What is web hosting?
A plain-English explanation of what web hosting is, why every website needs it, and how it fits into your online presence.
Every website needs a home: a computer that stores its files and serves them to visitors around the clock. That computer is called a server, and the service that provides it is called web hosting.
What a server actually does
When someone types your web address into their browser, their computer sends a request across the internet. That request travels to your hosting server. The server then sends back your website's files (images, text, code) and the browser assembles them into the page you see.
This happens every time anyone opens a page on your site. Your server needs to be fast, reliable, and always on.
What hosting includes
A hosting plan typically bundles together:
- Server spaceStorage for your website's files and database.
- BandwidthThe amount of data your site can send to visitors each month.
- An IP addressThe numeric address of the server your site lives on.
- Security featuresThese vary by host and plan, but often include protection against attacks and automatic software updates.
- BackupsRegular copies of your site in case something goes wrong.
Higher-tier plans add more of each, and often more powerful or dedicated server resources.
Types of hosting
We handle this for you
Chykalophia selects and manages your hosting. This section is background knowledge. You don't need to choose.
| Type | What it means | Who it's for |
|---|---|---|
| Shared hosting | Your site shares a server with many others | Small personal sites; not ideal for business |
| Managed WordPress hosting | A server optimized specifically for WordPress | Most of our clients. See the managed WordPress guide |
| VPS (Virtual Private Server) | A dedicated slice of a larger server | Growing businesses needing more control |
| Dedicated server | An entire server just for your site | High-traffic or highly custom applications |
| Cloud hosting | Runs on a shared pool of servers that can be added or released as needed | Sites that need to scale; Kinsta, for example, runs on cloud infrastructure |
Hosting vs your domain name
Your domain name (e.g. yourbusiness.com) is separate from hosting. Think of it this way:
- Your domain name is like your street address. It's the name people type to find you.
- Your hosting is like the actual building. It's where everything lives.
You can own a domain without hosting (it just won't show a website), and you can have hosting without pointing a domain to it. They work together, but they're usually purchased separately. See how DNS & hosting fit together for more.
One name, one set of DNS settings, two entirely separate destinations. Changing your host does not move your email, and changing your email provider does not touch your website.
Read this as text
Your domain name (yourbusiness.com) sits at the top. It points to your DNS settings, which act as a switchboard.
From there the DNS settings send traffic two separate ways. The A record sends website visitors to your website hosting, where your site’s files live. The MX record sends email to your email provider, where your messages live.
The two destinations are independent. They are often different companies, and changing one does not affect the other.
How long does hosting last?
Hosting is a subscription. You pay monthly or annually to keep it active. If you stop paying, your website goes offline. We help you set up auto-renewal so this never happens accidentally. See renewing hosting & avoiding lapses.
Common questions
What happens if my hosting goes offline?
Your website becomes unreachable: visitors will see an error page. This is why we monitor uptime for clients on a care plan. See uptime & downtime explained.
Can I use any hosting company?
Technically yes, but we recommend the platforms we know well: Flywheel, WP Engine, and Kinsta. They're built specifically for WordPress, have excellent support, and include features like staging and automatic backups.
Do I own my hosting account?
Yes. Your hosting account belongs to you. We may manage it on your behalf, but the account, and your website's files, are yours. See who pays for hosting? for billing details.
Is hosting the same as a website builder like Squarespace?
No. Platforms like Squarespace include hosting in every plan, so there's no separate hosting bill. For WordPress sites, hosting is separate from the software that runs the site.
Related guides
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Go deeper on chykalophia.com
- Our full guideWebsite maintenance: costs and risksWhat upkeep costs, and what goes wrong without it.
- Website careThe Boring StuffOur care plan: updates, backups, security and speed, looked after for you.
- Our approachWebsite optimizationTesting, performance work and analytics hygiene that keep your site earning.
Website care
Rather not keep on top of this yourself?
The Boring Stuff is our website care plan. Updates, backups, security and speed are looked after for you, by senior people.
Already a client? Email support@chykalophia.com.
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