What Is Web Hosting?

Web hosting services make your website available over the Internet. When someone enters your address into their browser, their computer connects with the server storing your site data; from there it sends files directly to their user computer for viewing on screen. Website hosting companies rent space on servers out to users as well as providing extra services such as server management tools, antivirus protection software backup and technical support services.

When selecting the ideal web host provider, performance and speed should always come first. A slow website can cost your business money by driving customers away. When selecting your host, assess both current needs as well as growth plans – look for providers offering fast servers with an uptime guarantee of at least 99.9% to meet these standards.

Some hosting providers also provide Content Management System hosting as an add-on service to their web hosting plans, enabling anyone to edit website content using a graphical dashboard without needing to know HTML programming language. While more expensive than basic web hosting plans, CMS hosting ensures your website stays current and available to your customers at all times – or you could take advantage of a free platform such as WordPress integrated within many web hosts’ core packages as an alternative option.