0.2Hosting & domain name
The essentials in 30 seconds
- Two unavoidable expenses: hosting (the server that stores the site) and a domain name (the address, e.g. atelierbahja.ma).
- WordPress requirements: recent PHP, a MySQL/MariaDB database and HTTPS (SSL certificate, often free).
- Shared = economical to start; managed WordPress = more expensive but optimised, backed up and secure.
Running mini-case — Samir lays the foundations
Hassan still has neither a site nor a domain. Samir must choose reliable hosting, reserve a short domain name and check that PHP and MySQL are up to date. He hesitates between a low-cost shared offer and more comfortable managed WordPress hosting. This section gives him the criteria to decide without overpaying or taking risks.
Sequel to case 0.1 — before installing, you need a server and an address.
1. The two foundations
A self-hosted site rests on hosting and a domain name. Hosting is the rented server space where the site's files and database live; it makes the site accessible 24/7. The domain name is the address visitors type (atelierbahja.ma); it is rented by the year and forms the workshop's online identity.
These two items are the only unavoidable costs: a few tens of euros a year for a small site. Samir checks the requirements above all: recent PHP (8.x), a MySQL or MariaDB database, and the possibility of enabling HTTPS for free. Hosting that is too weak costs more later in slowness and migrations.
2. Which plan, which domain?
Shared hosting shares a server between several sites: economical and sufficient for Hassan's showcase site at first. Managed WordPress hosting costs more but includes updates, caching, backups and specialist support: reassuring when the site gains value. Samir can start with serious shared hosting and migrate later if the shop takes off.
For the domain, look for something short, readable, without hyphens or needless numbers, with a credible extension (.ma, .com, .fr). Avoid wordplay that is hard to spell over the phone. The domain and hosting can be with the same provider (simple configuration) or separate (more flexibility): both work.
🔎 Concrete example — Choosing for the Atelier Bahja (Samir case)
Domain: atelierbahja.ma (short, readable, local extension).
Hosting: serious shared hosting, PHP 8.x, MySQL, free SSL, backups.
Budget: ~€60/year hosting + ~€15/year domain.
→ Decision: start simple, migrate to managed if the shop grows.Result: a reliable foundation without unnecessary extra cost.
Lesson: technical requirements come before price.
Section vocabulary
- Hosting
- Rented server space that stores the files and database and keeps the site accessible at all times.
Simple example: Samir rents hosting for the Atelier Bahja.
What it is not: believing WordPress hosts the site itself.
Reflex: no hosting, no online site.
- Domain name
- The site's address (atelierbahja.ma), rented by the year: the online identity.
Simple example: Hassan reserves atelierbahja.ma.
What it is not: using a temporary technical address as the permanent address.
Reflex: the domain is a long-term decision.
- PHP & MySQL
- The language and database required by WordPress; recent versions are necessary.
Simple example: Samir checks PHP 8.x and MySQL with the hosting provider.
What it is not: accepting outdated PHP because the offer is cheaper.
Reflex: up-to-date PHP = security and compatibility.
- Shared vs managed
- Shared: shared server, economical; managed: optimised and backed up for WordPress, more expensive.
Simple example: start on shared, possible migration to managed.
What it is not: paying for managed hosting for a simple presentation page.
Reflex: choose according to traffic and the site's value.
- HTTPS / SSL
- Certificate that encrypts exchanges and displays the padlock; essential and often free.
Simple example: Samir enables Let's Encrypt with the hosting provider.
What it is not: leaving a site on unsecured HTTP.
Reflex: no form or shop without HTTPS.
In practice — Choosing hosting and a domain
- List two or three hosting providers and compare: recent PHP, MySQL, free SSL, backups, support.
- Look for a short domain name and check its availability with a registrar.
- Estimate the total annual cost (hosting + domain) and compare it with the client's budget.
- Write the decision: chosen plan, chosen domain, validated requirements.
Ready-to-say script — explaining the costs (20s)
“There are two unavoidable costs: the domain name, your address, and the hosting, where the site lives. For a workshop like yours, we will stay on a reliable and affordable plan; if the shop grows, we can move up a level without rebuilding the site.”
Announce an annual budget, not a misleading monthly price.
Copy-paste template — site foundations
CHOSEN DOMAIN: _______________
REGISTRAR: _______________
HOSTING: shared / managed
PHP: version _______________ MySQL: yes / no
FREE SSL: yes / no BACKUPS: yes / no
ANNUAL BUDGET: hosting _______________ + domain _______________Local showcase
Decent shared hosting + .ma domain: the best value at the start.
Shop
Plan for more resources (CPU, RAM) and reliable backups from launch.
Impatient client
Domain and hosting with the same provider: automatic configuration.
High-traffic site
Managed hosting or a VPS: caching, CDN and specialist support.
✓ Best practices
- Check PHP, MySQL, SSL and backups before price.
- Choose a short domain that is easy to spell.
- Plan migration to more resources if the site grows.
✗ Common pitfalls
- Taking the cheapest offer without checking PHP.
- Choosing an overlong domain that is hard to dictate.
- Forgetting backups in the hosting contract.
Key takeaways
- Two unavoidable costs: hosting and domain name.
- Requirements: recent PHP, MySQL/MariaDB, HTTPS.
- Shared to start; managed for peace of mind.
- The domain is a long-term decision: short and readable.
48h Challenge — apply tomorrow
Compare two hosting providers on five criteria (PHP, MySQL, SSL, backups, price) and find three available domain names for a fictional project. Note the one you would recommend and why. 20 minutes.
- I know the two foundations of a self-hosted site.
- I check the technical requirements of a hosting plan.
- I can recommend a suitable domain and plan.
Frequently asked questions
Can I change hosting providers later?
Yes, a WordPress site can be migrated (section 5.2), but the operation needs preparation: full backup, database export, domain switchover. Better to start with a serious host to avoid a rushed migration.
Should I buy the domain from the same hosting provider?
Not necessarily. Separating domain and hosting gives independence; grouping them simplifies DNS configuration. Both approaches are valid, provided you keep control of the access.
Is SSL really free?
Yes, in most offers via Let's Encrypt. A valid certificate is essential: without HTTPS, browsers show a warning and forms or payments become risky.
Hassan has a tight budget and wants to launch his showcase site. What are the two genuinely unavoidable expenses?