When you decide to host a website, the process of making your site accessible on the internet through a server. Also known as website hosting, it’s the foundation every site needs before anyone can visit it. It’s not just buying a domain name—it’s renting space where your files live so browsers can load them. Think of it like renting a storefront: your domain is the sign outside, but the hosting is the actual building holding your products.
Most people mix up domain name, the human-readable address like spiderdesign.me.uk that points to your site with web hosting, the server space where your HTML, CSS, images, and scripts are stored. You need both. A domain tells people how to find you; hosting is where you actually are. Without hosting, your domain is just a sign with no building behind it. And without a domain, your hosting is like an address no one knows how to spell.
What you choose depends on what you’re building. If you’re using WordPress, you’ll need hosting that supports PHP and MySQL—most shared hosts handle that fine. If you’re coding from scratch with HTML and CSS, even the cheapest plan works. But if you’re planning heavy traffic, video, or complex apps, you might need VPS or cloud hosting later. The good news? You don’t need to pick the perfect plan on day one. Start simple, grow as you need to.
Many beginners think they need to understand servers, FTP, or DNS records right away. You don’t. Most hosting providers offer one-click installs for WordPress, drag-and-drop builders, and simple dashboards. You just upload your files or install a tool, and you’re live. The real skill isn’t technical setup—it’s knowing what kind of site you want to build and choosing hosting that matches your goals.
When you look at the posts below, you’ll see how hosting connects to everything else: whether you’re learning JavaScript, building with WordPress, or comparing Wix to HTML, you’re still dealing with the same basic question—how do I get this online? These guides break down the tools, the trade-offs, and the real steps people take to go from idea to live site. No jargon. No hype. Just what actually works when you’re trying to host a website without getting lost in the noise.
You don't need to pay for hosting to get your website online, but you always need a server. Free options exist, but they come with big limits. Here's what really matters when choosing how to host your site.