How to Choose Web Hosting
Web hosting is the service that stores your website and makes it available online. Some website builders include it; other websites need a separate hosting plan. Start by checking what your site uses and who will help you look after it.
Updated: 7 September 2026.
Which kind of website do you have?
- A small information website: a shared hosting plan may be enough. Several websites use the same server, and the host manages the server itself.
- A WordPress website: check who handles WordPress updates, security and backups. Managed WordPress hosting includes help with some of these jobs.
- An online shop: ask your shop provider or developer what is included and what support is available if orders or payments stop working.
- A busy or specialist website: ask your developer to explain any additional hosting needs and the ongoing cost.
If you are starting from scratch, our website builder guide can help you decide whether you need separate hosting at all.
Compare the price after the offer ends
Check the renewal price, how long you are committing for and whether VAT is included. Ask about extra costs for email, backups, security, moving the website and restoring it after a problem.
If a domain name is included, check its renewal price too. Make sure the business owns the domain and can access the account.
Ask what support will help with
Hosting support may deal with the server but leave website problems to your designer. Ask who you would contact if a page stopped working, the contact form failed or the website went offline.
Check support hours and whether you can speak to someone by phone, chat or email. If your designer handles hosting for you, ask which work their fee includes.
Make sure there is a backup
A backup is a saved copy that can help restore the site after a mistake or fault. Ask how often copies are made, how long they are kept and who can restore one.
Arrange for a copy to be kept separately from the live hosting account. Your developer or host can explain how to do this.
If you are moving an existing website
Ask who will move the pages, files and email, change the domain settings and check everything afterwards. Keep the old service until the new website, forms and email have been tested.
Save a separate backup before the move. Note the old and new contract dates so you know when to cancel or renew.
Before you choose
You should know the ongoing price, who maintains the website, who helps in an emergency and how you would move elsewhere. If any answer is unclear, ask the host or designer to explain it before you sign up.