How to host a website in South Africa

Before diving into the specifics of web hosting in South Africa, let’s start with a very important question, What is web hosting? Ok, I am going to try by all means to simplify it – Web hosting is a service that allows individuals (online content creators, public figures etc.) and businesses to make their website accessible by people on the internet. 

When you create a website, it consists of various images, videos, text and documents just to name a few. These files need to be stored on a server, which is a powerful computer that is always connected to the internet. Web hosting service providers offer servers that store these files and make them accessible to users when they visit your website.

Website hosting vs domain registration in South Africa

Ok, now that you have a clear understanding of what web hosting is – It’s equally important to understand the difference between website hosting and domain registration.

While they are often offered as a package by web hosting providers, they serve distinct purposes. Since we have already established that website hosting refers to the actual storage of your website’s files on a server. Which ensures that your website is accessible to internet users when they visit your domain. 

On the other hand, domain registration is the process of securing your website’s address, such as the one I have (www.leratomonareng.co.za). Since you are reading this article from my website, my domain allows internet users such as you to find and access a website by typing a domain name into their web browser to access a website.

While some web hosting service providers such as Afrihost and 1-Grid who offer both services, it is also possible to register a domain with one provider and host the website with another in South Africa.

How to host a website in South Africa (step-by-step guide)

Now we know what web hosting is and how it’s different from domain registration – Let me take you through the steps of hosting a website in South Africa.

Step 01: Choose a web hosting provider that suits your needs. Look for a provider that offers reliable servers, fast connection speeds, and excellent customer support.

Step 02: Once you have selected a provider, you will need to register a domain name for your website. Many web hosting providers also offer domain registration services, making it convenient to manage both aspects of your online presence in one place.

Step 03: After registering a domain name, you will need to point it to your web hosting provider’s servers. This is done by updating the domain’s DNS (Domain Name System) settings. Your web hosting provider will provide you with the necessary information to update these settings, which typically involves entering the server’s IP address. If you need any assistance with this step, I am more than happy to help, just click here and book a free consultation

Step 04: Once the DNS settings are updated, it can take a few hours for the changes to propagate across the internet. After this time, your website will be live and accessible to users. 

If you are stuck and asking yourself, which website, what domain, IP Address, DNS and you are confused by all these jargon – worry not, I also offer web design services through my design studio Phasha360, you can request a website quotation by clicking here.