Lesson 4: Which type of hosting is best for me?

undefined (15)

Like we mentioned, a hosting account is like the storefront for your website. It’s the place where all your exciting web content is stored, and you need one to have a functioning website. There’s a dizzying amount of hosting products out there, and it can be difficult to know which one to choose.

In this lesson, we break down the three main types of hosting products and their key features, so you can figure out what works best for your technical skills, business needs, and brand. You may want to check out a few of the resources below before diving in.

Making the best decisions for your brand

Deciding to DIY or hire a pro
Learn how to make the best decision with doing it yourself or hiring a professional.

Building a website yourself
A few tips and insights to consider when building a website yourself.

Hiring someone to build your website
Not sure if you should hire a professional or not? Check out this video to help decide.

Should I use WordPress or a website builder?
A break down of if you should use WordPress or a website builder for creating your website.

Let’s review each hosting account type

Learn more about each type of hosting account. As you read these descriptions, consider your own comfort level with technology and the amount of time you have to learn a new skill or manage your site. Which type of hosting is right for you?

Template-based builders

  • Description: In addition to hosting your site, template-based builders give you website templates to choose from, so you can build your actual site. You’ll have guidance on color and design choice, but you can still customize certain features.
  • Skill level: Best for someone with little to no website building experience.
  • Advantages: 1) You can make edits to your website at any time; 2) it comes with SSL and account management to keep your site secure (meaning you get regular virus scanning and SSL maintenance); 3) it is automatically mobile-optimized (which means your site looks good on any device, whether it’s a phone or a computer).
  • Things to consider: If you change vendors, you’ll need to rebuild your whole site. The vendor owns the templates. You own the content. This is true when you use any template builder.

Content management systems

  • Description: Content management systems allow you to create and edit a website that can then be managed and hosted by a different service. For example, you can create a WordPress site and then GoDaddy can host it for you. (This is called a Managed WordPress).
  • Skill level: Best for intermediate tech users.
  • Advantages: 1) It allows you to build a highly customized website; 2) you can choose from thousands of templates and learn from a large number of online forums, and 3) you can keep your website template even if you switch to a new hosting account.
  • Things to consider: No major downsides.

cPanel hosting

  • Description: In cPanel hosting, you build your website from scratch—from obtaining photo files to coding the backend of the website. Then, you get a hosting account to make your site available on their web server. (This is a good option if someone has already built you a site and you can make updates yourself.)
  • Skill level: Best for intermediate tech users with professional support.
  • Advantages: 1) You have complete control over every aspect of your site; and 2) you can keep your website design and content even if you switch hosting providers.
  • Things to consider: You or a designer need to build your site from scratch. You’ll need to purchase an SSL, arrange daily virus scanning, and fix any bugs on your site to keep your site secure.

Consider whether or not you’ll need eCommerce capabilities

Once you’ve chosen the type of hosting account which is right for you, you also need to decide whether you need a hosting site with eCommerce features (allowing you to sell online). Don’t feel pressured to get eCommerce features just to have them, though—not everyone needs an online store. You should consider one if:

  • You’re selling a product(s) or service that’s advertised on your site
  • Your family and friends have been encouraging you to sell your products online forever
  • You need to offer local delivery or curbside pick-up

Case study: Consuelo Rosales, Consuelo Cleaning Services

Before she could leave an abusive relationship, Consuelo needed to earn a living that could secure her independence. It was during the late stages of her second marriage that she decided to create a business; something that could grow to provide for her family. Watch this video to hear more about Consuelo’s incredible journey.

Before you move on to the next lesson to learn how to have someone safely manage your site, take some time to reflect on what’s important to you in regard to choosing a hosting account. Whether you value something that’s easy to use or the most cost-effective or that gives you full control, share your thoughts in the discussion question below.