- Dmytro Spilka
- 4 days ago
- 9 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
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With so many website hosting types, package options and features on offer, picking out the perfect plan can feel like mission impossible, but that’s where we come in.
Having a clearer idea of the different types of plans and what services are available at different price points means freelancers can make more confident decisions and pick out web hosting plans that are designed to grow alongside them.
With over 338,561 web hosting providers out there, it’s no wonder freelancers don’t know where to start when choosing the best option for their business.
This guide aims to help freelancers understand the different web hosting options (including free website hosting plans) available to them and pinpoint exactly what they need to be looking for.
Use a free website builder to see how to host a website that fits your needs and grows with your freelance business.
Wix hosting keeps your website running smoothly and securely from day one. With reliable performance, strong website security and built-in tools SEO features, web analytics and marketing, your site is ready to grow without limits. Plus 24/7 support means help is always just a click away.
Types of website hosting for freelancers
When faced with so many different kinds of hosting plans, it can feel overwhelming.
Understanding what each type consists of makes it easier to narrow down the options and choose the most suitable type of web hosting among the best website hosting providers.
Shared hosting. This is typically the go-to choice for new freelancers as it is budget-friendly, costing as little as a few dollars a month. It consists of sharing server space with multiple other websites, essentially splitting the cost between them. Although this is ideal for small-scale businesses, website performance can be impacted if any site on the server experiences a spike in traffic and there is an increased security risk.
Dedicated hosting. Unlike shared hosting, dedicated hosting gives a website complete access to a server’s resources. This means page load times and performance are not compromised, creating a better user experience overall. This option is typically more expensive and requires a level of technical expertise to be able to manage the server maintenance.
VPS hosting. Standing for virtual private server hosting, this option offers a good middle-ground between shared and dedicated hosting. Although the server is shared, each website is allocated its own resources, meaning that the performance of each website does not impact the others. There is often the option to purchase a larger portion of the server’s resources so a freelancer can scale according to their personal needs.
Cloud hosting. Unlike traditional hosting types, cloud hosting uses virtual servers. This is especially beneficial when it comes to uptime, as if a server goes down, the site remains online because there is an entire network of servers available. From a freelancer's perspective, the pricing is often appealing as it is charged based on usage, ideal for fluctuating traffic that is unpredictable.
Check out this guide on cloud hosting vs shared hosting to see which option matches your needs and traffic patterns.
Key considerations for web hosting for freelancers
When browsing through different web hosting options, there are various factors that need to be taken into account. Freelancers need to be sure that the plan they choose is suitable for the nature of their business and their future goals.
If a freelancer starts to see spikes of traffic arrive at their site, having a hosting plan that doesn’t result in slow loading websites is crucial. Dedicated and VPS hosting both offer more reliable performance since they automatically allocate resources depending on the real-time number of users a website has. For websites with unpredictable traffic, finding a flexible hosting plan makes sure that speed isn’t compromised and that the risk of downtime is kept to a minimum.
Scalability is a huge factor to consider when choosing the right plan. Even if a provider offers a good enough solution for the immediate future, if they cannot meet growing demand, the short-term nature will just lead to additional disruption and costs when they are forced to find a new plan. Finding a hosting provider that offers the option to increase resources if website traffic increases means freelancers are able to settle into a long-term solution that grows alongside their business.
Another key consideration to make is security. Especially for websites that hold customer information and payment details, measures need to be taken to ensure that safety is a priority. Many hosting providers use firewalls and SSL certificates, but if using shared hosting, there is always an added element of risk based on the other sites sharing the server.
Finally, the level of support offered should also be considered. Many freelancers don’t have the technical knowledge needed to manage their own hosting, so finding a provider that is able to manage it on their behalf is necessary. If any problems were to arise, having access to quick support is important to avoid downtime and get a website back up and running as quickly as possible.
Expert tip: Even with the right hosting in place, your website’s performance and professionalism also depend on the platform you build it on. Explore the best website builders for freelancers to find tools that simplify design, hosting and maintenance all in one place. If you’re just getting started, learning how to create a freelance website with built-in hosting and AI design tools can help you launch faster and focus more on growing your business.
"A good web hosting should offer: A free SSL certificate, automated and outsourced backups, 24/7 server monitoring, responsive technical support, and an infrastructure that's resilient to traffic spikes and attacks. This is the foundation on which everything rests. Never neglect this choice." - Allan Kinic, cybersecurity expert and founder of Prevention-internet.fr
Explore more:
How freelancers choose the best web hosting plan
For many freelancers, their website is the backbone of their business. The hosting plan that they choose can have a huge impact on the performance of their site and needs to be able to support their future growth. Here are some steps to ensure that the right decision is made.
