How to Choose Quality Website Hosting for Your Mindful Business in 2025
With Downloadable checklist & recommendation
Choosing quality hosting is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your website, and for mindful businesses, it’s about more than just technical performance—it’s about creating a relaxed, seamless experience for yourself and your visitors.
I’m guessing you ended up here because you’re thinking of creating a WordPress website. And it’s a great choice – WordPress is by far the most popular platform to create a self-hosted website on, because choosing this route gives you maximum flexibility and control as a small business owner.
When you’re building a WordPress website, reliable hosting is very important, so that your website responds quickly, pages load fast, and your workflow stays smooth and stress-free.
Fast-loading pages are also essential for your audience; it’s what everyone expects nowadays. A website that loads quickly creates a positive user experience, helping you build trust and connection with your visitors. Also, search engines reward websites on fast hosts, giving them a boost in search rankings. Organic traffic to your site brings new potential clients into your world, and so this kind of evergreen, no-hustle marketing strategy is important for calm & quiet loving, mindful business owners that like to spend lots of time on “airplane mode”!
Another important point: your business is an extension of your energy, and every decision embeds its vibes into what you create. By choosing a hosting company that has ethical practices and environmentally friendly choices at the heart of their business operations, you align your website’s foundation with the same mindful values you bring to your work. You almost literally power your website and business with good vibes!
In this guide, we’ll explore how to choose quality hosting that aligns with your values and supports your mindful business in 2025. Whether you’re starting with your first WordPress site or have an existing website that you’re looking to upgrade to a better hosting provider, you’ll get the insights you need to make a confident decision.
*This post contains affiliate links which means that if you decide to buy something I recommend I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you!
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What hosting is and why you need it
Every time you visit a website, the text, images, and other elements that make up that site are downloaded from a computer to your internet browser, which then displays them on your screen.
This is made possible by servers—computers with ‘superpowers’ that are always on and ready to deliver your website files at lightning speed.
And that’s where hosting companies come in. They operate these powerful servers, specially set up to store and serve websites to browsers. When you buy hosting, you’re essentially renting space on one of these servers. You upload your website files, link your domain name to the server, and voilà—when someone clicks your website link, the server sends those files to their device, and your website comes to life.
The secrets of the hosting industry
The hosting industry might seem simple at first glance, but there’s a lot happening behind the scenes. Today hosting is a massive global industry that consumes huge amounts of resources and electricity to keep the internet running 24/7. So that’s why the hosting company you choose matters—not just for your website’s performance, but for the planet too. Your choice makes a difference.
On top of that, what many people don’t realize is that a handful of giant corporations control most of the hosting market. These companies have a habit of buying up smaller, independent hosts, and when that happens, things often change for the worse. Customer service teams get downsized, servers are crammed with more websites to cut costs, and other important features are stripped away.
Learning by (bad) experience…
Take GoDaddy and Bluehost, for example. These are household names, but what many people don’t know is that they’re part of these massive hosting empires. Choosing a host like this often means sacrificing the personal touch, ethics, reliability, and care you’d get from smaller, independent companies. Smaller hosts often stick to their values, like offering great service and caring for the planet, instead of just focusing on making as much profit as possible or keeping shareholders happy.
Until they are bought by a bigger company that is…
As a web designer, I’ve seen this firsthand. Over the years, I’ve recommended various hosting providers that stood out for their excellent service and performance—only to watch them get bought up by the giants. I’d see their quality of service quickly decline, and I’d end up having to move all these clients to new hosts—a frustrating and time-consuming process I wouldn’t wish on anyone.
The Good News: Hosting Companies That Truly Care
But here’s the good news: there are still amazing hosting companies out there that truly care. These are the companies with strong ethics, dedicated customer support, and sustainable practices. Some even go so far as to promise they’ll never sell out to the hosting giants, ensuring they stay true to their values.
By choosing a host that prioritizes both quality service to their customers and renewable energy, responsible resource use, and ethical practices, you really can have the best of both worlds.
