Domains, Hosting & DNS
🖥️ Choosing Hosting
Platform-bundled vs standalone hosting
Where the site's files live
Hosting is where the website's files actually live. Depending on the platform, hosting may already be included.
Platform-bundled hosting (nothing extra needed)
- Wixhosted automatically
- Squarespacehosted automatically
- Webflowhosted on Webflow's infrastructure
- Shopifyfully managed
- Framerhosting included
Standalone hosting (required for WordPress & custom builds)
If you're building on WordPress, you need a separate host:
- SiteGroundreliability, great support, beginner-friendly. $3–$15/mo.
- WP Enginemanaged WordPress, client sites that need uptime. $20–$50/mo.
- Hostingerbudget builds, entry-level projects. $2–$8/mo.
- Cloudwayscloud-based, scaling, more developer control. $14+/mo.
operator note
For most freelance client sites, SiteGround or Hostinger gets the job done. WP Engine is worth it for clients who need guaranteed uptime and hands-off management.