resources.
VPS is best for websites with growing traffic numbers.
- Pros: More control, faster performance
- Cons: Slightly more technical and costly
Dedicated Hosting
A dedicated host is a single server serving only one website. You get an entire physical server just for your website.
Dedicated hosts are best for large websites or web apps with heavy traffic.
Pros:
- Full control; you can adjust RAM, CPU, space etc
- High performance
Pros:
- Expensive
- Requires technical expertise to manage
Cloud Hosting
Cloud hosting means your site is hosted across multiple servers in the cloud(internet), e.g. hosting files on third-party servers like AWS S3 and Google Cloud hosting.
Pros:
- Scalable: you can adjust your needs as you grow.
- Pay as you go: You pay for what you use only
- Reliable: Cloud servers like AWS and Google have robust infrastructure that can safeguard your data. Your website is hosted across multiple servers. If one server fails, another takes over, minimising downtime
- High performance: Cloud hosting often uses the latest technology, including SSD storage, load balancing, and global data centers for faster load times.
- Reduces your own server load
Cons:
- Can be expensive
- Complex: Cloud hosting can be more technical to manage, especially if it’s not fully managed. It may require some server admin knowledge.
- Less control: You may have some restrictions and control.
Other Hosting Types
- Managed WordPress hosting: These are optimised specifically for WordPress websites.
- Local hosting: Offline hosting on a local computer used primarily for development purposes.
- Email hosting: Hosting dedicated to emails only.
Key Features to Look for in a Web Host
When choosing a hosting provider, consider the following:
- Speed & Performance – Look for SSD storage and good uptime (99.9%+)
- Security – Firewalls, SSL certificates, malware protection.
- Support – 24/7 technical support is a must.
- Scalability – Ability to upgrade as your site grows.
- Backups – Automated backups in case something goes wrong
- Hidden fees– Look for hidden fees, e.g. some hosting companies may reduce the price if paying yearly, then regular monthly fees afterwards
How to Get Started with Web Hosting
- Choose a hosting provider – Some popular ones include Bluehost, SiteGround, Hostinger, or local options like Nivacity and Tremhost.
- Select a hosting plan – Choose based on your website size and expected traffic.
- Register a domain name – Some hosting providers include a free domain if you’re subscribing for a long time.
- Set up your website – Install WordPress or upload your custom-developed website files.
- Go live – Once set up, your site is online and accessible.
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Features of Web Hosting
Most hosting providers come with:
- A Control Panel to manage your site, e.g. Cpanel, Direct Admin.
- Databases (MYSQL)
- PHPMyadmin for database management
- Custom emails
- Backend technologies like PHP
- Subdomains
- WordPress one-click install
Hosting Prices
Shared Hosting prices start from as little as $2 per month up to $100+ per month, depending on the package and your needs.
VPS Hosting prices ranges from $10 – $100+
Dedicated hosting ranges from $100 – $1000+
Cloud web hosting can start from $5 to $500+. Cloud hosting is usually pay-as-you-go — you only pay for what you use.
Popular Hosting Providers (Global & Local)
Global Options:
- GoDaddy
- Bluehost
- SiteGround
- Hostinger
- A2 Hosting
Zimbabwe-Based Hosting Companies:
Final Thoughts
Choose a hosting that best fits your needs. If you’re new, start with a Starter plan, which is affordable and upgrade if your site demands more.
FAQs
Can I build a website without hosting?
No. You need hosting to store your website and make it accessible online.
Is free web hosting good?
Free hosting is okay for testing but not reliable for business or professional use. It often includes ads, limited storage, and slow performance.
How much does web hosting cost?
Shared hosting can start from as low as $1.96/month. Prices increase based on hosting type and features.
What is uptime in web hosting?
Uptime is the percentage of time your website is accessible online. Aim for 99.9% or higher. Downtimes can impact your traffic and search rankings.
What’s the Difference Between a Domain and Hosting?
Domain Name is your website’s address (e.g. yourbusiness.co.zw. Web Hosting is the space where your website files live. You need both to make your website accessible online.
This page was written with the assistance of AI. Read more about our AI usage policy
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