Website hosting for businesses: the basics

When you're creating your websites, one of the decisions you will have to make will be whether to host your website online or in-house. This decision will be based on the size of your business, as well as how much you want to spend on your hosting. This guide will give you an introduction to the hosting options available to you

• What is hosting?
• Using an ISP
• In-house hosting

What is hosting?

Getting your website online means putting it on a web server connected to the internet, which will make it available online. The server will give your site a unique Internet Protocol (IP) address, keeping your files maintained so users can access it. The hosting solution you choose will also govern the speed at which your users can access it - so make sure you choose the right package.

• Upload your site on to a server connected to the internet
• The server will give your site a unique IP address
• The hosting solution will also govern the speed at which your site is loaded

Using an ISP

Internet Service Providers (ISPs) host your site outside your business, keeping the data which makes up your site on servers in its offices. This is generally a cheaper option unless you choose dedicated hosting, where your site is hosted on an individual server.  However, this isn't necessary unless you expect a high level of traffic on your site, or you need it to be particularly secure.

• ISPs keep your website's data on servers in their office
• ISP hosting is generally a cheaper option
• Dedicated hosting means your website is hosted on an individual server

In-house hosting

With in-house hosting, your site is hosted on a server in your own office. This means you will be responsible for making sure your site stays online and doesn't malfunction. To host your site in-house, you will need to have a high-speed internet connection as well as the expertise to keep your site maintained and react quickly if something goes wrong.

• Your site is hosted on an in-house server
• You will be responsible for keeping your site maintained
• You will need a high-speed internet connection

Smarta Business Builder

To help you on your business journey, we've created Smarta Business Builder, the complete online tools package for growing your business. Website Builder, Business Plans, Accounting Software, Legal Documents and Email - all in one place - from just £20 per month with no contract! Try it out today.