What is Website Hosting?

February 2022

Table of Contents

Here at Bloom Digital Marketing, one of the most frequently asked questions is: What is web hosting? It is a phrase many of us are familiar with, yet the chances are when you start out with your business, some of us don’t really know what it means!

Essentially you are buying or ‘hiring’ a space on a server (a special computer) that stores your website data safely. Web hosting is an essential service that enables your website to be accessible on the internet. Without hosting, your website can’t be seen by anyone.

We provide web hosting via a carefully chosen web hosting provider. Our hosting provider specialises in hosting for agencies with instant support and a highly skilled team to help if things go wrong and a website goes down.

So … Do I Really Need Web Hosting?

The answer is yes. You need a web hosting service to store your website’s files to make your website visible on the internet.

How Does a Domain Name Fit into All This?

Your domain name is a bit like a phone number … it is the way the internet recognises you. You can purchase domain names from a number of sources and you can buy as many as you like. Yet having a phone number is all very well … you also need a phone device in order for people to get in touch with you.

Similarly, you domain name needs to connect to your website.

Yes, you can have domain names WITHOUT a website.

You can’t have a website without a domain name.

We have another helpful blog about domain names here.

Why is Web Hosting Important?

If, like most of us, your website is hosted on a server, then the relevant company is responsible for the effective running of their servers, 365 days a year.

One of the key elements of an effective website is a fast uptime when customer search your website, and is also a key element of SEO read our blog here.

The speed at which a website ‘loads’ is largely dependent on the server.

What Should I Expect from Web Hosting Service?

There are some basics which should be provided as a minimum.

These include FTP access (meaning you can upload files from your own computer to the server). There should also be a good level of support if you need it.

Are There Different Types of Web Hosting?

It would not be good practice to have one type of web hosting!

There are numerous types of web hosting services available.

These include shared servers, VPS, cloud, reseller, WordPress and dedicated hosting.

Let’s have a look at the most popular types.

Shared Servers

Where a single server hosts numerous websites. This usually provides many features such as a site builder, databases, FTP accounts and more. As with many online presences, security issues are a primary concern and as such shared servers which can be a problem for a critical business website.

If there is a traffic surge on other websites, this can also slow down your site but more importantly if your site shares it’s space in a bad neighbourhood this can affect your website too.

VPS Hosting

A Virtual Private Server or VPS is where several accounts are hosted but there is dedicated resources for each of the users. There are managed and unmanaged VPS, the latter meaning you are responsible for configuring and maintaining the server yourself.

You will also be responsible for monitoring security, installing and upgrading software and for our website backups. Advantages also include having root access which means you can modify the server, install software etc if needed. It is also a highly scalable.

Cloud Hosting

Web hosting services are offered over several virtual servers and can handle traffic surges much better. Cloud hosting also automatic back up and disaster recovery options.

However, it is a costly way of hosting and is better for businesses that have huge traffic volumes.

What Important Things Do I Need to Know About Web Hosting?

As explained in other helpful blogs, one of the key elements to consider is the speed offered to your website visitors. Less than three seconds in on the borders of acceptable speeds. Not only from a user point of view but also website performance is a ranking factor as part of the Google algorithm.

Security of the server is also a big ‘thing’. Always investigate the security measures in place, including an SSL certificate.

It could be your web host company offers a number of add ons, such as antivirus software.

Then the next consideration is the support offered.

How much contact time do you have? How quickly do they respond?

You also need to consider the cost and the cost to the business if your website has less than a 99% uptime.

It could be the web hosting is part of a maintenance and care plan offered by your web developer.

Bloom Digital Marketing offers a premium web hosting service to all customers as part of our monthly care plans, along with a secure Firewall, software licences and a monthly website report. We also have bi-weekly software updates, pro-security software and daily malware scans and monitoring and intrusion monitoring.

Our Hosting

Is not shared with any other website.

It is your own dedicated space on the internet.

An SSL certificate is automatically included keeping it secure.

It is fast and we can choose the level of performance for the client.

24/7 instant live chat for anything WordPress related including any security issues.

Get in touch today to find out more!

