In order to put your website on the internet, it needs to be put on a web server. A web server can be very costly to own and requires maintenance and certain knowledge and skills to keep running smoothly. This is the reason why choosing to have your website hosted by another company is the smart way to get your website on the internet. A web host will provide the equipment and maintenance for keeping your site going. Web hosting companies charge a monthly fee in exchange for providing the equipment and maintenance required for your website. Once your site is hosted, it will allow visitors to access the server in order to see your website. The server itself can be housed in any location. It does not have to be close to where your home or business is located. You are basically paying for a hosting company to manage and maintain your files, pages, and website structure. This is the sole responsibility of the hosting company. If your website is not able to be seen because of technical reasons, they are responsible. As you can see it would be quite beneficial to choose a quality hosting company with a strong track record of excellent service. Most web hosting companies allow you to build your website any way you want it to look. You have complete freedom to create what you want your site to look like and how it functions. They are only responsible to keep it up and running. Some web hosting companies will offer to develop your website for a fee if you don't want to build it yourself. But usually this is only an option that goes over and above hosting your website. Choosing a web host is simple. You can either seek out the cheapest web host and take your chances with questionable service. Or you can find a host with a proven reputation of quality and strong customer service. Only one of those choices will guarantee that your visitors will see your website. About the Author: