How to Host a Website in 2024 (Simple Beginner’s Guide)

Last Updated on November 21, 2024 by Leave a Comment

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How to Host a Website in 2024 (Simple Beginner’s Guide)
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Whether you’re a business owner, blogger, or freelancer, understanding the ins and outs of hosting a website is essential for establishing an online presence. There are many things to consider, from selecting the right hosting provider to choosing the right hosting type. This post will give you the tools to learn how to host a website, navigate the process, and set you up for success. So, let’s dive in!

What is Hosting?


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Web hosting is a service offered by hosting providers, like SiteGround, that allows your website’s content to be displayed online. Web hosts typically handle all of the resources, security, and features your website requires to keep it running. When you purchase a hosting plan, you are leasing a web server section where your website’s files and data will live. Depending on the type of website you plan to host, you’re hosting requirements will vary. For example, if you plan to host WordPress, the host you choose should be optimized for it and possess the latest version of PHP and MySQL.

Website Builder vs CMS

how to host a website

As previously mentioned, the hosting you need depends on the type of site you wish to host. Website builders, such as Squarespace, Wix, and Shopify, typically have their own hosting, whereas content management systems (CMS) like WordPress.org are self-hosted. There are other differences, so before deciding on a host, it’s important to determine which platform suits your needs best.

Asking the Right Questions

When you’re in the market to host a website, you need to ask yourself a few questions. First, what type of website will you host? If you’re building a static HTML site, the hosting requirements are slightly different than if you plan to use WordPress. Secondly, plan for the traffic you hope to have rather than what you anticipate when starting out. A website with minimal traffic will likely only need a shared rather than a VPS hosting provider.

Additionally, determine whether you want to build your site in a local environment first. Local hosting is a great option for those just starting out that want to take the time to learn WordPress.

Lastly, you need to decide what hosting type is right for you. Read on to learn about the different kinds of hosting and who they are best suited for.

Different Hosting Types

how to host a website

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It’s important to decide which hosting type you need. If you plan to use WordPress, you’ll need to understand the different hosting solutions available to you and which ticks the most boxes. There are several to choose from, each with pros and cons.

Shared Hosting

how to host a website

Image courtesy of Andrea Danti | Shutterstock

Shared hosting involves sharing server space and resources, such as RAM, bandwidth, and storage. It’s an affordable hosting solution but is best utilized by small websites or blogs that expect minimal traffic. Because of the resource limitations and potential performance impact, shared hosting isn’t the best choice for those looking to grow their business. That said, if you only want to host a small information website, you can get by just fine with shared hosting.

Managed Hosting

Managed WordPress hosting

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Unlike other hosting types, managed hosting offers a hands-off experience in server maintenance. Managed hosts typically handle all security updates and patches, offer backups and staging sites, and an optimized server for your website. For WordPress users, managed hosting is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, you can leave all of the techy stuff to the professionals. On the other hand, you may not be allowed to use any plugin you want. That said, the benefits of good managed hosting far outweigh the cons. Additionally, managed hosting is more affordable than VPS or dedicated hosting plans, ranging from a few dollars a month to $30.

VPS Hosting

VPS hosting

Image courtesy of Pramith Patali | Shutterstock

Virtual private server (VPS) hosting functions much like shared hosting, except you won’t have to share your resources with other customers. You’ll have more control over your sites, be able to scale up easier, and have definite performance enhancements. This is because each VPS environment functions separately, providing better use of resources, better security, and more customization. Because of this, VPS is suitable for growing websites with higher resource demands. The downside to VPS hosting is that it’s more expensive than shared or managed hosting plans, with average prices ranging from $30-$100 per month.

Cloud Hosting

Cloud hostin

Image courtesy of Eny Setiyowati | Shutterstock

One of the best hosting solutions is cloud hosting. It’s different than others, as all of a website’s files are served from a series of web servers hosted in the cloud. Because of this, websites built on cloud servers are faster, more scalable, and more reliable. With cloud hosting, you have the freedom to configure your own server and, in some cases, such as Pressable, a managed solution. Cloud hosting is relatively affordable, with prices ranging from $10-100 per month, depending on the provider.

How to Host a Website: Dedicated Hosting

dedicated hosting

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Lastly, there is dedicated hosting. With this type of hosting, you’ll get your own server. One of the benefits of dedicated hosting is the freedom to configure your server in any way you choose. Dedicated hosting is an excellent choice for tech-savvy people who know their way around a server and have high-traffic requirements. The downside to dedicated hosting is the price, where you should expect to pay at least $100 per month. That said, if you have lofty goals for your website and anticipate a lot of visitors, it’s the best choice.

Register a Domain

Before purchasing a hosting plan, you’ll want to buy a domain name. There are a couple of ways to do this, including through a good domain registrar or through a hosting provider. There are several things to consider when purchasing a domain, such as choosing the right domain for your business, choosing the perfect domain registrar, and determining which top-level domain (TLD) extension to pick. For most, it’s best to opt for a .com domain simply because it is the most recognizable. That said, there are cases where you might want .net rather than .com.

Purchase Your Hosting Plan

SiteGround WordPress hosting

Now that you understand the different hosting types, it’s time to purchase your hosting plan. For the best value, features, and scalability, we highly recommend SiteGround. They offer cloud-based managed hosting at reasonable prices. If you’re starting out, their StartUp plan is a great choice. With pricing for less than $15 per month, you’ll get a lot of bells and whistles, including free emails, migration, SSL, and CDN, along with several security features such as daily backups, malware scanning, and more.

SiteGround site tools

SiteGround is simple to navigate, too, thanks to its intuitive Site Tools dashboard. There you can manage your websites, domains, and emails, make performance tweaks, access your website’s files, and get statistics on your website’s performance.

