Short version
The digital files that make up your website are held on a computer, known as a server, that is set up so that it is easily accessible by browsers over the Internet. Part of your Hosting fee is essentially rent for using this storage space, the power used to run it and the software to control it. A larger part is to cover our time checking, monitoring and updating the servers.
Our hosting fees usually include a basic level of support for your website as well.
Longer read
When you visit a website, you’re accessing digital files—HTML, CSS, images, and databases—that are stored on a specialized computer called a server. This server is configured to be always online, securely managed, and easily reachable by web browsers worldwide.
At its core, web hosting is the service that provides the infrastructure needed to keep your website running. But what exactly are you paying for when you buy hosting? Let’s break it down.
Your hosting fee partly covers the cost of storing your website’s files on a high-performance server. Unlike a regular computer, these machines are built for:
24/7 uptime – They never shut down.
High-speed connections – Fast data transfer to visitors worldwide.
Enterprise-grade hardware – Built to handle constant use without failing.
Running a server isn’t cheap. It requires:
Electricity – Servers consume significant power and need cooling.
Software licenses – Security patches, firewalls, and server management tools.
Physical security – Data centers have strict access controls.
The biggest part of your hosting fee goes toward human expertise. Our team ensures:
Server health checks – Preventing crashes before they happen.
Security updates – Protecting against hackers and malware.
Performance optimization – Keeping your site fast and responsive.
Most hosting plans also include basic technical support, so you’re not left troubleshooting server issues alone.
Many businesses now use cloud hosting (like AWS, Shopify, or Wix) because it offers:
Scalability – Easily handle traffic spikes.
Redundancy – If one server fails, another takes over.
Global reach – Faster loading times worldwide.
However, managed hosting (like ours) is often better, and less expensive, for businesses that need:
✔ Personalized support
✔ Server-level customizations
✔ Better security for sensitive data
Technically, you could host a site from a home PC—but it’s a terrible idea because:
Power outages – Your site goes down when your home electricity does.
Slow speeds – Home internet isn’t built for server demands.
Security risks – Hackers could breach your network.
Disaster vulnerability – Floods (like Doncaster’s 2007 floods) or fires could wipe out your setup.
Professional data centers have backup generators, enterprise firewalls, and multiple internet providers to prevent these issues.
In a our hosting setup, downtime is minimized by:
Server clusters – Multiple machines share the load; if one fails, others compensate.
Automatic backups – Your data is restored quickly.
24/7 monitoring – Issues are detected and fixed before they affect users.
For high-frequency trading firms (like in Flash Boys by Michael Lewis), even a millisecond delay costs millions. While most websites don’t need that level of speed, reliability is always critical.
Cheap hosting often means slow speeds, frequent crashes, and poor security. A quality hosting provider ensures:
✅ Maximum uptime (your site stays online)
✅ Fast load times (better for SEO and user experience)
✅ Strong security (protection against hackers)
✅ Expert support (help when you need it)
If you’re serious about your website, where it’s hosted matters just as much as how it’s built.
Liberty Engine have done a fantastic job of creating and maintaining our website. Not only does it look great, but the Search Engine Optimization is fantastic, meaning that we now have customers all over the UK. Anna and her team are creative and highly capable, always managing to come up with solutions to whatever requests we throw at them.
Diane Brown - Provender Brown Delicatessen |