And the best part? The prices are still incredibly reasonable, so you don’t have to compromise on quality or sustainability to get great hosting. In fact, I’ve switched to ethical and sustainble website hosting years ago for myself and for my clients, and I’ve never looked back. Read on for my heartfelt recommendation…
Pro tip: Keep Your Hosting & Domain Name Separate
Here’s an important tip: I recommend you keep your domain name and hosting separate. Hosting companies will often try to sell you a domain name, and domain registrars will push hosting packages—but bundling them isn’t in your best interest.
When you buy your domain name from a dedicated domain registrar company and your hosting from a dedicated hosting company, you can avoid potential troubles, like being locked into one provider or facing extra fees if you decide to switch. It’s a small step that gives you much more flexibility and control over your website.
For more info on domain names, see my free domain name e-book here.
Why Good Quality Hosting Matters
Not all hosting is created equal. Just like computers keep getting better and faster, server technology is always evolving too. The hosting company you choose can make a big difference to your website’s performance, reliability, and even how happy and relaxed you feel working on it.
Hosting is a competitive market, and companies use different strategies to stand out. Some focus on being the cheapest, which sounds tempting but often comes with trade-offs. After all, they’re still a business, and to stay profitable the money has to come from somewhere, often from cutting corners —whether that’s cramming too many websites onto their servers, using outdated technology, or offering poor customer service.
Finding the Sweet Spot Between Cost and Quality
Now you may think you better pay for the best quality and choose one of the premium hosts. They certainly have amazing technology, lightning-fast servers, and stellar customer support. But they also come with a much higher price tag, which might be too much for you, especially if you’re a startup, small business, or solopreneur.
In our experience, for many businesses, the sweet spot is somewhere in between: a host that balances cost with quality. A good hosting company invests in up-to-date servers that keep your site fast and responsive. They also avoid overselling server space, so you’re not sharing resources with more websites than the server can handle.
So what do you need to look for in a webhost? Below you’ll find 10 key things you should look out for in a good hosting company.
If you’re starting to feel a little overwhelmed and ready to run for the hills with all this hosting information… don’t worry 🥰
Because you can scroll down to my hosting recommendation below at any time, I LOVE this company and they tick all the boxes.
But I also want to give you the info you need so you can also make your own informed decisions.
10 crucial things to check for website hosting
Quick and Reliable Servers
You probably know what it’s like to have a slow computer—it’s so frustrating when everything slows down to a snail’s pace… Hosting is no different. If your website is on a slow or outdated server, it’s going to take longer to load. Website visitors are extremely impatient, and if things don’t work well they’ll get frustrated and quickly move on to another website.
A good hosting company will make sure their servers always run with up-to-date technology to help your website load quickly and smoothly. The software running the server is just as important. Look for hosting companies that use Apache or Litespeed web servers—they’re fast, secure, and reliable options that help keep your site performing at its best.
The Latest Stable PHP Version
PHP is like the engine that powers many websites, including WordPress. Just like you’d want the latest updates for your phone or computer, your hosting should support the latest stable version of PHP. Regular updates to PHP improve your website’s speed, security, and compatibility with modern tools and plugins.
Without an up-to-date PHP version, your website could run slower, face security risks, or have trouble working with newer features. Most hosting providers will mention their PHP support on their feature list. If it’s not clear, don’t hesitate to ask their support team—it’s worth checking to make sure you’re getting what you need. Here you can check the lastest PHP requirements for running WordPress. Note that they also link to some recommended WordPress hosts, but please ignore those recommendations, because they’re not necessarily the best. For example, I strongly advice against using Bluehost for example based on my own and my clients’ experiences.
User-Friendly cPanel Access
When you’re choosing a host, it’s a great idea to look for one that offers cPanel access. cPanel is a hosting control panel interface, and it’s where you can manage important things like creating email accounts, uploading files, and tweaking other settings.
There are other control panel options out there, but cPanel is one of the most popular for a reason—it’s reliable, user-friendly, and packed with features to help you manage your website easily, even if you’re not a tech wizard. If your host offers cPanel, it’s a good sign that they care about making things simple and accessible for their users.
Space and Bandwidth: The Truth About 'Unlimited' Promises
Many budget hosts advertise with unlimited space, bandwidth, email accounts, databases, and subdomains. Sounds amazing, right? But here’s the thing—they don’t actually have unlimited resources. No hosting company does. So how can they offer “unlimited everything”? Well, it’s a marketing trick to convince you to sign up.
If you dig into the fine print, you’ll find that these “unlimited” plans come with hidden limits. They’ll usually include something about “server resources,” which means your account is capped at a certain point. If you go over that limit, they’ll throttle your site’s performance, charge extra fees, or even suspend your account.
Here’s what you really need to know: for most websites, these limits are more than enough. A well-setup website often only needs a few gigabytes of space and won’t come close to maxing out bandwidth unless you’re getting thousands of visitors a day (which is a great problem to have!).
What Are Space and Bandwidth?
- Space: This is how much storage your hosting account has for website files like images, text, and videos. For a small business website, a few gigabytes are usually plenty.
- Bandwidth: This is how much data your website can send to visitors. Think of it like water flowing through a pipe—bandwidth is the size of the pipe, and most sites don’t need to channel Niagara falls, so a modest pipe is fine.
Why Healthy Limits Are Actually a Good Sign
It might sound counter-intuitive, but hosts that are upfront about their limits are often a better choice. When a company puts healthy limits in place, it usually means they’re managing their resources well. This helps ensure your website performs reliably and isn’t competing with dozens of others on an overcrowded server.
So don’t be put off by hosting plans with clear limits. Unless you’re running a large site with huge amounts of traffic, you likely won’t notice any difference—and you’ll benefit from a host that takes transparency seriously.
Server Backups: A Safety Net for Your Website
Do they take your website seriously? One way to tell is by checking if they take regular backups. A good quality host will offer what’s called “nightly backups” (or sometimes daily backups). This means they create a complete copy of everything in your hosting account—your website files, databases, and even your email accounts.
Backups are like your safety net. If something ever goes wrong—whether it’s a technical glitch, a security issue, or even just an accidental mistake—you can restore your website to a previous version quickly and easily. Without backups, it’s possible to lose a lot of your work—or even your entire website.
That said, it’s a good idea not to rely entirely on hosting backups. That’s why I set all my clients up with automatic backups stored in another location that they fully control, for an extra layer of security. Many website builders also offer features to help you restore individual pages if you make a mistake. By having multiple layers of backups—your host’s backups, your own backups, and your website builder’s recovery tools—you can rest assured that your website is safe no matter what happens.
Uptime Guarantee: Keeping Your Website Online
Your website needs to be available to visitors whenever and wherever they want to access it—whether that’s during business hours in New York or at 2 AM in Sydney. That’s why uptime is such an important factor when you’re choosing a host.
The best hosting companies offer an uptime guarantee of at least 99.9%, which means your site will rarely, if ever, go offline. This is important, because a site that’s down not only frustrates your visitors but can also hurt your credibility and even your SEO rankings.
So when you’re looking at hosting options, do also check their uptime guarantee. A good host knows how important reliability is and will work hard to keep your website up and running at all times.
Security Features: Keeping Your Website Safe
Your website is like your online home, and just like any home, it needs security to protect it from unwanted visitors. That’s why a good hosting company will have built-in security features to keep your site safe and running smoothly.
Look for hosts that offer malware scanning and firewalls to block threats before they become a problem. These tools work quietly in the background to safeguard your website so you can focus on your business without worrying about security.
Choosing a host with strong security features gives you peace of mind and helps ensure your website is a safe and trustworthy place for your visitors.
Free SSL Certificates: Secure Your Site
An SSL certificate is what gives your website that little padlock icon in the browser bar, showing visitors that their connection to your site is safe. It’s an important trust signal—without it, browsers may display a warning that your site is “not secure,” which can make visitors hesitant to come in.
A good hosting company will include SSL certificates for free as part of their service. These are often based on auto SSL technology, which keeps your site secure without you having to do a thing. If SSL isn’t included, it could cost you $50–100 per year, plus you might need to hire someone to set it up for you.
Since SSL is essential for protecting your visitors’ data and improving your site’s SEO, make sure your hosting plan includes it at no extra cost. Most good hosts do, but there are still quite a few that don’t, so it’s worth checking before you sign up.
Customer Service: A Big One!
