Key facts
- Hosting is separate from the domain name; the domain points to the host through DNS
- Main types: shared, managed WordPress, VPS or cloud, and hosted platforms like Shopify
- Look for HTTPS, daily off-site backups, UK or EU data centres and real support
- Server response time feeds directly into page speed and Core Web Vitals
- Shopify and website builders include hosting in their subscription
- dijitul hosting is from £1 a day + VAT
What hosting actually does
Your website is a set of files, and usually a database, that must sit on a computer permanently connected to the internet. That computer is the web server, and renting space on it is hosting. When someone types your address, DNS points their browser at your server, which sends back the page. The quality of that server affects how fast your site loads, how often it goes down and how safe it is. Hosting is separate from your domain name; see domain names explained.
Think of it like renting premises. The domain is your address on the signs; hosting is the building. You can change landlord without changing your address, as long as you update where the address points, and you can keep the same building while changing the signs.
Types of hosting
| Type | What it is | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| Shared hosting | Many sites share one server's resources | Small, low-traffic brochure sites on a tight budget |
| Managed hosting | The host looks after server updates, caching, security and backups, often tuned for WordPress | Most small business sites |
| VPS or cloud | Your own virtual server with dedicated resources; you or your developer manage it | Busy sites, shops and custom applications |
| Hosted platforms | Hosting is part of the subscription: Shopify, Wix, Squarespace | People who want the platform to handle everything |
| Static hosting | Pre-built HTML files served from a CDN | Fast, simple sites with few dynamic features |
For most small business websites, managed hosting is the sensible middle ground. Shared hosting can be fine for a very small site, but you share resources with other customers, so a busy neighbour can slow you down. A VPS gives more control and power but needs someone to keep the server patched and monitored. Hosted platforms remove the decision entirely, at the cost of a monthly subscription and less control.
What to look for in a host
- HTTPS included. A free SSL certificate that renews automatically, with all traffic redirected to https.
- Backups. Daily, stored off the server, kept for at least a couple of weeks, and easy to restore.
- Speed. Modern PHP versions, server-level caching and enough resources. Slow server response adds directly to Largest Contentful Paint; see Core Web Vitals.
- Location. UK or EU data centres keep latency low for UK visitors and simplify UK GDPR questions.
- Security. Firewall, malware scanning and isolation between accounts.
- Support. A real person who answers when the site is down.
- Email. Decide whether email sits with the host or a separate service like Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace. Separate is often more reliable.
Ask any host three questions before you sign: how often are backups taken and where are they stored, how quickly do you respond if the site goes down, and how would I take my site elsewhere if I wanted to leave? Clear, confident answers are a good sign.
Warning signs
- Very cheap introductory prices that jump sharply at renewal.
- No access to your own files or backups.
- A designer who hosts the site but will not give you logins.
- Frequent downtime or slow loading at busy times.
- Old PHP versions with no plan to upgrade.
Whoever hosts your site, you should be able to download a full copy and move it. See do I own my website?
Hosting with dijitul
Hosting is not included in our website prices and is always listed separately, so you can choose. Our sister company dijihost provides managed UK hosting from £1 a day + VAT, which we set up and connect when your site launches. If you would rather use another host, we will build and launch the site there instead. Shopify shops include hosting in the Shopify subscription.
When to call us
If your current site is slow, keeps going down, or you do not know where it is hosted, get in touch. We can find out, move it safely, or rebuild it if needed. Call 01623 650333.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a domain and hosting?
The domain is the address, such as example.co.uk. Hosting is the server where the website's files live. DNS records connect the two. You can buy them from different companies, and moving one does not have to mean moving the other.
Do I need hosting for a Shopify or Wix website?
No separate hosting. Shopify, Wix and Squarespace include hosting in their subscriptions. You still need a domain name, which you can register elsewhere and point at the platform using the DNS records the platform gives you.
Does hosting affect SEO?
Indirectly. Slow server response makes pages load slowly and can hurt Core Web Vitals, and frequent downtime means Google and visitors find errors. Good hosting will not make you rank, but bad hosting can hold you back.
How much does dijitul hosting cost?
Our managed hosting through dijitul DNS is from £1 a day + VAT. It is optional and listed separately in your website quote. You can host your dijitul website anywhere you prefer.
Can you move my website to new hosting?
Yes. We copy the files and database, test the site on the new server, then update DNS records so there is little or no downtime, checking email records are kept. Moves are charged at £45 an hour + VAT.
Related
Get a fixed quote
Free chat, clear price, a website you own. Websites from £250 + VAT.