Before you can build your Joomla website, you need a place to store it online. That’s where web hosting comes in. Think of web hosting as renting a space on the internet to keep your website’s files, so anyone can visit it anytime. In this beginner-friendly tutorial, I’ll explain what web hosting is, what Joomla 5 needs to run smoothly, and how to choose a host to start building any website, whether it’s a blog, an online store, an e-learning platform, or a membership site.
What is Web Hosting?
Web hosting is like renting a home for your website. A hosting company provides a server—a powerful computer that stores your Joomla 5 files and makes them available online. When someone types your website’s address (like www.yourwebsite.com), the server sends your site to their browser. For Joomla 5, you need a host that meets its technical requirements, but don’t worry—I’ll keep this simple!
What Joomla 5 Needs from a Web Host
Joomla 5 is a powerful content management system (CMS), but it needs the right hosting environment to work well. Here’s what to look for in a web host, explained in plain terms:
- PHP Support: Joomla 5 needs PHP (version 8.1 or higher), which is like the language your website uses to run. Most hosts offer this, but double-check!
- Database: Joomla stores your content (like pages and posts) in a database, usually MySQL or MariaDB. Your host should provide one of these.
- Storage and Bandwidth: Storage is space for your files (like images and pages), and bandwidth is how much data your site can send to visitors. For a small site, 5–10 GB of storage and 50–100 GB of bandwidth are usually enough to start.
- Security: Look for hosts with free SSL certificates (for “https://” secure sites) and backups to protect your site. This is key for e-learning or membership sites with user data.
- Support: If possible, choose a host with 24/7 customer support, so you can get help if something goes wrong.
Many hosts offer one-click Joomla installation, which makes setup quick and easy, but manual installation can also be a great option, as I’ll explain below.
How to Choose a Web Host for Joomla 5
With so many hosting companies, picking one can feel overwhelming. Here’s a simple checklist to help you choose:
- Check Joomla Compatibility: Confirm the host supports PHP 8.1+ and MySQL/MariaDB. Most hosts list this on their website.
- Look for Easy Setup: Hosts with tools like cPanel or Softaculous let you install Joomla 5 in a few clicks, though manual installation has its benefits, too.
- Consider Your Budget: Shared hosting (where you share a server with other sites) is affordable for beginners, starting at $3–$10/month. For bigger sites, like e-commerce or e-learning platforms, you might need VPS or managed hosting later.
- Read Reviews: Check what other users say about speed, uptime (how often the site stays online), and support.
Not sure where to start? I share my personal experience with hosting in my blog post, How to Find the Best Web Host in 2025, where I recommend the host I’ve used for all my websites for years. It’s a great resource to help you choose a reliable host for your Joomla 5 site!
Steps to Set Up Hosting for Joomla 5
Once you’ve picked a host, setting up should be straightforward. Here’s how I do it in simple steps:
- 1.Sign Up for a Hosting Plan: Visit your chosen host’s website, pick a plan (shared hosting is fine for beginners), and create an account.
- 2.Register a Domain: Your domain is your website’s address (e.g., www.yourwebsite.com). Many hosts let you buy one during signup or use one you already own.
- 3.Install Joomla 5: Log in to your hosting account and look for a tool like Softaculous in the control panel. Select Joomla, click “Install,” and follow the prompts to set it up in minutes. Alternatively, you can manually install Joomla for more control (see below).
- 4.Check Your Site: After installation, visit your domain to see your new Joomla 5 site. You’ll get an admin login (e.g., www.yourwebsite.com/administrator) to start building.
One-Click vs. Manual Installation: Which is Best?
Most hosts offer one-click Joomla installation, which is quick and beginner-friendly. However, manually installing Joomla by uploading files and setting up a database yourself can be better in most cases, even if you’re new or coming from WordPress. If you’ve used WordPress, you might know one-click installs are common, but WordPress also allows manual installs for more control, just like Joomla.
Here’s a simple comparison to help you decide:
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| One-Click Installation |
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| Manual Installation |
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I recommend one-click installation for most beginners to get started quickly. However, if you want to understand Joomla better or plan a complex site like an online store or e-learning platform, manual installation is worth trying. It’s not as hard as it sounds, and I’ll cover it in detail in my next tutorial on installing Joomla 5!
Why Hosting Matters for Your Joomla Site
A good host ensures your Joomla 5 website is fast, secure, and always online. For example, a fast-loading site keeps visitors happy, whether they’re browsing your blog or taking an e-learning course. A secure host protects user data, which is crucial for membership or e-commerce sites. Choosing the right host now sets you up for success as you grow your website over the long term!
What’s Next?
Now that you know how to set up hosting for Joomla 5, you’re ready to install Joomla and start building your website! In my next tutorial, I’ll guide you through installing Joomla 5 step-by-step, including both one-click and manual methods, so you can create your site with ease.
Want to learn more about picking the perfect host? Check out my blog post, How to Find the Best Web Host in 2025, for tips and my personal hosting recommendation.