Key facts
- Hosting is the server space and software that makes your website available on the internet.
- Backups, SSL certificates and security updates are the three items most often sold as paid extras.
- Free SSL certificates from Let's Encrypt are widely available, so paying extra for basic SSL is rarely needed.
- A control panel such as Plesk lets you manage files, databases, email and PHP settings yourself.
- Managed hosting means the provider handles server updates, security patching and monitoring.
- dijitul Complete Hosting costs £1 a day + VAT (£365 a year + VAT) for one website and includes daily backups kept for 14 days, 10 POP3/IMAP email accounts, SSL, Cloudflare DNS, migration and one domain a year.
The essentials every hosting plan should have
Web hosting is the server, software and connection that make your website reachable on the internet. A good plan covers more than disk space. At a minimum, a small-business hosting plan should include:
- Daily backups that you can restore from, with a stated retention period, kept off the main server where possible.
- Email accounts on your domain, or help setting up Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace if your team needs them.
- Free SSL certificates so your site loads over HTTPS without a "Not secure" warning.
- DNS management so your domain points to the right server and your email records are correct.
- Security updates for the operating system, web server, PHP and database software.
- Monitoring so someone notices when the site goes down.
- Support from real people who can answer a question in plain English.
If any of these is missing, or costs extra, factor that into the real price.
The technical features worth checking
If you run a CMS such as WordPress, Joomla or an online shop, check the technical side too. On a normal Plesk Linux server you would expect:
- Selectable PHP versions per domain, run through PHP-FPM, so you can match what your site needs.
- Common PHP extensions such as mysqli, pdo_mysql, gd, imagick, intl, mbstring, curl, zip, soap and opcache.
- Adjustable php.ini settings like memory_limit, max_execution_time and upload_max_filesize.
- MySQL or MariaDB databases with phpMyAdmin access.
- Cron jobs through Scheduled Tasks, for things like shop feeds and newsletter sends.
- SSH or SFTP access, plus a file manager, Git and Composer for developers.
- ionCube Loader if your software uses encoded files.
Older sites also need a host willing to run older PHP versions where it is safe to do so. See our guide on what to do when a host removes old PHP versions.
Common extras that should be included
Many budget hosts advertise a low headline price, then charge separately for things most sites need. Look out for these items being sold as add-ons:
- Backups and restores. Some plans include backups but charge a fee to restore one.
- SSL. Basic certificates are free through Let's Encrypt, so a paid upgrade is rarely necessary for a small business.
- Migration. Moving an existing site is often left to you, or charged per site.
- Domain renewal. A free first year can be followed by a high renewal price.
- Security scanning or malware clean-up. Often an extra subscription.
Add these up across a full year and over the renewal period, not just the first month. Our guide on whether cheap hosting is worth it walks through the sums.
Questions to ask before you buy
Use this short checklist with any provider:
- How often are backups taken, how long are they kept, and who restores them?
- Are server and software updates done for me, or is that my job?
- Can I choose the PHP version for my site, and change php.ini limits?
- Who do I speak to when something breaks, and are they in the UK?
- Will you move my existing site and email for me?
- What will the price be at renewal, not just in year one?
A clear, written answer to each of these tells you more than any feature table.
What dijitul Complete Hosting includes
dijitul Complete Hosting is one plan at £1 a day + VAT (£365 a year + VAT). It includes managed hosting, where we look after the server, updates, security and monitoring, plus your own Plesk login, 10 POP3/IMAP email accounts on your domain with webmail, Cloudflare DNS set up and managed for you, daily backups kept for 14 days, free SSL, and one domain registration or renewal each year on common extensions such as .uk, .co.uk, .com, .org, .org.uk and .net (premium names and some extensions excluded).
Each plan covers one website. We also do the website migration for you, including up to 5 existing email accounts, and older websites are welcome. Support comes from real people at DIJITUL LTD, a UK company trading since 2006. See the full Complete Hosting details or order online.
Frequently asked questions
Should web hosting include backups?
Yes. Backups should be part of any hosting plan, not an optional extra. Look for daily backups, a clear retention period, and an easy way to restore. Check whether restores cost extra, because some providers include backups but charge a fee each time you need one restored. A backup you cannot restore quickly has little value.
Do I need to pay for an SSL certificate?
Usually not. Free SSL certificates from Let's Encrypt give the same encryption as most paid certificates and work in all modern browsers. Paid certificates mainly add organisation validation or warranties, which most small businesses do not need. Your host should install and renew free SSL automatically so your site never shows a 'Not secure' warning.
Is email included with web hosting?
It depends on the plan. Many hosting plans include basic mailboxes, while others expect you to use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace. dijitul Complete Hosting includes 10 POP3/IMAP email accounts with webmail, and dijitul sets up MX, SPF, DKIM and DMARC for those or for Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace.
What is the difference between managed and unmanaged hosting?
With managed hosting, the provider looks after server updates, security patches, monitoring and backups. With unmanaged hosting, you get the server and do all of that yourself. Managed hosting suits small businesses without a technical person. Unmanaged hosting suits developers who want full control and are happy to maintain the server.
What does dijitul hosting include for £1 a day?
dijitul Complete Hosting costs £1 a day + VAT, or £365 a year + VAT. It covers one website and includes managed hosting, a Plesk login, 10 POP3/IMAP email accounts, Cloudflare DNS management, daily backups kept for 14 days, free SSL, one domain registration or renewal each year, website migration and UK support from real people.
Should hosting include a control panel?
A control panel is very useful even if someone else manages the server. Panels such as Plesk let you manage files, databases, email accounts, PHP versions, SSL and scheduled tasks through a web browser. It means you are not locked out of your own site and can make small changes without waiting for support.
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Set it up and forget about it
Managed hosting, Plesk, Cloudflare DNS, daily backups and your domain for £1 a day + VAT. We move your site for you.