Hosted vs self-hosted: what’s the difference (and which is better)?.
When you’re building a website, one of the first big decisions you’ll need to make is whether to go with a hosted platform or a self-hosted setup. Knowing the difference between the two can save you time, money, and a lot of technical headaches down the line.
What is a hosted website?
A hosted platform (like Wix, Squarespace, or Shopify) takes care of everything for you—hosting, software updates, backups, and security. You pay a monthly fee, and use their built-in tools to design and maintain your site.
Pros:
- Super easy to use, even for beginners.
- No need for separate hosting.
- Automatic updates and maintenance taken care of.
Cons:
- Limited flexibility for custom features.
- Less control over SEO and website performance.
- You don’t technically “own” your website—you’re locked into their platform.
What is a self-hosted website?
A self-hosted setup (like WordPress.org) means you install and run your website on your own hosting account. You choose the hosting provider (like Cloudways) and have full control over your website’s performance and customisation.
Pros:
- Complete control over your website.
- Better for SEO and performance—more flexibility to optimise.
- Scalable and flexible—great for growing businesses.
Cons:
- Requires more setup and maintenance.
- You’ll be responsible for security, backups, and updates (but I can help with that!).
Which should you choose?
- Go hosted if you want a simple, quick way to get a small site or portfolio online without much hassle.
- Go self-hosted if you want full control, scalability, and professional-grade performance, especially if you’re planning for long-term growth. WordPress is a fantastic choice for self-hosting, and I can help you get set up!
Still not sure which route to take? Let’s chat about the best setup for your goals and budget—I’ll walk you through your options and help you make the right choice for your website.
