Web hosting for beginners
Web hosting gives your website a secure place to live and the tools needed to manage it
A domain is the address; hosting stores and serves the website behind that address. UKC shared hosting includes Plesk Obsidian, SiteJet Website Builder, WordPress Toolkit, email, free Let’s Encrypt SSL and security tools.
How do the domain, DNS and hosting work together?
Domain name
The memorable address people type, such as yourbusiness.co.uk. It must remain registered and renewed.
DNS
The records that tell browsers and email systems which hosting servers should receive requests for the domain.
Web hosting
The server space, processing, database and management tools that store and deliver the website.
SSL certificate
The certificate that enables HTTPS for covered hostnames. It protects the connection, but does not replace website maintenance.
What is included with UKC shared hosting?
Plesk Obsidian
Use one control panel for websites, files, databases, DNS, mailboxes, applications, backups and usage information.
SiteJet Website Builder
Build a responsive multi-page website with visual editing. SiteJet is included with every current UKC shared hosting plan.
WordPress Toolkit
Install and manage WordPress, plugins, themes, updates and common security settings from Plesk.
Email and webmail
Create mailbox addresses permitted by the plan and access them through compatible mail apps or the assigned webmail service.
SSL and security
Use free Let’s Encrypt certificates for eligible hostnames and Imunify scanning to help protect hosted websites.
Backups and support
Configure account backups in Plesk. UKC also runs server-side backups and can assist with account-specific recovery requests.
How do you choose a hosting plan?
| Your situation | What to compare | Likely next step |
|---|---|---|
| One small brochure website | Website allowance, storage and mailbox needs | Start with the smallest plan that comfortably fits |
| Blog or WordPress business site | Storage, database, mailbox and growth requirements | Allow room for media, updates and backups |
| Several websites | Number of sites, storage, databases and mailboxes | Choose a multi-site plan rather than several undersized plans |
| Resource-heavy application | Processing, memory, traffic pattern and specialist requirements | Ask support whether shared hosting is suitable |
Review the current plan limits, monthly price and VAT on the hosting page before ordering. Start with realistic needs rather than an unsupported promise of unlimited performance.
What happens after you order?
- 1Read the welcome email
It identifies the assigned server, Plesk login and nameserver information for the account.
- 2Connect the domain
Use the assigned hosting nameservers or carefully update the required DNS records.
- 3Choose how to build
Open SiteJet for visual building, WordPress Toolkit for WordPress, or upload an existing compatible site.
- 4Enable and test HTTPS
Issue a certificate for the required hostnames, then test the website, forms and redirects.
Web hosting questions
Do I need hosting if I already own a domain?
You need hosting for a full website, application or hosted mailbox service. A parked UKC domain also includes the single-page Domain Website Builder and forwarding tools without a hosting plan.
Can I move an existing website to UKC?
Yes, when its software and requirements are compatible. Plan files, databases, email and DNS separately, and keep the old service active until testing is complete.
Is cheap web hosting suitable for a business?
Affordable shared hosting is suitable for many small-business websites when the plan limits meet the real requirements and the site is maintained. Compare renewal price, VAT, support, backups and security as well as the headline price.
Can I upgrade later?
Yes. Review the account’s current usage and choose the next plan that provides the required site, storage, database and mailbox capacity.
Ready to put a website online?
Compare the current UKC hosting plans and choose the capacity you need
Every current shared plan includes Plesk and SiteJet. Check the complete allowance, price and VAT before ordering.