WTF is Hosting, SSL, DNS? 😬

If you’ve ever nodded along while someone talks about DNS records or SSL certificates like they’re asking if you’ve seen the latest Star Wars spin-off… you’re not alone.

Web design lingo can feel like a secret language no one bothered to teach you. And when you’re a designer trying to actually build websites – not just pretty mockups – these words pop up everywhere.

So, let’s break it down. Plain English. No jargon. No judgement.

What is Web Hosting?

What it actually is:
Think of it as renting space on the internet for your website to live. Hosting is the land your website is built on. No hosting = no website online.

Why it matters:
You need reliable hosting or your site could be slow, crashy or – gasp – just gone one day. Not ideal when you’re trying to impress clients.

Hot tip:
You don’t need to be a tech wizard to choose good hosting. I share my fave beginner-friendly hosts inside Be The Boss of WordPress so you don’t have to Google your way through a nightmare.

What is SSL (Secure Sockets Layer)?

What it actually is:
It’s the little padlock icon next to your domain name. It tells the internet your site is safe.

Why it matters:
Google loves it. Your clients trust it. Without it, your site might show up with a giant red “NOT SECURE” warning. Eeek.

Emma’s real talk:
Setting up SSL sounds terrifying, but most hosts offer it for free and it’s often a one-click install. You don’t need to be a developer. Just know where the buttons are.

What is DNS (Domain Name System)?

What it actually is:
It’s like the address book of the internet. DNS tells your domain name (like emmakate.co) where to find your website files (which live on your host).

Why it matters:
If your DNS isn’t set up right, your website doesn’t load. Simple as that.

Still confused?
Honestly? It confuses most designers at first. You don’t need to memorise every detail. You just need to know it exists, and how to follow a step-by-step when you need it.

Can you be a web designer without knowing all the tech talk?

You don’t need to know everything about web tech to offer website services. Like I always say, that’s like saying a builder has no business building a house unless they can also do plumbing, electrical and tile the bathroom. Total nonsense.

What you do need is to:
✅ Understand the basics (like this)
✅ Know where to get good support
✅ Learn from someone who’s been in your shoes

So if techy terms like these have stopped you from diving into web design, know this:
You’re not alone, and you don’t have to figure it out on your own.

Inside Be The Boss of WordPress, I walk you through all this step-by-step, in plain English. No tech migraines required.

Ready to dip your toes into more web design for beginners goodness? Watch my free training for the ultimate hit of confidence when it comes to stepping into the world of web design!

We all begin somewhere. This is your moment!

Em x

Want to see exactly how I use WordPress to build irresistible websites for clients?

→ Watch my free training video and learn the simple, no-code way to build websites that wow!