Web hosting
How much does website hosting cost in Australia?
The price depends less on the hosting itself and more on what comes with it.
Tell us about your business and what you need.
The short answer
In short.
A plain hosting plan only keeps your site online. Many small businesses also need the domain renewed, secure HTTPS, backups, software updates, monitoring and someone to call when something breaks. Compare quotes on what they include, not the headline monthly price, and check whether email, backups and support are in it or extra.
Hosting, domain and email are separate things
The domain is the address people type. Hosting serves the website. Email is another service that may share some domain settings. They can be with different providers, so check what each quote covers.
What changes the price
The type of site matters. A small site published as static files needs very little. A WordPress site needs software updates. An online shop needs more again.
What to check in a quote
- Is the domain renewal included?
- Is HTTPS set up and renewed?
- What is backed up, where is it kept, and who restores it?
- Are software updates included?
- Who do you call, and how quickly do they respond?
Hosting versus maintenance
Hosting makes the site available. Maintenance is the work to keep it updated and working, such as updates, backups, content changes and checking forms or bookings. Some quotes bundle both.
Who owns what
Make sure the domain and accounts are in your business's name. The Australian Cyber Security Centre has a small business guide on backups and account security worth reading.
Before you move hosting
Moving can affect email and forms if domain settings change. Plan it before switching.
Types of web hosting
Shared hosting puts many websites on one server and is the cheapest web hosting option; it suits most small business sites. Cloud hosting spreads a site across several servers and costs more, but handles busy periods better. Managed hosting adds support, updates and backups as part of the service.
What a hosting plan should include
Check that the hosting plan includes a free SSL certificate, so your site loads over https; regular backups; and support you can reach. Email accounts are sometimes included and sometimes extra. A cheaper plan that leaves out SSL, backups or support can end up costing more once you add them back.
From clients
What clients say about working with spareday
“He didn’t just build me a great website, he created an easy-to-manage system that allows me to make updates myself whenever I need to. He has spared me so much time doing all of this myself!”
“He created a stunning website for us that captures and nurtures leads with an automated email marketing system, which has filled a huge gap in the business and saved a lot of time (and money!).”
“Excellent in all facets of web design with particular expertise in SEO and email marketing. Online visibility has skyrocketed since working Reece which translates as flawless customer relations, new leads and new customers.”
Official guidance
For independent guidance, see auDA, the .au domain administrator.
Common questions
Questions people ask.
Are hosting and a domain the same thing?
No. The domain is the address people type; hosting serves the website. Email is another service that may share some domain settings.
Will changing hosting affect our email?
It can, if domain records change. Find out how your email is set up before you move.
Who you’ll work with
Hi, I’m Reece.
spareday is my business, based here in Newcastle. You’ll deal with me from the first review of your website, and I’m the person you talk to each month about what’s working.
Find us
spareday in Newcastle.
12 Grey Street, Wickham, Newcastle NSW 2293.
Next step
Get a free growth plan.
As a web hosting company in Newcastle, spareday reviews your current setup, arranges hosting suited to the site and sets out what is included and who manages it. Get a free growth plan.
Or call 0485 017 387.