Customer service is a big deal when it comes to hosting. No matter how smooth your website setup is, there will come a time when you need help—and how your host handles those moments makes all the difference.
Through my web design work I’ve gained practical experience with a lot of hosting companies over the years, and the differences in customer service can be shocking. Some hosts are fantastic: they offer multiple support options like live chat and phone support, and they genuinely try to help resolve your issue quickly. Others? Not so much.
They might promise fast response times but send you from pillar to post, giving vague or useless answers that drag out the time it takes to fix the problem. It can feel like they’re just ticking a box rather than actually solving the issue, and this can be very frustrating when something about your website is broken and you’re desperate to get it working again.
The cheapest budget hosts are often the worst offenders. While they might technically offer email, chat, and phone support, the wait times can be painfully long, plus the answers you get often don’t really solve the problem. I’ve experienced this firsthand when helping clients who were stuck with low-quality hosting. Trying to deal with their support teams on their behalf really showed me how much good customer service matters!
Trust me, dealing with bad support can be like trying to put out a fire with a plant-sprayer—no matter how hard you try, it just doesn’t get the job done. 😔 So my advice is to look for a host with a reputation for excellent support. Read reviews, check if they have 24/7 live chat or phone support, and don’t be afraid to test their responsiveness with a few pre-sale questions before you sign up. A good host won’t just answer quickly—they’ll give you the clear, actionable help you need.
Free Migration: Hassle-Free Switching
If you’re currently with a host and unhappy with their service, switching to a better option might feel like a big step. That’s where free migration comes in. A good host will often migrate your site to their servers for free, handling the technical side of the move so you don’t have to.
Switching hosting providers can feel intimidating, especially if you’re not sure how to move everything over without breaking your site. A host that offers free migration takes that stress off your plate. They’ll make sure everything gets transferred smoothly, so you can get up and running quickly without worrying about downtime or errors.
*** Download your hosting checklist ***
Here’s a downloadable PDF quick reference checklist to have by your side when you’re choosing a host for your website – it summarizes the points above succinctly!
How to Choose a Great Host for a Good Price
Most people are on a budget when starting their business, so it’s tempting to go for the cheapest hosting option. But consider this: the price difference between a budget host and one that’s noticeably better is often just $5 a month. That small extra investment can make a big difference in your website’s performance and reliability.
If you’re just starting out, you likely don’t need “the best of everything” hosting, especially if your site will only have a few thousand visitors a month. That said, you still want your website to work as well as possible for those visitors—it’s the foundation of your business, after all. As your traffic grows (around 5,000–10,000 visitors a month), it may be worth upgrading to a more powerful hosting plan.
How Much Should You Expect to Pay for Hosting?
Here’s a general pricing guide to help you decide:
Less than $6/month: These are the cheapest options and are often too good to be true. You’ll likely encounter slow speeds, oversold servers, and poor customer service. Best to steer clear.
$6–$10/month: This range is common for budget-friendly shared hosting. It’s a good starting point for most new websites, especially if you’re under 5,000 monthly visitors.
$10–$20/month: This is the sweet spot for small businesses. At this level, you’ll find better server performance, faster speeds, and additional features that can support traffic up to 5,000 visitors/month more easily.
$20+/month: If you’re in a competitive market or expect well over 5,000 visitors a month, this is where more powerful hosting options come into play. You’re paying for better reliability, speed, and customization.
Managed WordPress hosting – not needed for most small businesses
When you’re researching hosting options, you might come across something called Managed WordPress Hosting and wonder if it’s right for you. Managed hosting is like having a concierge for your website—it takes care of some technical tasks like updates, backups, and security, so you don’t have to. Sounds great, right?
Here’s the thing: while it can be a good choice for businesses that depend heavily on their website—like online shops, high-traffic blogs, or sites handling sensitive data—it’s also pretty pricey. Plans typically start at $40–50 a month, and that’s just for the basics. For most small or starting businesses, it’s more than you need.
If you’ve got a good hosting plan, solid backups, and a bit of occasional maintenance (like the kind I provide for my clients), you’re likely covered at a much lower cost. Managed hosting might make sense if your site is mission-critical, or if you don’t have anyone techy to rely on. Otherwise, you’re probably fine sticking with a setup that’s kinder to your budget and just as reliable for most needs.
