The main types of web hosting are shared hosting, VPS hosting, dedicated hosting, cloud hosting, and managed hosting.
They all do the same basic job, they store your site’s files and serve them to visitors, but they differ in how much server capacity you share, how much control you get, and how much the host handles for you.
Quick comparison
| Hosting type | Best for | Benefits | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared | Small brochure sites, early-stage businesses | Lowest cost, simple setup | Performance can dip during traffic spikes because you share resources |
| VPS | Growing sites, service businesses getting steady leads | More consistent resources, more control than shared | More setup and maintenance unless it’s managed |
| Dedicated | High-traffic sites, custom apps, strict needs | Maximum control and capacity | Highest cost, you are responsible for more server decisions |
| Cloud | Sites with variable traffic, multi-location brands | Handles spikes well, can add resources quickly | Pricing can be harder to predict, setup can be more technical |
| Managed WordPress | Most WordPress business sites | Host handles updates, backups, caching, and security tuning | Less flexibility for some plugins or custom server settings |
| Reseller | Agencies or IT providers hosting client sites | One dashboard for many sites, can bundle hosting | Support quality varies, you become the middle layer |
If your site runs on WordPress (most local business sites do), managed WordPress is usually the cleanest fit because it covers the boring stuff that causes outages and slowdowns. That’s exactly what we build into our WordPress hosting service for Orlando-area businesses that want stable performance without babysitting a server.
When you’re choosing a hosting type, focus on three practical factors: expected traffic, how mission-critical the site is (bookings, lead forms, payments), and who will handle updates, backups, and security. For example, a dental or law firm site that lives off calls and form fills typically outgrows cheap shared hosting fast, especially once you add tracking, chat, scheduling, or heavy images.
Hosting also affects how fast your pages load, which directly impacts lead conversion and search performance, so it’s worth understanding the basics in our how site speed affects SEO guide.
No matter which type you pick, look for SSL support (HTTPS), automatic backups, malware scanning, and a clear support path when something breaks. If you handle sensitive info, like patient forms, ask the provider about compliance options and whether they offer contracts like a BAA when needed.
One last tip we see in Orlando, hurricanes and summer storms can knock services offline, so offsite backups and a CDN are smart add-ons for business continuity. If you’re rebuilding a slow or outdated site at the same time, pair hosting with our web design work so the site and server setup match the way people actually use your pages. For the security side, our HTTPS and SEO FAQ clears up what matters and what doesn’t.
