If you want to build a website, you need web hosting. But what exactly is it? In this article we explain how web hosting works and help you make the right choice.

Web hosting in a nutshell

Web hosting is the service that keeps your website reachable on the internet 24/7. A hosting provider such as Theory7 provides server space where your website's files are stored. When someone types in your domain name, these files are retrieved and shown in the browser.

How does web hosting work?

The process is actually quite simple:

  1. You upload your website files to your hosting provider's server
  2. You connect your domain name to the hosting through DNS
  3. Visitors type your domain into their browser
  4. The server sends your website files to the visitor
  5. The browser displays your website

The server runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so your website is always available.

Types of web hosting

There are different kinds of hosting, each with its own pros and cons:

Shared hosting

With shared hosting you share a server with other websites. This is the most affordable option and is suitable for:

  • New websites
  • Blogs and portfolios
  • Small business websites
  • Websites with low to average traffic

At Theory7 we offer reliable shared hosting with generous specifications.

VPS hosting

A Virtual Private Server gives you your own isolated part of a server. You get more control and resources. Ideal for:

  • Growing websites with more traffic
  • Online stores
  • Websites that need specific software
  • Managing multiple websites

Read more about the differences between shared hosting and VPS.

Dedicated server

A complete physical server just for you. This is the most powerful option for large websites and applications with a lot of traffic.

What should you look for when choosing?

When selecting a hosting provider, these factors are important:

Reliability and uptime Choose a provider that guarantees at least 99.9% uptime. Downtime means your website is unreachable, and that costs you visitors and potential customers.

Speed A fast website is essential for user experience and SEO. Look at SSD storage and the location of the servers.

Support Good support is indispensable, especially if you are less technically minded. Check whether Dutch-language support is available and through which channels.

Scalability Your website may grow. Choose a provider that makes it easy to upgrade to a more powerful plan.

Security Look for included features such as SSL certificates, automatic backups and malware scanning.

Frequently asked questions

Do I always need hosting for a website? Yes, without hosting your website can't be online. The hosting server is where your files are stored and served from.

Can I switch hosting plans later? Absolutely. With most providers you can upgrade or downgrade. Moving your website to another provider is also possible.

What is the difference between hosting and a domain name? A domain name is the address of your website (e.g. yourcompany.nl); hosting is the space where your website actually lives. You need both.

How much does web hosting cost? Shared hosting often starts at around 5 to 10 euros per month. VPS and dedicated servers are more expensive but offer more resources and control.

At Theory7 we're happy to help you choose the right hosting plan for your situation. Check out our hosting plans or contact us for personal advice.

Looking for web hosting? See our plans.

Further reading