Hosting is a service that allows your website to be accessible on the internet. When you build a website, your files – like HTML, CSS, images, and videos – need to live somewhere. Hosting providers store those files on servers and deliver them to people who visit your site.

Think of it like renting an apartment for your website. A hosting provider has big, powerful computers (called servers) where they store your website's files. When someone types in your website's address, the hosting provider's server sends those files to their screen. Without hosting, your website would just be sitting on your computer, invisible to the rest of the world. So, whether you're starting a blog or launching a business online, hosting is what makes it all accessible.

How website hosting works

When someone types your domain name into a browser, their device connects to your hosting provider’s server. That server then sends the files that make up your website to their screen.

There are different types of hosting, but they all serve the same purpose: to keep your site online and available.

Common types of hosting:

• Shared hosting – Your site shares server space with other websites. It's budget-friendly and great for smaller sites.
• VPS hosting – A more powerful option with dedicated resources, ideal for growing sites.
• Dedicated hosting – You get an entire server to yourself. It’s fast, secure, and more expensive.
• Cloud hosting – Uses a network of servers for better uptime and scalability.
• Managed hosting – The hosting provider handles all the technical stuff, so you don’t have to.

Do you need hosting to build a website?

Yes – if you want people to actually visit your site. You can build a website locally on your computer, but until it’s hosted somewhere, no one else can see it.

Some website builders (like B12) include hosting automatically, so you don’t have to set it up yourself. That’s one less thing to worry about when launching your site.

Hosting examples

• B12 – Includes fast, secure hosting with every website built. You don’t need to manage servers or set anything up manually.
• GoDaddy or Bluehost – Popular for domain registration and basic shared hosting.
• AWS or Google Cloud – Enterprise-level hosting, often used by large businesses or developers.
• Squarespace, Wix, and Shopify – These platforms include hosting as part of their subscription, similar to B12.

How to choose the right hosting

When picking a hosting provider, think about your website’s needs:

• Is it a small business site or a large e-commerce store?
• Do you need room to grow?
• Do you want to manage servers yourself or let someone else handle it?

If you’re not technical and want to move fast, look for a website builder that includes hosting out of the box like B12.

FAQs about hosting

Why is hosting important for websites?

Without hosting, your website can’t be seen online. Hosting keeps your site live, loads your content for visitors, and impacts speed, performance, and security.

Can I host my own website?

Technically, yes – but it’s complicated. You’d need to set up a server, manage your own security, and handle any downtime yourself. It’s much easier (and safer) to use a professional hosting provider or website builder that includes hosting.

What’s the difference between hosting and a domain name?

A domain name is your website’s address (like www.example.com). Hosting is where your site lives. You need both to have a working website. Think of your domain as your home address, and hosting as the actual house.

Is hosting included with B12?

Yes. B12’s AI website builder comes with secure, fast hosting included. You don’t have to pay for it separately or worry about setting anything up. It’s all taken care of when you publish your site.

Build a hosted website with B12

When you create a website with B12, hosting is included automatically. That means your site is live, secure, and optimized from day one – no extra tools or setup required. Launch your hosted site today with B12’s AI-powered website builder.