Website Hosting vs Website Builder: What’s the difference?
If you’re a beginner trying to launch your first website, all the information you need to take in can be overwhelming. Aside from planning your branding, there are also other things to consider such as domain names, web hosting services, website builders, as well as SEO and marketing strategies. Before you can use them, you need to know what they do and how they work.
Knowing the difference between web hosting and website builders can be a good start since both play an essential role in getting your site up and running but serve different purposes. This will ensure your website is both useful and effective online.
In this guide we’re going to:
- Break down the differences between web hosting vs. website builder
- Explain the benefits of each service
- Show you how to get started on each service
What is web hosting?
Web hosting is a service that allows you to publish your website on the internet. A web hosting provider allocates space on a server where your website’s files are stored. This server delivers your website’s content to anyone who searches your domain name into a browser.
Along with storing your site, the host:
- Manages traffic flow to ensure your site remains accessible and runs smoothly
- Provides security measures to protect from data breaches
- Performs regular backups to safeguard your data
Common types of web hosting
Web hosting is an umbrella term and there are more specific types that fall beneath it. Depending on your needs, you can choose from different types of hosting services, each offering varying levels of performance, security, and scalability.
Some common types of web hosting include:
Shared hosting
Shared hosting is the most affordable and popular type of hosting available, and usually the hosting type used to launch a website for the first type. It’s perfect for people with relatively small websites and who have fewer custom needs.
However, shared hosting often has storage limitations and is limited to one or two websites that you own.
Dedicated hosting
Dedicated hosting is more expensive, and more personalized. On a dedicated host, a company or individual has a server all to themselves. They don’t share any resources, nor do they allow any third party to rent their space. This allows for a full customization of the server, a higher bandwidth for traffic, and better security. If you have a bigger business or a website that experiences high volumes of traffic, take a close look at dedicated hosting.
Virtual private server (VPS)
Virtual Private Server (VPS) hosting offers dedicated resources, unlike shared hosting, which is crowded. However, you still share the server space with other users. This makes your site faster and more reliable. It’s ideal for small or growing businesses that need more power and control but are not ready for the costs of a full server.
Cloud hosting
Cloud hosting uses a network of virtual servers to host websites and manage web traffic. If one server has a problem, others step in to keep your website running smoothly. This makes cloud hosting more reliable and flexible, especially if your website gets busy with a lot of visitors. It can grow or size down to fit your needs, making it a great choice for businesses that want stability and room to expand.
What is a website builder?
A website builder is a tool that helps you create a website without needing to know how to code. They come with templates and a simple drag-and-drop interface. You can easily add text, images, and videos. They also offer other features such as:
- contact forms
- blogs
- eCommerce features for online selling.
- 24/7 customer support
Building and maintaining a website demands more technical skills, time, and resources. This is especially true for small businesses or individuals who lack expertise or a budget. That’s why these builders are perfect for beginners as they make the process quick and easy, allowing you to focus on content and business goals instead.
Domain.com’s website builder also includes hosting and support, so everything is managed in one place.
Types of website builders
There are two main builders: online and offline. Each caters to different preferences and skill levels. Depending on your needs and site management plans, one will likely suit you best.
An online website builder
The website builder is hosted on the same server as the website and can be accessed anywhere there’s internet. This means that the user will never have to download or install software and can access their “build” — at any stage — so long as they have good internet connection.
An offline website builder
Typically geared more towards users with technical know-how, the user must download the software and save the files locally, then upload them onto a server once they want to launch the website.
A Comparison of Website Hosting and Website Builder
When comparing web hosting and a website builder, there are factors to be considered. Here are some points to use to compare these products:
Purpose
Website hosting and website building serve distinct purposes. Hosting stores your site’s data online, securely. Website building lets you create without needing to code.
Control
By choosing hosting, you gain more control and flexibility to customize your site. It also supports advanced technical features. In contrast, website builders rely on pre-made templates that restrict flexibility.
Scalability
Web hosting effortlessly scales to accommodate a growing site. When your traffic increases, you have the option to upgrade to VPS hosting, dedicated hosting, or cloud hosting. Meanwhile, web builders are having limited customization, so if you’re planning to expand, you might need professional website developers to make your own site.
Security
Hosting requires you to manage security, though some hosts offer built-in protections. Website builders include basic security features, but you have less control over them.
Cost
Hosting plans vary by resources and services. Plus, it can be more costly as you choose higher tier plans. Website builders often bundle hosting into their pricing for a simpler, all-in-one cost. However, some hosting plans also offer website builders in their plans.
