The right format
Shared for a business website, more powerful for a busy shop.
Website design · 2026 edition
Website hosting: what you really need to compare
Hosting is the computer that stays switched on all the time to make your website visible. A poor choice costs you in slowness, outages or data leaks. Here is how to compare plans without the jargon.
- Types of plans
- Prices
- Security and GDPR
Updated October 2026Rules checkedNo jargon
Hosting in 30 seconds
In short
For a small business website, shared hosting or an all-in-one plan is almost always enough. Compare server location, automatic backups, an included HTTPS certificate, support and the renewal price. If the website collects personal data, the host processes that data on your behalf: a GDPR-compliant contract is required. Depending on your country, the host's details may also have to appear in your legal notice.
Servers in Europe
Makes GDPR compliance simpler.
Backups
Automatic, regular and easy to restore.
In your legal notice
The host's details, if your country requires them.
The 4 types of hosting
Prices are typical ranges seen in 2026, excluding promotions. They vary with the options chosen.
| Type | Who it suits | Indicative budget |
|---|---|---|
| Shared | Business website, blog, small site | A few euros to €15 a month |
| All-in-one solution (site builder + hosting) | Beginners building on their own | Around €10 to €40 a month |
| Virtual private server | Busy shop, applications | €10 to €60 a month, plus administration |
| Dedicated server or custom infrastructure | High traffic, specific needs | Several hundred euros a month |
A static website, with no database, needs only very light hosting and stays fast and secure. That is often the case for a well-built business website.
The 8 criteria that really matter
The first-year price is rarely the right criterion.
Data location
Servers in the European Union avoid the questions about transfers outside the EU covered by the GDPR.
Backups
Daily, kept for several days, and restorable by you in a few clicks.
HTTPS certificate
Included and renewed automatically. Since March 2026, certificates last no more than 200 days, and this will fall further.
Speed
Recent servers close to your visitors improve loading times.
Support
In your language, reachable, with stated response times.
Renewal price
Compare the second-year price and what is included.
Security
Server updates, protection against attacks, isolation between websites.
Portability
Being able to retrieve your files and leave with no fees and no lock-in.
Your obligations regarding your host
Hosting is not just a technical matter. Check three legal points.
From a one-page site to a website that works for you
Choose the package that fits your business. The price is fixed in advance.
Simple Website · 1 page
A one-page website, simple and professional, to be present online.
- 1 mobile-friendly page
- Your copy and your logo
- WhatsApp button
- 1 round of changes included
- File delivered, ready to publish
Essential Website
For a small business that wants a serious website, fast.
- Up to 5 pages
- Copy written for you
- Basic SEO
- Contact form
- Publishing included
Multilingual Pro Website
To reach customers in several languages.
- 5 to 10 pages
- 2 or 3 languages
- Full SEO
- Form linked to a tracking spreadsheet
- WhatsApp button and direct contact
Website + Automations
For a website that works for you, day and night.
- Everything in the Multilingual Pro Website
- Quotes calculated and sent
- Orders recorded automatically
- Automatic invoices and reminders
Online Presence Pack
Everything you need to exist on Google, set up for you.
- Domain name in your name
- Professional email address
- Business Google account
- Your website registered with Google
Options, for every offer
- €29Domain name purchase and setup
- €49Going live on hosting
- €39Extra page with copywriting
- €59Translation, per language
- €19/monthWebsite monitoring and alerts
The website and the domain name are in your name. Simple Website: text and logo supplied by you, going live as an option. Indicative prices.
A well-hosted website that works on its own
Once it is live, your website can handle enquiries without you having to think about it.
Form linked to a spreadsheet
Every enquiry is recorded and dated.
Quote prepared
Form details fill in a quote ready to send.
Appointment booking
Free slots shown, automatic confirmation.
WhatsApp on every page
A quick question, a quick answer.
Your questions, our answers
Which hosting should I choose for a small business website?
Shared hosting with servers in Europe, HTTPS included and automatic backups is enough in most cases. A static website can even make do with a very light plan.
How much does website hosting cost?
For a business website, from a few euros to around fifteen euros a month on shared hosting. A busy online shop or a dedicated server costs considerably more.
Is free hosting a good idea?
For a test, yes. For a business, rarely: ads, an unprofessional address, limits and few guarantees about your data.
Do I have to name my host on my website?
It depends on your country. Some countries require the host's name, address and phone number in the legal notice of any business website: check your national rules.
Can I change host without losing my website?
Yes, if you are the registrant of the domain name and you have a copy of the website. Plan the move for a quiet period and check everything afterwards.
Does my website have to be hosted in my own country?
Generally not. Hosting within the European Union does, however, make GDPR compliance simpler.
Sources: GDPR, Article 28 and Articles 44 onwards · guidance from your data protection authority · your country's rules on legal notices and on hosting health data · certificate lifetime reduction schedule adopted by the CA/Browser Forum (2025).
General information, up to date as of October 2026. It does not replace advice from a professional.
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