Hosting is where your website lives on the internet. Think of it like renting space on a computer that's always connected, always on, and accessible to anyone who visits your domain name. Here's what you need to know.
What hosting does
When someone types your domain name into a browser, the hosting company's computer serves up your website files. That's it. The hosting company keeps your files safe, makes sure they're available, and handles the technical side of keeping servers running.
What you actually need
For most small business websites, basic shared hosting is enough. You don't need dedicated servers, virtual private servers, or cloud infrastructure unless you're expecting massive traffic or have specific technical requirements. Start simple.
What to look for
Good hosting should be reliable (your site stays online), fast enough (pages load in a reasonable time), and include support when things go wrong. Customer service matters more than you might think. You want someone to talk to if something breaks.
How much it costs
Basic hosting for a small website typically costs between £3-10 per month. You often get a discount for paying yearly. Don't pay for more than you need, but also be wary of suspiciously cheap offers. They usually come with compromises.
Domain and hosting together
Many hosting companies also sell domain names. It can be convenient to have them together, but you don't have to. You can buy your domain from one place and host with another. They'll work together fine.
When to upgrade
Start with basic hosting. If your site becomes slow, experiences regular downtime, or you're getting significant traffic, then consider upgrading. But most small business sites will be fine on entry-level hosting for years.
Don't overthink hosting. Pick a reputable company, choose their basic plan, and focus your energy on your actual website instead.
Do Meridian Press offer hosting
Sorry, but we don't offer hosting. If we did we would be reselling a service and inflating the price, which would not be in your best interest. We can however recommend MythicBeasts.com as a reliable and inexpensive hosting provider.