A website is not something you build once and forget. It needs a place to live (hosting) and ongoing care (maintenance). This guide explains what each one covers.
What hosting is
Hosting is the service that stores your website's files and delivers them to visitors. Good hosting means the site loads quickly, stays online and uses HTTPS so browsers show it as secure. You also need a domain name, such as yourbusiness.com, which points visitors to your host. The domain is registered separately and renews yearly.
What maintenance is
Maintenance is the ongoing work that keeps a site healthy:
- Security updates for the software the site is built on.
- Monitoring so that if something breaks, someone notices.
- Backups so you can recover from mistakes or failures.
- Small content changes, such as updating hours, prices, photos or a phone number.
- Fixes when something stops working, such as a contact form.
- Compatibility with new browsers and devices.
- Performance checks so the site stays fast.
Why you need both
Without hosting there is no website. Without maintenance the site slowly ages: software becomes insecure, forms stop sending, information goes out of date, and search engines and customers notice. Even a simple site needs occasional attention.
What a monthly plan usually includes
Plans differ, so always ask. Typically a monthly plan covers hosting, security updates and a limited number of content changes. New features, redesigns and large content projects are usually quoted separately.
Questions to ask:
- What is included each month, and what is billed extra?
- How are change requests handled and how fast?
- What happens if the site goes down?
- Are backups included, and how long are they kept?
- Who pays for and owns the domain?
- Can I leave, and what do I take with me?
DIY vs a plan
Doing it yourself costs less in cash but takes your time, and mistakes can break the site or expose it to attack. A plan trades a predictable monthly fee for time saved and fewer worries. Choose based on how much you want to handle.
Our plan
Our small business website offer is $0 upfront development cost and $50 per month, including hosting and ongoing site maintenance. In-depth features and upgrades may cost extra. The business is responsible for finding and purchasing its own domain name. We work in your domain account as an added admin (you invite us), so you keep ownership. See the services page or contact us with questions. For a general view of pricing, read how much a small business website costs.