Hosting is the ongoing cost of keeping your website online. It sounds simple, but hosting plans vary a lot in what they include — and not all providers offer the same services — so the monthly price only means something once you know what it covers.
Basic hosting vs managed hosting
| Compared | Basic hosting | Managed hosting |
|---|---|---|
| What you get | Server space for your website | Hosting plus someone looking after the technical side |
| Who sets it up and keeps it running | Usually you, or whoever you hire | The provider or your web designer |
| Best for | People comfortable managing a website themselves | Business owners who want it handled |
Neither is right for everyone. What matters is knowing which one you’re paying for.
The parts that make up “hosting”
- Domain name — your web address. It’s registered separately and usually renewed yearly. Check whose name it’s registered in.
- SSL / HTTPS — the padlock in the browser. It encrypts the connection and is expected on every site today; many hosts include it.
- Backups — copies of your site in case something goes wrong. Ask whether they’re included, how often, and who restores them.
- Technical care — keeping the site’s setup working and secure. This varies most between providers.
Content edits vs technical care
This is where misunderstandings happen. Technical care keeps the website running; content edits change what’s on it — new prices, photos, menus, events or pages. Many plans include the first but not the second, and some charge for both. Always ask whether changes are included, and if not, how they’re priced.
Ownership and cancellation
- Do I own my website files, and can I get a copy?
- If I cancel, can I move the site to another host — and will you help?
- Who controls the domain name?
- What notice do I need to give to cancel?
- Are there third-party items (fonts, plugins, photos) with their own licences?
A good answer to all of these means you’re never locked in.
How UWRH Digital handles hosting
Every new website includes managed hosting and care at €30/month, billed monthly. It covers hosting on a secure (HTTPS) platform and agreed technical care. Content and design changes aren’t included — they’re priced separately on the editing price list, from €10.
You own your completed website files after full payment. You can cancel managed hosting, request your portable website files and move to another provider, and I’ll provide reasonable handover information. Domains and third-party licences can have their own ownership or transfer terms. More on the full offer on the web design page, and on build costs in how much a website costs in Ireland.
Need a hand?
UWRH Digital builds custom websites for Irish businesses: €800 one-time, with managed hosting & care at €30/month.