For mindful business owners, a decision like hosting goes beyond the practical. It’s a way to communicate your values to your clients, showing them that you care about the bigger picture.
Green ethical hosting without greenwash?
The internet is a massive energy guzzler. To put it in perspective, it uses more electricity each year than the entire United Kingdom. That’s a huge amount of power, and not all of it comes from clean sources. The way this energy is generated—whether through renewable options like wind and solar or more polluting ones like coal and gas—can make a big difference. That’s why the hosting company you choose matters. Every website, no matter how small, adds to the demand for energy.
The Problem with Greenwashing in Hosting
Here’s the tricky part: plenty of hosting companies claim to use green energy, but their efforts often don’t go beyond the surface. This is what’s known as greenwashing—when companies market themselves as eco-friendly without making any real changes. On the other hand, there are hosting companies that are genuinely committed to using clean energy and operating in an ethical, transparent way. These companies are leading the way in showing how hosting can be both high-performing and environmentally responsible.
Aligning Your Business Energy with Your Values
In business, just like in life, the energy you put into something matters. Every choice you make—from the way you build your website to the hosting company you choose—carries its own vibe. By selecting a host that aligns with values like sustainability and care, you’re not just powering your website; you’re infusing your work with positive energy that reflects who you are and what you stand for.
For mindful business owners, these decisions go beyond the practical. They’re a way to communicate your values to your clients, showing them that you care about the bigger picture. Choosing ethical and green hosting isn’t just about supporting good practices—it’s about bringing those high-vibe intentions into everything you do, creating a ripple effect that touches your clients and your work in meaningful ways.
A few years ago, I discovered a hosting company that truly ticks all the boxes. I decided to switch, both for myself and for my clients, and I’ve never looked back! They excel in technical performance and customer service, but they also lead the way with their ethical and environmental practices. On top of that they offer all of this at a competitive price: you don’t have to compromise on quality or values!
Read on to learn more about the hosting company I wholeheartedly recommend…
***Our hosting recommendation for your mindful business***
Let me introduce you to a wonderful company I couldn’t be happier to endorse and recommend:
It’s Krystal.io – and by using our coupon code websiteswithaheart you’ll receive £10 discount when buying your hosting package from them!
Founded over 20 years ago, Krystal was created with two reasons in mind: to challenge the big corporations dominating the hosting industry and to protect and restore the planet. They’re family-owned, fiercely independent, and built on values that aren’t just about making money.
Most hosting companies are all about keeping shareholders happy, but Krystal takes a completely different approach. Instead of chasing profits, they put their money back into creating an amazing hosting experience and supporting real environmental efforts. They’ve been running on 100% renewable energy since 2017, and their UK data center is one of the most energy-efficient in the world. What really sets them apart, though, is their big-picture thinking. They’re not making decisions for the next quarter—they’re focused on building a better, more sustainable world for the long run.
Staying Independent and Consistent
Krystal refuses to sell out, and that’s a big deal. In an industry where so many hosting companies get snapped up by big corporations—often leading to bad service and declining quality—Krystal’s promise to stay independent is like a breath of fresh air. You don’t have to worry about them being bought out and suddenly cutting corners. They stick to their values and stay focused on ethics and quality, so you can trust that your hosting will always be consistent and reliable.
When it comes to tech, Krystal really stands out. They’ve built and manage their own network of servers, which means they’re in control of every part of the hosting experience from start to finish. Their system, called Katapult, is designed to make websites super fast while also using hardware more efficiently and reducing environmental impact. And when you need support, you’re speaking with highly skilled technicians who often fix issues on the first contact—no endless escalations or generic responses here. They take pride in their quick response times and short waits, and they even publish live statistics to prove they deliver on that promise.
A Name That Reflects Their Values
Can we just take a moment to appreciate their name? I absolutely LOVE it. Krystal feels like such a perfect reflection of their high-vibe intentions and values. Just like crystals are known for their clarity, energy, and positive vibrations, Krystal brings those same qualities to their hosting services. Their plan names—Amethyst, Ruby, and Emerald—are a perfect fit too, capturing the sense of quality, care, and something a little deeper. It’s a thoughtful touch that perfectly aligns with their mission to create hosting that’s as mindful and purposeful as it is reliable.
