Hosting

Network Server example

SHARED HOSTING

Website hosting is an important piece of having a website! There are a variety of providers and services that may or may not be included.

A server can support many domains for websites and the basic features needed like webspace for files and email, may include SSL (or not) depending on the provider. There are companies like Inmotion Hosting, Godaddy, ... too many to name here. Usually this is available at a relatively low cost for generally a medium to small website. The important consideration is that if there are spammers on the same IP address of the server, your website could potentially be impacted.

Dedicated IP address can be a good approach for whatever hosting you select.

WORDPRESS HOSTING

WordPress has become a major player in websites for small, medium and larger websites. It has some specific needs for caching and processing especially if you have an ecommerce tool on your website. WooCommerce for instance can be processing heavy, so it may make sense to use WordPress hosting. Look for SSL (included) and fast caching, access to premium themes and plugins - technically, once WordPress is installed, you have access to themes, plugins whether they are free or premium.

Again, Dedicated IP address can be a good approach for this hosting as well.

OTHER OPTIONS / PLATFORMS

Platforms that don't talk as much about hosting are multifunction hosting. For instance, Square can be a tool for selling products and services as a standalone store - with the hosting they offer and may work for your specific needs. Several of my clients have a Square page or mini site for fundraisers but a club or chapter site elsewhere for their normal website content.

Wix, Weebly, SquareSpace and many other options are considered platforms that are a different model than shared or WordPress hosting.

It depends on how you plan to use and operate your website that is key.