6 key features to look out for when choosing a website builder
A quality website builder provides all the tools you need to build, maintain, and expand upon a website. A few common things to expect are:
Variety of templates
The allure of using a website builder is that it’s pre-coded. This means that someone with zero knowledge of coding can utilize the user interface to create their own website. This is done by way of templates. Each website builder will have their own catalogue of templates which are pre-coded, designed, and color coordinated. Once selected, these templates can be customized to fit a brand or personality.
Functionality
A good website builder enhances your site creation experience with powerful tools like an integrated image editor, allowing you to adjust and optimize photos directly within the platform. It should also feature intuitive “drag and drop” functionality, making it easy to design your layout without needing technical skills. Additionally, customizable templates are essential, offering a flexible starting point that can be tailored to fit your specific branding and design needs.
Mobile formatting
Most people are likely to visit your website on their mobile device. If the website builder you’re considering doesn’t format for mobile, consider other alternatives. You can’t risk losing customers because your website doesn’t load properly on their mobile device.
User-friendly interface
Website builders are designed to be easy to use, allowing anyone, even those without coding experience, to quickly create a site. This user-friendly interface makes it simple for users to focus on designing and populating their site with content, without getting bogged down by technical details. The aim is to make building a website straightforward and accessible for everyone.
Technical support
Despite its easy website builder should be backed by a reputable and diligent technical customer support team. If anything, on the website happens to break, or if certain pieces aren’t fitting together, then a good provider would offer customer support to troubleshoot the problem.
Analytics tools & SEO
Analytics and search engine optimization (SEO) are now utilized by every successful website, so you should expect your website builder to offer some form of both. This can mean offering a flawless integration of Google Analytics, or even some ground level keyword generation for SEO. These types of tools will allow a user to understand how well they’ve positioned themselves on the internet, what they’re doing wrong, and where to improve.
Essential features to consider in choosing the right web hosting service
When choosing the right web hosting service, it’s important to focus on a few essential features that will ensure your website runs smoothly and securely. Here are the key factors to consider:
Ease of Use
Choose a builder with a simple drag-and-drop interface. No coding skills are needed, making it ideal for beginners. This focus lets you prioritize content and design, without tech concerns. It speeds up site creation. It also lowers the learning barrier for newcomers.
Templates
Look for customizable templates that fit your business. This quickly aligns your site with your brand. Adjust designs to match your style and needs. With the right templates, you can achieve a professional site without a designer. Many builders offer specific templates for different industries.
Mobile Responsiveness
Ensure the builder creates sites that work well on mobile devices. This is essential as more people browse on smartphones. A mobile-friendly site keeps visitors and boosts search rankings. Google favors such sites. It also enhances the user experience, keeping visitors longer.
SEO Tools
Pick a builder with built-in SEO features. This boosts your site’s visibility and attracts more visitors. Tools for keyword optimization and meta tags improve rankings. Faster loading times are also a benefit. The better your SEO, the easier it is for customers to find you.
Customer Support
Ensure the builder offers reliable support for issues or questions. 24/7 support makes troubleshooting easier. Access to guides, tutorials, and a responsive help desk saves time. Good support means you’re never stuck with a problem.
Take the first step in creating your website
There is no choosing one or the other, rather it’s about working to integrate both web hosting and a website builder, so how do you get started?
First, you need to register a domain name. This is going to be your website’s name, aligning with your brand or company. From there, you can choose what type of hosting and website builder package you want.
If you’re still confused about all the options or have any questions regarding domains, hosting services, and website builders, then feel free to reach out to the experts at Domain.com and they’ll provide the answers you’re looking for. You don’t need to be an expert coder to create a fantastic website, you just need a solid website builder and a decent web hosting plan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it better to build your own website or use a website builder?
Website builders are popular among beginners and small businesses for their ease, speed, and accessibility. On the other hand, building your own website allows for greater control and customization. However, it requires coding skills and a significant time investment.
Do you need hosting to build a website?
Yes, you need hosting for your website to be online. Website builders usually include hosting. However, some custom sites require you to buy hosting separately.
What is the difference between web hosting and web development?
Web hosting stores your site’s files on a server, so anyone can access them online. Web development, on the other hand, involves designing and coding the website to make it functional, visually appealing, and easy to use.
Can I integrate an online store with a website builder?
Most website builders let you easily create and run an online store. They include smooth payment processing and easy product management tools.
