What is a web host? And do I need it with my Squarespace website?

If you’ve ever tried to build a website, you’ve probably come across terms like web hosting, domain hosting, and DNS — and thought… wait, do I need all of this? I thought it’d be handy to demystify some of these common terms. Let’s start with Web hosting!

What Is a Web Host?

A web host (or web hosting company) is where your website “lives” on the internet.

Think of it like this:

• Your website = your house

• Your domain name= your address (www.letsmakeasite.com)

• Your web host = the land your house sits on

It’s where the files literally live. A web host stores all of your website’s files.

Do I Need a Web Host with Squarespace?

Short answer: Nope — it’s already included.

This is one of the biggest differences between Squarespace and other platforms like WordPress.

Back in the day, I worked on WordPress a lot. With WordPress, you need to:

• Buy hosting separately (through a company like Bluehost, Dreamhost, etc.) - you basically “pay rent” so they can host your files on their server.

• Install WordPress ON that host (so they can host the files) and you have a way to edit the files

• Manage security, plugins and performance (the “scary” stuff, IMHO)

With Squarespace, it’s all handled for you.

Squarespace is your web host.

That means:

• Your site is stored on Squarespace’s servers

• Security and updates are managed for you

• You don’t need to purchase separate hosting

Basically, it’s all done for you. Phew! It’s one of the main reasons I recommend Squarespace for small businesses — fewer logins, fewer moving parts (and fewer things to break).

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Wait, what about domains?

Your domain name (like yourawesomebusiness.com) is separate from your website and hosting.

You can buy a domain from anywhere:

• Squarespace

• GoDaddy

• Namecheap

• or a million other providers…

And here’s the important part: You can connect your domain to your Squarespace site no matter where you bought it.

So you have two options:

• Option 1: Keep everything in one place
  Buy your domain through Squarespace and manage it alongside your website.

• Option 2: Keep your domain separate
  Buy your domain from another provider and connect it to your Squarespace site.

Both are completely valid — it just depends on your preference. If you’re not sure which route to take, I breakdown domains a bit more in detail here.

The Simple Version

If you’re using Squarespace for your website:

• You do not need to buy web hosting.

  • Squarespace already hosts your site

• You do need a domain name

  • You can buy that domain from anywhere and connect it.

Boom! That’s it.

If you’re feeling confused about domains, hosting, or how everything connects, you’re not alone — this “technical stuff” is one of the most common sticking points I see with new website owners. And it’s much simpler once you know what each piece actually does. 

As a small business website consultant, I am happy to help demystify any of this technical stuff in our work together! Hit me up to work together and find what solution works best for you. 

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