Share Now

What our clients say about their dedicated Digital Agency in Cheshire

We partner with our clients for the long haul, so we can deliver them ongoing results that help their business grow and thrive online.

Nathan S.

20:37 23 Dec 25

Bloom Digital Marketing have been brilliant to work with on SEO for my photography business. They’re genuinely invested in understanding my business, really listen, and the whole team is always on hand when needed. Professional, approachable, and easy to recommend

AGM Products L.

19:38 22 Dec 25

We've been using Bloom for the last couple of years and it's been a pleasure working with such a professional and friendly company. The whole team have been so helpful in looking after our website, offering great advice and prompt support. With their wide range of knowledge and expertise, we know we are in safe hands. Highly recommended!

B S.

13:49 08 Dec 25

We've worked with Bloom Digital Marketing since mid 2022. Our website now consistently delivers quality removal enquiries. The bi-weekly calls keep everything on track, and we never miss a lead thanks to the systems they've put in place. They're proactive, reliable, and genuinely feel like part of our team

Peter H.

12:59 25 Jun 25

We’ve worked with Bloom since 2019, started as a one man band to a team of ten. We’ve grown our revenue 10x and we can say we wouldn’t be where we are without the team at Bloom.

Darren A.

14:44 12 Jun 25

Fantastic people at Bloom. They do what they say they are going to do. Hit deadlines, continually communicate and deliver on the project. Sometimes you just want a capable team to take on your project and Bloom are capable and then some. Highly recommended.

Response from the owner 19:03 16 Jun 25

Thanks Darren. Much appreciated. Looking forward to watching the results. You and the whole team at Amita have been a dream to work with and that's enabled us to deliver. We now say we want more Darren's please.

Agostino F.

21:04 02 Sep 24

I moved my website and digital marketing to Jeanette and the team in March this year, after being taken for a ride from another company. The changes I have seen in traffic and the comments made on the new website are amazing. Working with Jeanette is like having another wife, ( Unlike a wife though you don't have to go home to her! But be rest assured she is in the background getting ready to set more tasks!).... she is constantly on the case demanding information and doesn't let go ... in order to do the best possible job. Other companies I have dealt with don't have the same passion and enthusiasm . I cant recommend them highly enough, all the team are a dream to work with, very professional and enthusiastic, making it their job to know my business

Response from the owner 10:33 03 Sep 24

Thank you Ago and of course Milo ha ha ! I like being Chief Nag but on a serious note, I am happy we have been able to provide you with a website that works and support you with the business growth. Now to plan the next few months out for your ongoing marketing.

Sarah H.

14:02 31 Jul 24

Tsiantar Architects have been working with Jeanette and the team since the beginning of last year on the design and launch of our new website, which we are absolutely delighted with and has been a great success. Jeanette spent a lot of time finding everything out about us and our business, the way that we work, and what we were trying to achieve. She is fantastic to deal with, and goes above and beyond to help us and make sure we are getting the best results for our business. Not only are the team at Bloom really creative and talented, but they’re also great to work with. We get quick responses to queries and any amendments we require, monthly updates, plus in-person meetings. If you are looking for someone to design your website and provide on-going SEO and marketing support, then we would not hesitate in recommending Bloom Digital Marketing.

Response from the owner 14:12 31 Jul 24

What a wonderful review, Sarah! We're over the moon to hear how happy you are with the website and our services. Your respect for our work motivates us to continue striving for excellence. Feel free to reach out if you need any further assistance. We're just one call away. Thank you so much for your recommendation!

Hannah G.

20:26 27 May 24

As a small business owner, I've worked with about 5 companies over the last 7 years. Each of them has made promises, and unfortunately most have failed to deliver. Many have taken advantage of my lack of knowledge about websites and have taken significant sums of money from me.

When I reached out to Jeanette, I was rather fed up, and also had a lack of faith and trust.

I can't thank her and her team enough for their support over the last 6 months. I have really values that Jeanette doesn't want to keep me in the dark, quite the opposite she has wanted to help me understand things better.

She has been mindful of my limitations of funds, and has given me sound advice on what I'm spending on and when.

Having someone that is straight forward and cares seems to be rare in this industry, so I consider myself very lucky.

I've also seen actual results, so this team actually do what they say!

