Web hosting is the service that stores your website's files on a server connected to the internet, so people can visit it at any time.
How web hosting works
A website is a collection of files: pages, images, scripts and a database. These files live on a server, which is a powerful computer that is always on. When someone types your domain into a browser, the browser asks the server for your files and displays them.
Two things are needed: a domain name (the address) and hosting (the space). Read domain vs hosting for the difference.
Main types of web hosting
- Shared hosting: many sites share one server. Cheapest and best for beginners.
- VPS hosting: a virtual slice of a server with dedicated resources.
- Dedicated server: a whole server for you.
- WordPress hosting: optimised for WordPress sites.
- Reseller hosting: host other people's sites under your brand. See how to start a hosting reseller business.
What is included in a hosting plan
- Disk space and bandwidth
- A control panel such as cPanel
- Email accounts on your domain
- Databases (MySQL)
- SSL support for HTTPS
How to choose
Match the plan to your project and traffic. Follow our step-by-step buying guide.
What happens when someone visits your website
- The visitor types your domain name into a browser.
- The browser asks the Domain Name System (DNS) for the server's IP address.
- The browser connects to that server and requests the page.
- The server runs your website software (for example WordPress and PHP), queries the database, and builds the page.
- The server sends the page back, and the browser displays it.
All of this takes a fraction of a second. If any step is slow or broken, the visitor sees a slow site or an error.
Key hosting terms explained simply
- Server: a computer that stays online and serves your website.
- Bandwidth: the amount of data sent to visitors.
- Uptime: how often the server is reachable. See uptime explained.
- Control panel: a dashboard for managing hosting, such as cPanel.
- SSL: encryption that enables HTTPS.
- Nameserver: tells the internet where your domain's records live.
Which hosting type fits which situation?
Shared hosting suits first websites and small businesses. VPS suits growing websites that need guaranteed resources. Dedicated servers suit very large or specialised needs. Reseller hosting suits people who want to host multiple client sites or start their own hosting brand. Compare the first two in shared vs VPS.
Myths about hosting
- "Unlimited" means no limits. Every plan has fair-use and resource limits.
- The cheapest is a bargain. Check renewal and support.
- My host backs up everything forever. Keep your own copies.
- Hosting alone makes my site rank. Speed helps, but content and links matter more.
FAQ
Is web hosting the same as a domain?
No. A domain is the address, hosting is where the site lives.
Can I host a website for free?
Free options exist but usually come with limits, ads and no control. Paid hosting is better for any serious project.
Ready to launch? Compare SyllHost hosting plans, or search for your domain on our domain search page. Questions? Talk to our team.