01. Find a suitable price point
Of course, web hosting cost is one of the main deciding factors when a freelancer is choosing a hosting plan. Since many are in the early stages of their business, budgets are tight and website hosting is not their main priority.
From shared hosting packages at just a few dollars a month to dedicated hosting packages that expand as the business grows, there are a wide range of price points to choose from.
Although the cheaper packages may initially seem appealing, the compromised performance, web privacy and security risks and lack of growth options make many freelancers quickly realize the importance of having a hosting plan with longevity. In many cases, starting with a more secure plan offers better value in the long run.
02. Choose a good domain
A domain name is a huge part of a website’s identity and choosing a good one from the offset can help freelancers establish a professional online presence.
Most hosting providers register a website domain as part of their packages, and this can be a huge deciding factor when picking which provider to use. Being able to secure a domain that accurately reflects the freelancer’s offering, is memorable for customers and includes the main target keyword will set strong foundations.
The T&Cs associated with the domain name should be carefully read and understood before committing to a hosting provider. Any renewal fees or transfer fees can quickly add up, and often owning the domain is a safer choice for freelancers.
Use Wix's free domain name search and domain name generator, secure your freelance website’s domain and establish a professional online presence.
03. Integrate with existing CMS
The content management system (CMS) that a freelancer chooses to use will sway the hosting plan they choose.
Most providers offer simple installation options for the most popular CMS options, so they can be set up quickly and easily. However, if a freelancer has more technical expertise and wants more control over their website, this will open up the number of hosting plans they can choose from.
Pairing a hosting plan with a compatible CMS means that the systems will work in unison and any updates can easily be made. Similarly, a higher level of customer support will be available.
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04. Stay clear of hidden fees
It can be easy to get sucked in by great deals and cheap plans, but often there are sneaky hidden fees to watch out for.
Many hosting providers offer enticing introductory offers which result in unexpectedly high costs once the trial period is up. If extra charges are also added for things such as extra online storage, ‘premium’ features or renewal costs, it can become unnecessarily expensive for freelancers and leave them spending more than they expected on hosting.
Explore Wix Premium Plans to see transparent pricing and compare different Wix Plans to find the best fit for your freelance website.
How freelancers build a strong website with the right web hosting plan
When freelancers are looking to take their business to the next level and learn how to make a website, the web hosting package they choose can play a big part in their website’s success. The best web hosting for small business keeps their site fast, secure and reliable.
From website speed optimization and cybersecurity basics to longevity, domain forwarding and ongoing support, there is a lot to consider. Having a good understanding of the different types of hosting and the plans they each offer, including options for those wondering does Wix host websites, allows freelancers to prioritize their non-negotiable features.
Making an informed decision means the risk of making the wrong choice or facing unexpected hidden fees is kept to a minimum, while their chosen plan can grow with the business and offer a long-term solution.
“Behind every great website is reliable hosting. From uptime to an SSL certificate, hosting is what keeps your site secure, accessible and trustworthy. Your visitors may not see it, but they’ll definitely notice if it’s missing.” - Ofir Gvili, domains PMM at Wix
Take your freelance website to the next level with reliable, secure hosting. Explore Wix today to choose the perfect plan, get your site online fast and grow your business with ease.
Meet the expert
Dmytro is the founder of Solvid, a company specializing in SEO, copywriting, content marketing and web design services. He’s also the founder of Pridictor, a network analytics startup.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Birkbeck, University of London, and his work has been featured in U.S. News, Forbes, New York Post, The Independent, Entrepreneur and TechRadar.
Web hosting for freelancers FAQ
What is the best type of web hosting for freelancers?
Freelancers often benefit from VPS or cloud hosting, which offers a balance between performance, security and scalability. Shared hosting can be cheaper but may struggle with traffic spikes, while dedicated hosting is ideal for larger freelance businesses that need full server control.
How do I choose the right hosting plan for my freelance website?
Consider your site’s traffic, technical skills and growth goals. Look for hosting that offers scalability, reliable performance, strong security and responsive support. Comparing plans based on features and pricing ensures you get the best value for your business.
Can freelancers use Wix for web hosting?
Yes. Wix provides all-in-one hosting and website building, making it easy for freelancers to create, secure and manage their websites without technical hassle. This is ideal for those who want to focus on growing their freelance business rather than managing servers.
How much does web hosting for freelancers typically cost?
Pricing varies depending on the type of hosting. Shared hosting can start at just a few dollars per month, while VPS and dedicated hosting are more expensive but offer better performance and control. Freelancers should also factor in domain costs and potential add-ons.
What security features should freelancers look for in web hosting?
Look for hosting that includes SSL certificates, firewalls, automatic backups and malware protection. These cybersecurity basics help protect your clients’ data and keep your freelance website safe from attacks.
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