Response from the owner 12:40 28 May 24

Hi Hannah, thanks for the amazing review. We were aware of your journey so far and it was more important than ever that we looked after you. We are proud of our commitment to transparency, value for money, and most importantly, generating tangible results for our clients. Your trust in us means a lot.

Queries JB Plumbing & H.

07:52 11 Apr 24

We cannot speak highly enough of the team at Bloom. As a plumbing company, having a visible online presence is crucial, and when our Google Business profile was suspended, we were understandably worried and it affected our business massiveley. However, Jeanette and her team truly went above and beyond to resolve the issue.

Throughout the entire process, they kept us informed and provided regular updates. Their efforts ultimately resulted in the successful reinstatement of our Google Business profile, for which we are incredibly grateful.

We highly recommend Bloom Digital Marketing to any business seeking outstanding digital marketing services. Thank you for your exceptional support !

Response from the owner 08:48 11 Apr 24

Thank you so much JB Plumbing & Heating! We really appreciate your kind words and recommendation. We definitely celebrated resolving the issue with your Google Business profile and that it’s live again !

Tsiantar A.

15:42 13 Mar 24

We have been working with Jeanette and the team since the beginning of this year on the design and launch of our new website, which we are absolutely delighted with and has been a great success.
Jeanette spent a lot of time finding everything out about us and our business, the way that we work, and what we were trying to achieve. She is fantastic to deal with, and goes above and beyond to help us and make sure we are getting the best results for our business.
Not only are the team at Bloom really creative and talented, but they’re also great to work with. We get quick responses to queries and any amendments we require, monthly updates, plus in-person meetings. If you are looking for someone to design your website and provide on-going SEO and marketing support, then we would not hesitate in recommending Bloom Digital Marketing.

Response from the owner 10:02 21 Nov 23

Thanks Tsiantar Architects! We appreciate your kind words and are thrilled that you are delighted with your new website. It was a pleasure working with you to understand your business and goals. We're glad that our team's creativity and responsiveness have been valuable to you. We look forward to continuing to provide ongoing support for your SEO and marketing needs. Thank you for recommending Bloom Digital Marketing!

John G.

16:47 10 Jun 23

Great service and very helpful

Response from the owner 14:07 12 Jul 23

Thanks John, much appreciated. Glad to be supporting local family businesses.

Claire N.

08:48 11 May 23

I am new to the business world and Jeanette came highly recommended for support with the technology side ( I am terrible!) The company is highly responsive and keep you updated regularly to help you understand the process and aims of the work they are doing. Her communication is amazing and not full of technological terms which really helped me. I would highly recommend using this service.

Response from the owner 10:40 11 May 23

Thanks so much Claire and I'm glad we have made it easier to understand on the tech front. Looking forward to following your new aesthetics business and seeing it grow.

Lee V.

08:19 13 Mar 23

Over the years we've worked with Bloom Creative on a number of projects and always found them, professional, friendly, focused and extremely knowledgeable. Would highly recommend.

Response from the owner 12:28 19 Apr 23

Thank you Lee !

Abby W.

22:19 20 Sep 22

I've worked with Jeanette and the team on a number of projects together and can't recommend them highly enough. Jeanette is absolutely lovely to work with, and genuinely cares about delivering the best results to her clients.

If you're looking for a web design and marketing expert who really knows how to deliver results, Bloom is your only option: their work is great, they're fantastic to work with, and they treat every project like it's their own.

Their dedication to great customer service really makes a difference - I highly recommend Jeanette and the crew at Bloom Creative Design.

Response from the owner 20:41 25 Sep 22

Thank you Abby - we love working with you guys on our projects.

Search Engine Optimisation, Web Hosting

How to Change Your Domain Name Without Losing SEO

Changing your domain name does not have to tank your search rankings, but it needs to be done properly. The essentials: plan thoroughly, set up...

Digital Marketing, Search Engine Optimisation

Bloom Digital Marketing Ltd Wins SME News Northern Enterprise Awards 2025

We are proud to announce that Bloom Digital Marketing has been recognised in the SME News Northern Enterprise Awards 2025, winning: 🏆 Best Digital Marketing...