Let’s walk through the steps to set up your new hosting account through SiteGround.

Choose Your Plan

As previously mentioned, SiteGround offers several hosting plans depending on your needs. For this tutorial, we’ll start with the StartUp plan. If you need more storage or resources in the future, you can easily change your plan at the click of a button. For now, this should suit newcomers quite well. Start by clicking the Start Now button on SiteGround’s home page.

how to host a website

Scroll down the page to reveal the hosting plan choices. Click on the Get plan button for the StartUp plan.

Choose StartUp plan

Next, you’ll decide whether to purchase a new domain through SiteGround or use one already purchased.

register a new domain

Create a SiteGround Account

The next step in the process is to create your SiteGround account. This information will be used for billing and registering your domain with ICANN should you purchase a domain through SG.

Complete registration

Once you complete the registration fields, click the Pay Now button to set up your account.

Complete SiteGround purchase

Ready to Host!

Once you complete your purchase, you’ll be taken to your new SiteGround account, where you can set up your website. On the main home page in SiteGround, you’ll have access to a wealth of information to help you get started, along with quick links to your hosting plan, domains, and some helpful blog articles. Click the Set Up Site button to start.

how to host a website

Next, choose whether to build your new website on a new, existing, or temporary domain. In this tutorial, we’ll start with a temporary domain. Click the Select button to continue.

choose temporary domain

SiteGround will assign a temporary domain to your account. Click the Continue button to proceed to the next step.

temporary domain

Next, select Start New Website. Alternatively, if you have a website you’d like to migrate to SiteGround, you can choose Migrate Website, and SiteGround will move your existing website to your new hosting plan for free.

start new website

The next step is to choose the application you’d like to install. In this post, we’ll select WordPress.

Choose WordPress

From there, you’ll need to create your WordPress login credentials. Input your email address (1), create a password (2), then click continue (3).

how to host a website

Finally, if you wish to add extras like Site Scanner, you can do so on the final screen. Otherwise, click Finish.

finish setup

That’s it! SiteGround will install WordPress for you, set up your database, and give you an easy way to build the website of your dreams.

Final Thoughts on How to Host a Website

These decisions are essential for establishing an online presence, from choosing the right hosting partner, like SiteGround, to considering the different hosting types. You can be confident that your new website will succeed by asking the right questions, understanding your business’s requirements, and taking advantage of features such as one-click installations. Remember to prioritize features such as uptime, performance, and security to ensure your customers have a seamless, enjoyable browsing experience. Initially, hosting a website may appear daunting, but once you acquire the right tools and know-how, you’ll have the necessary skills to create and maintain your website successfully.

Are you looking for a new theme to accompany your new website? Check out our picks for the best themes for WordPress:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Before we wrap up, let’s answer some of your most common questions regarding how to host a website. Did we miss one? Leave a question below, and we will respond!

What’s the easiest way to host a website?
The easiest way to host a website is to use a hosting platform that offers a simple setup process. Some popular options include Siteground, Cloudways, Hostinger, and Bluehost. Simply choose a plan, select or transfer a domain name, and follow the prompts to host your website.
Can I host my website for free?
Yes, there are several options available for hosting your website for free. However, these options may have limitations, such as limited storage, bandwidth, and customization options. It is important to weigh the pros and cons before choosing a free hosting option.
What does it cost to host a website?
The cost of website hosting can vary depending on the hosting provider and the features you need. Basic shared hosting plans can start as low as $5-10 per month, while dedicated hosting costs hundreds of dollars. Other factors that may affect cost include domain registration, SSL certificates, and website design and development services.
What are the features I should look for in a web host?
When looking for a web host, you should consider features such as reliable uptime, fast loading speeds, good customer support, secure hosting, an easy-to-use control panel, and affordable pricing. Additionally, look for features like automatic backups, scalability options, and website builder tools.
Do I need my own server to host a website?
No, you do not necessarily need your own server to host a website. Various hosting options are available, such as shared hosting, VPS hosting, and cloud hosting, where you can rent server space from a hosting provider. These options allow you to run your website without needing a physical server and provide the necessary resources and infrastructure to host your website.
Can I host a website myself?
Yes, you can host a website by setting up web server software on a physical server and configuring it to host your website. However, mounting your server requires space, money, technical knowledge, and expertise and may not be practical for most individuals or small businesses. It is more convenient and cost-effective to use a web hosting service.
Can I use my personal computer as a web server for my website?
Yes, you can use your personal computer as a website server by installing software like WAMP, Local by Flywheel, or DevKinsta. However, it is only ideal for testing and development purposes, as only you can access your website hosted on your personal computer.
Which hosting provider also provides free domains?
Many hosting providers like Bluehost, Hostgator, Green Geeks, and InMotion Hosting offer free domains. Signing up for their hosting plans includes a free domain name for the first year. This can be an excellent option for those looking to start a website without paying extra for a domain name.
Can I buy my domain name and hosting separately?
Yes, it is possible to buy your domain name and hosting separately. You can purchase your domain name from a domain registrar like GoDaddy or Namecheap. Then, you can choose a hosting provider such as Bluehost, Siteground, or Hostgator to host your website.
Can I buy a domain name now and host it later?
Yes, you can purchase a domain name now and host it later. You can purchase the domain name from a registrar and choose a hosting provider later. The domain name will remain yours until it expires or you decide to transfer it to another owner.
Can I switch between hosting providers?
Yes, you can switch between hosting providers. However, the process may vary depending on the hosting providers and your website type. You may need to transfer your domain name, move your website files, and update your DNS records. Researching the new hosting provider and ensuring they meet your website's needs before making the switch is essential.

Featured Image via alexdndz / Shutterstock.com

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