If you’re starting a new business and want a website, shared web hosting is usually the right first step. Before you choose a plan, decide what the site is for, how it will be built and which domain name it will use.
What is the site for?
A personal page or a simple brochure site doesn’t need much. An online shop needs more processing power, a way to take payments and more care with security. Decide which you’re building first, because it changes which plan suits you.
How will it be built?
A website isn’t a Word document and a few photos uploaded to the internet. It’s built from code, usually HTML for a simple site, that your browser turns into text, pictures and links.
You can write the code yourself, use a CMS like WordPress (our plans include a 1-click installer), or have someone build it for you. If you’d rather not touch it at all, we also build websites.
Which domain name?
Your domain is your address online and the end of every email address. Choose it carefully, then search for it to see if it’s available.
Taking payments online
If you’ll sell online, you need a way to accept card payments. A merchant account from your bank works, but usually comes with setup and monthly fees. Payment gateways such as PayFast or PayPal are often cheaper to start with and charge per transaction. Compare their current fees before you choose.
Choosing a shared hosting plan
Shared hosting plans aren’t all the same. On our Shared hosting, Basic suits a simple website and a few mailboxes, and Plus and Pro add space, mailboxes and databases as you grow. For WordPress with many plugins or an online shop, look at Power hosting.
Our hosting plans come with a 60-day money back guarantee, so you can try us with your real site before you commit.