A Practical Software Directory for Solo Builders
by Paul McFedries
Your business needs a website—having a web presence builds credibility and helps customers find you. Building Websites All-in-One For Dummies, All New Edition walks you through every step, from initial planning and design to launching a polished, professional site. Whether you want to code from scratch or use no-code platforms, this guide has you covered. Get comfortable with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, or discover platforms that let you build without writing code. Learn to create responsive designs that look great on any device, set up e-commerce functionality to sell your products, and optimize your site for search engines so customers can find you. You'll also find guidance on analytics, security, and ongoing maintenance.
LEARN MORE →Hosting your site with a lighter footprint
Web hosting provides the server space and services that keep your website online.
Tools in this category will help you to...
Publish a website, manage its files and keep it available to visitors. Many hosting packages also include email, backups and tools for installing WordPress or other website software.
Our hosting principle: We only include providers with published commitments to sustainable or greener hosting. Our aim is to help you make an environmentally responsible choice without sacrificing the performance, reliability and support a business website needs.
Compare storage, website allowances, backups and support alongside the environmental commitments. Check the renewal price and billing period, particularly where an introductory discount makes the first term cheaper.
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The directory is developing incrementally. We’ll add research and first-hand testing as we carry them out, while keeping straightforward listings useful for discovery.
Eco Web Hosting offers UK shared hosting and managed WordPress packages, with email, free SSL certificates, daily backups and help moving an existing website. Standard hosting includes an installer for WordPress and other website software, plus an online control panel for managing your account. The company says its infrastructure uses renewable energy and links hosting packages to regular tree planting and other environmental projects. Shared hosting starts at £4.49 per month before VAT, with annual billing also available. A 30-day money-back guarantee covers hosting. Compare the website and storage allowances when choosing a package.
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GreenGeeks provides shared and WordPress hosting with email, free SSL certificates, daily backups and support available around the clock. Its platform includes tools for installing and updating WordPress, alongside caching to help pages load efficiently. Higher plans add resources and further backup options. The company purchases renewable energy credits matching three times its calculated energy use and plants a tree for each new hosting account. Plans are advertised with an introductory rate for the first billing term, followed by a higher renewal price, so compare the full ongoing cost. Hosting includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
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Infomaniak provides web hosting from its own Swiss data centres, supplied with renewable electricity. Its standard package includes 250GB of storage and support for 20 websites, with automatic backups, free SSL certificates and easy WordPress installation. Manage sites through its online control panel, with Site Creator included for building without coding. Phone and written support are available if you need help. A 30-day free trial requires card details, with a paid subscription needed to continue; domain registration costs extra. Storage and website allowances can be increased as your projects grow. Its environmental commitments also cover energy efficiency and extending the useful life of equipment.
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Krystal provides UK hosting for business websites, WordPress sites and online shops, with shared packages that can be expanded as you grow. Features include an online control panel, email, free SSL certificates, automated backups and an installer for WordPress and other applications. Its electricity use is matched with renewable energy, and the company supports tree planting and wider environmental projects. Krystal is a certified B Corp and provides UK-based support, with assistance available for moving an existing website. Shared hosting starts at £7 per month before VAT and includes a 60-day money-back guarantee, excluding domain costs.
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Kualo offers UK shared hosting for business websites, blogs and online shops, with WordPress installation, email, free SSL certificates and daily backups. Its entry package supports one website with 10GB of storage, while larger plans provide more space and additional websites. The company says its UK data centre buys electricity from renewable sources and uses energy-efficient cooling. It also funds tree planting and climate projects. Support is available around the clock, with migration assistance for existing websites. Shared hosting starts at £6.99 per month before VAT, with a 60-day money-back guarantee excluding domain charges. Backup restoration options vary by plan.
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Start with the kind of website you intend to run. A small information site has different needs from a busy shop. If your website builder already includes hosting, check whether you need a separate hosting package at all.
Check both the introductory and renewal prices, whether VAT is included and how much you must pay upfront. Start with enough capacity for your present needs and a clear upgrade route. Extra storage or website allowances have little value if you are unlikely to use them.
Look for published information about electricity sourcing, renewable energy matching, efficient equipment and hardware life. Tree planting and other environmental projects can complement those measures. Consider these commitments alongside the practical features and support your website needs.