Choosing the Right Krystal Plan
Both their Amethyst and Ruby plans are excellent choices for small business websites. The Amethyst plan is perfect if you only need to host one website, while the Ruby plan offers more space and the flexibility to host multiple sites. This can be really useful if you want to work on updates or changes for your website behind the scenes. For our clients, we often duplicate their website on a separate setup, allowing them to make changes without their live site ever going offline and this is possible on the Ruby plan.
If you feel you’d not like to worry about anything to do with your hosting, then I can also host your website with Krystal for you. I have a company account with them and can host your site for you with them for a competitive price, and I’ll be your point of contact and help you with any issues related to your hosting. Feel free to get in touch with me if you’d like to find out if this is for you. Email me at [email protected].
An alternative to consider
Another company we’ve had good experiences with over the years is SiteGround. They’re a professional hosting provider known for their excellent customer service and reliability. However, they do come at a slightly higher price point compared to other hosts, and they don’t prioritize the ethical and environmental values that we love so much about Krystal.
Frequently Asked Questions about hosting
I’m finishing off this article by answering common questions about hosting.
What is web hosting, and why do I need it?
Web hosting is like renting a space on the internet for your website to live. When someone visits your site, all the files and data that make it work (like images, text, and code) are stored on a server, which delivers them to their browser. Without hosting, your site wouldn’t be accessible online.
How much does hosting usually cost?
Hosting prices vary depending on the features and resources you need, but it’s important to be cautious with the very cheapest options. While shared hosting can start as low as $6/month, this often comes with compromises—slower speeds, less reliable service, and poor customer support. If you’re looking for a hosting provider that offers quality performance and dependable customer care, you’ll want to budget around $10/month or more. Investing a little more upfront ensures your website runs smoothly and that help is there when you need it. Have a look here for more info on pricing.
What happens if my website outgrows my hosting plan?
Outgrowing your hosting plan simply means your website is getting more traffic or needs more resources than your current plan can handle. Think of it like moving into a bigger house because your family has grown—your website just needs more space and power to keep running smoothly.
Most small businesses don’t need to worry about this at all, especially in the early stages. Plus, good hosting providers make it easy to upgrade if and when you do need more, and with the right host, it’s a smooth, hassle-free process.
Do I need an SSL certificate for my website?
Yes! SSL certificates encrypt the connection between your site and visitors, making it more secure. They’re also essential for building trust—your visitors will see that little padlock in their browser—and for improving your SEO.
Many hosting companies include SSL for free these days, but if they don’t, buying one separately can cost anywhere from $50 to $100 per year. Plus, you might need help setting it up, which can add to the cost. So, make sure your hosting plan includes SSL at no extra charge—it’s a feature you shouldn’t compromise on.
Can I switch hosting providers if I’m unhappy?
Absolutely. Most good hosts even offer free migration services to make switching easier. If you’re unhappy with your current host, there’s no reason to stay stuck—just look for a host that ticks all your boxes and makes the process hassle-free.
One thing to keep in mind when switching: it’s much easier if your domain is registered separately from your hosting. Some hosting companies can make it difficult—or even hold your site hostage—if they control both your hosting and domain. I’ve seen this happen to clients, and it’s a headache no one needs. This is one of the reasons I always recommend keeping your domain and hosting separate. It gives you more flexibility and control if you ever need to move.
What should I look for in a hosting company?
The big things to check are speed, reliability, customer support, scalability, and, for mindful businesses, whether their values align with yours. Ethical and green practices as a bonus for a competitive price are totally feasible! See our recommended hosting company here.
What is uptime, and why does it matter?
Uptime is the percentage of time your website is live and accessible. The best hosts offer at least 99.9% uptime. If your site is down often, it frustrates visitors and can hurt your SEO. Reliable uptime is key to keeping your site running smoothly.
Should I buy a domain through a hosting company?
It’s usually better to keep your domain and hosting separate. This gives you more control and flexibility if you ever want to change hosting providers. For lots of info on domain names, including FAQ and my recommendation on where to buy them, see my domain name e-book here.
