Understanding Hosting: How to Host Multiple Websites on One Hosting Account

In simple words, a domain is the address of your website and hosting is the place where all your website files are stored. To host multiple websites on one hosting account, you will need a hosting package that supports domain aliases or addons domains. This guide will explain the process and provide options for doing so.

Domain and Hosting: The Basics

A domain name, such as , is the address through which visitors can access your website. Hosting, on the other hand, is the physical storage area where all your website files, including images, videos, and text, are stored. Without hosting, your website would not be accessible to the public.

Options for Hosting Multiple Websites

If you want to host multiple websites on a single hosting account, several options are available to you. Here are a few of the most popular and cost-effective:

Dedicated Servers

A dedicated server is a powerful hosting option that provides you with your own server to host as many websites as you need. Dedicated servers come with advanced features and tools, such as root access, which can simplify the process of managing multiple websites. For instance, Cloudways is a popular cloud-based hosting platform that provides managed dedicated server solutions. Currently, I am using Cloudways to host 2 websites without any issue. The minimum price for Cloudways starts at $10 per month, which is quite affordable for long-term users compared to shared hosting options.

Shared Hosting with Addon Domains or Domain Aliases

Shared hosting is a cheaper and more accessible option for hosting multiple websites using a single account. Many hosting providers offer addon domains or domain aliases as part of their plans. Addon domains allow you to add additional domain names to your account and treat them like separate websites. For example, if you have a hosting package that supports up to 5 addon domains, you can host 5 separate websites on one hosting account without additional costs. Digital Ocean is a good example of a hosting platform that offers scalable shared hosting plans at a reasonable price point, with their Premium plan costing $12 per month.

Managed VPS Hosting

Managed VPS (Virtual Private Server) hosting is a compromise between dedicated servers and shared hosting. A VPS provides you with a dedicated portion of a server resources, which means you have more control over your hosting environment compared to shared hosting, but at a lower cost than a dedicated server. Managed VPS hosting options like DigitalOcean offer users easy management tools and support, making it easier to host and manage multiple websites on one account.

Setting Up Multiple Websites on One Hosting Account

To set up multiple websites on one hosting account, you will generally follow these steps:

Choose the Right Hosting Plan: Ensure your hosting plan supports addon domains or domain aliases. This is crucial for hosting multiple websites on one account. Domain Names: Purchase and register the domain names for your websites. Point DNS Records: Point the DNS records of your domain names to your hosting provider's servers. This step is necessary to direct traffic to your hosting environment. Set Up Addon Domains: Use your cPanel or provider's interface to set up addon domains for each of your websites. Deploy Websites: Upload the necessary files for each website to the appropriate directories on your hosting account and configure the necessary settings.

Conclusion

Hosting multiple websites on a single hosting account can be a cost-effective and efficient solution for web developers and small businesses. With options like dedicated servers, managed VPS hosting, and high-capacity shared hosting, finding the right fit for your needs is easier than ever. By leveraging tools like cPanel and addon domains, you can successfully host multiple websites on one account with minimal effort.