Web Hosting Vs Website Builder: A Comprehensive Comparison
When setting up a new online business, the jargon can get confusing. You may hear words like domain, hosting, website builder, and CSS and wonder what they mean, and the difference between various related terms.
In this article, you will learn about one common source of confusion: the differences between web hosting and website building services.
What Is Web Hosting?
Website data is stored on servers, and web hosting refers to the service of providing this storage space, plus additional resources for site performance. In essence, web hosting is where your website actually resides on the internet.
For example, if you want to move to Wisconsin, you need to find a house to live in. In the same way, when you want an address online, a web hosting plan provides the virtual space to set it up.
An Overview Of The Types Of Hosting
There are four main types of website hosting plans that can cater to different businesses, as described below.
Shared Plan
In a shared plan, you share one server with several other businesses. In essence, one server hosts several websites. Hence, security risks and resource restrictions will depend on the businesses you share the server space with, and the details of the package itself.
VPS Plan
For businesses that find a shared plan insufficient, a Virtual Private Server plan can provide server space with a finite guarantee of bandwidth to handle traffic surges. Compared to shared plans, VPS packages often come with more resources and control.
Dedicated Plan
Considered the ideal hosting plan for businesses with a high volume of traffic and data, this plan provides you with your own physical server, disk space, bandwidth, and power. Owners also retain 100% control of root access.
Cloud Plan
Using this plan, your website is hosted via multiple cloud servers around the world. Even if there are hardware/software problems on the server, your website can expect 100% uptime due to the use of cloud technology.
What Is A Website Builder?
Sound coding is necessary in order to create well-performing websites that are attractive, responsive, and work seamlessly. But what if you know nothing about programming?
Website builders are programs that can help you build websites without the need for coding expertise. The UI is simplified in order to enable anyone to visually build a website, without having to understand the underlying code. For example, a website builder program might offer you a ‘title’ block that you can directly drag and drop to the homepage editor without having to write the code.
The Types Of Website Builders
Website builders are loaded with templates and features that are tailored for building websites easily, even if you are a beginner. Take a look at the two types of site building programs.
Online
This is the most common builder. This type of web application can be accessed from any device with an internet connection, without having to download any program.
Offline
Often used by developers, offline site builders must be downloaded and installed on your computer. You can work on your website offline, and once complete, go live with the updated version.
What Is The Difference?
While it is true that both web hosting plans and website builder tools will help you launch your dream website, the way they work are different. Find out the core features that distinguish the two:
- Functional Distinction - While signing up with a web host provider will give you virtual space, you cannot use it to build a website from scratch without a site building tool
- Dynamic - While hosting plans can be upgraded by contacting the host, you need to implement edits on your own when changing the appearance of a website with a building program
- Unique Yet Codependent - Website building programs cannot host more than one site. It is nothing more than the virtual ground to build your online business address on. In short, you have the land, but not the bricks or mortar to build a house. In the same way, hosting plans might not provide building tools and you might need a separate tool to make the website you want
- Benefits - The benefit of hosting your site via a good service provider is crucial for optimum protection and performance. On the other hand, a good website builder is focused on your ease-of-use for creating websites
Summing Up
A web host offers you different types of virtual rental space for building your website. On the other hand, a site builder provides intuitive tools to create your dream site without any technical know-how. Both are unique and an inseparable part of launching websites.
To choose a good web host, pick the right bandwidth and other resources based on your needs. Conversely, the features to watch out for on the site building tool are templates, analytic tools, and SEO features.