How can I tell if a hosting company is genuinely “green”?
Look for companies that use 100% renewable energy or have certifications like B Corp status. Watch out for greenwashing—claims that sound good but aren’t backed by real action. Check if they’re transparent about their sustainability efforts.
How do I know how much bandwidth or storage I need?
If your site is small and you’re just starting out, you probably don’t need much—most hosting plans include more than enough. As your traffic grows or if you host lots of media (like videos), you may need to upgrade for more resources. (Quick tip: for hosting videos, it’s usually better to do that through a dedicated platform like youtube or vimeo and embed the videos in your website instead of hosting them directly yourself, so if you have videos that you want to share, that does‘nt mean you have to have more expensive hosting!).
What happens if my website goes offline?
If your website goes offline, it’s usually because of server issues, exceeded resource limits, or expired domains. A good host with great uptime guarantees and fast customer support will help you get things back online quickly.
Is it better to choose a local hosting provider or an international one?
For small businesses it doesn’t matter so much. Local providers might offer faster support in your time zone but this is not relevant if the company offers 24/7 support. So unless you value supporting your local economy, you can safely choose a host that meets your technical needs and aligns with your values, whether they’re local or global.
What security features should I look for in a hosting company?
Make sure they include malware protection, firewalls, and regular backups. These features help protect your site from hackers and give you peace of mind.
Can hosting affect my website’s SEO?
Definitely. Speed, uptime, and SSL certificates all play a role in SEO. A slow or unreliable site can hurt your rankings, while a fast, secure host helps you perform better in search engines.
Can I host multiple websites on one hosting plan?
Yes, but it depends on the plan. Some hosting plans let you host multiple sites, while others are limited to just one. If you’re planning to run more than one site, make sure what your hosting plan allows and keep in mind that limits aren’t necessarily a bad thing.
Hosts that put boundaries on the number of sites often do so to maintain healthy server performance, ensuring their servers aren’t overstuffed with too many websites. This can actually work in your favor, as it helps keep your site fast and reliable. Just make sure you check what each plan includes and choose one that fits your needs and future plans.
Do hosting companies offer email services?
Yes, many hosting companies include email services as part of their plans—but here’s an interesting twist: some of the pricier hosting providers don’t include email. So, it’s always worth checking before you make a decision. Look for plans that offer professional email addresses (like [email protected]) and pay attention to any limits on the number of accounts or storage. It’s a handy feature to have included, especially if you want everything managed in one place.
How do I check if a hosting company offers good customer support?
Read reviews, check their response times, and you can also try contacting their support team with a few questions before signing up. The best hosts make it easy to get in touch and provide clear, helpful answers.
What is managed WordPress hosting, and do I need it?
Managed WordPress hosting is like having a concierge service for your website—it takes care of the technical stuff like updates, backups, and security, so you don’t have to. It’s a good option for businesses that rely heavily on their website, like online shops, high-traffic blogs, or sites handling sensitive data, where performance and security are non-negotiable.
But let’s be honest—it comes with a price tag, often starting at $40-50 a month or more, and that’s just for the basics. For most small or starting businesses, this level of hosting isn’t necessary. A solid setup with good hosting, security, and backups (plus the occasional tune-up) usually does the trick for much less.
~ Closing Thoughts ~
As a mindful business owner, the choices you make about your website—like the hosting company you work with—aren’t just practical decisions; they’re an extension of the values and energy you bring to your work 💖
I hope this guide has helped you feel more confident about navigating the sometimes overwhelming world of website hosting 😊.
Warm wishes,
PS: If you have any questions about hosting or other website things, feel free to email me at [email protected]., or have a look at my sister website Websiteswithaheart.com where you can learn more about my website work.
Hi there,
I'm Helena!
Fifteen years ago I quit my job to move to a small village in wild Eastern Europe, to create a slower intentional life, close to nature with my heart as my compass. Through my work as a graphic & web designer and through my passion for writing I help women all over the world create their life and business from their heart. I write about slow mindful living, the simple pleasures, authentic soulful business, and a sprinkling of exploring the big questions in life.
I hope that what you find here will spark & inspire your dream!
Curious about my website work? Have a peek at Websites with a Heart
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