Web Hosting is more diverse than it has ever been before. That’s because the market is segmented. It’s not just large corporations that need hosting anymore – anyone can have a presence online. In order to get the best hosting for your exact needs, it is important to learn a little more about what exactly hosting is. This guide aims to cover the top 10 most frequently asked questions when it comes to getting a website online.

CONTENTS:

1. What is web hosting?
2. How does web hosting work?
3. What are the types of web hosting?
4. How do I host a website in South Africa?
5. Can I host my own website?
6. How much does it cost to host a website?
7. Can I host my website for free?
8. What is the best cheapest hosting?
9. How do I buy web hosting?
10. Which web hosting is best for beginners?

Let’s dig in.

1. What is web hosting?

Web hosting is a secure space on a server, usually in a redundant data centre, where all the data of your website (videos, images, copy etc.) is stored. It allows you to publish your website on the World Wide Web. Opting for a professional hoster means your website will benefit from value-added extras like website backups, support, and security.

2. How does web hosting work?

Think of web hosting as the electricity that allows a ceiling fan to work or the fuel that powers a car ahead. A hosting company stores your website’s data on hardware called a server, and whenever a website visitor types in your domain name, web hosting makes your website visible.

3. What are the types of web hosting?

1. Dedicated Server Hosting – Dedicated Server Hosting is when the entire server is dedicated to your website and your website alone. This means your website will not compete with other websites for speed and space. Dedicated server hosting is ideal for heavy duty eCommerce websites or financial sites.

2. Cloud Server Hosting – Cloud Server Hosting is a virtual server made up by multiple single servers. Instead of accessing the space and storage of one server, cloud hosting makes use of various resources pooled together.

3. Shared Hosting – Shared Hosting is hosting on a single server shared with multiple websites. In sharing the resources of this server, the cost of hosting is drastically reduced. Shared hosting is the most popular choice for business websites.

4. Virtual Private Server (VPS) Hosting – A Virtual Private Server (VPS) has all the benefits of a dedicated server but in a shared virtual environment. It is ideal for companies that which to have the benefits of a dedicated server but cannot afford it.

5. Managed Hosting – Managed Hosting is niche hosting like WordPress Hosting for example, which has been tailored specifically for a particular type of website. It is managed by the hoster, meaning your business does not any technical skills and can rest easy that all the technical aspects of your site are taken care of.

4. How do I host a website in South Africa?

1. Get the domain name.
2. Choose between the various hosting types i.e., Dedicated vs. Shared etc.
3. Select a hosting provider.
4. Sign up for the package that suits your needs.

5. Can I host my own website?

Yes, anyone can host their own website. You can become your own host by using your PC as a server, however this is not professional and you would need to make sure you don’t have downtime when there are power outages etc. Hosting your own website isn’t free and requires a whole lot of technical savvy. Home hosting is suitable to individuals who enjoy technical complexities. You can find various tutorials online.
 

Choose a hosting company that can substantiate bold claims, particularly with regards to stability, speed, and security.

6. How much does it cost to host a website in South Africa?

Generally, you can host your website in South Africa for anything between R50 and R200 per month, but this is also dependant on what website you have and what are your requirements. Due to the wide variety of hosting types and packages available, as well as the multiple add-ons, prices can vary drastically. There are website hosting companies offering hosting for less. However, these hosting packages only include the bare basics. On the other hand, there are hosting companies that sell extremely advanced hosting packages that can cost far more.

7. Can I host my website for free?

In essence, yes. There are various free hosting options. Many CMS (Content Management Systems) and website builders include free hosting. You will also find multiple hosting companies marketing free hosting packages as well. However, many of these options require a subscription or once-off billing for add-ons, which means there are some costs involved.

8. What is the best hosting in South Africa?

Many hosting companies in South Africa offer exceptional hosting. Because hosting needs are so diverse it is important that you evaluate hosting options according to:

1. Your exact needs (How much storage do you need? How many websites do you want to host? How many email addresses do you want to register? Etc.).
2. The customer reviews written about the company online.
3. Guarantees on stability, security, and speed.
4. Value-added products, extras, and support.

9. How do I buy web hosting?

1. Decide what you need.
2. Research various hosting companies.
3. Unpack what is included in each package.
4. Make a choice and sign up.
5. Click here and we make it easy: Web Hosting – South Africa | Free Domain Name | Unlimited Bandwidth | SSD Web Hosting from a Leading Web Hosting Company in South Africa – Domains.co.za

10.Which type of hosting is best for beginners?

The best type of hosting for beginners like students, side hustles and start-ups is shared hosting as it delivers just what you need at an affordable price. Alternatively, beginners can select a website builder, like Domains.co.za’s Site Builder that offers free hosting and a free domain name, eliminating the need to pay for the design of the website. Email Only Hosting can also work well if you only need to send professional emails from your registered domain name.

KEY TAKEAWAY:

Price is not the best way to find suitable hosting. Decide what the best hosting for your particular needs will be first, and then find hosting to match this. There are multiple different types of hosting, and the cost can vary substantially from one package to the next. Choose a hosting company that can substantiate bold claims, particularly with regards to stability, speed, and security. Added to this, look for a hoster that can accommodate your growing business and offer great after-sales support.

Chantel Venter

Chantél Venter is a creative writer, strategic thinker, and a serious gesticulator. She’s passionate about storytelling, small businesses and bringing color to the world ­– be it through her words or wardrobe.

She holds a four-year degree in Business and Mass Media Communication and Journalism. She’s been a copywriter and editor for the technology, insurance and architecture industries since 2007 and believes anybody can run a small business successfully. She therefore enjoys finding and sharing the best and most practical tips for this purpose.