When building a website, do you need a separate hosting provider?
How do Framer's hosting and paid plans work?
And, more importantly, is it worth it?
Let’s break it down!
What is Hosting, and How Does It Work?
Before we dive into Framer hosting specifically, let’s go over the basics of website hosting. Even if you’re not a tech expert, you’ll be up to speed in no time.
When you visit a website, several components work together to bring that page to your screen. Here are the essentials:
The Core Components of a Website
Domain
Think of the domain as your website’s address on the internet.
It’s the unique URL people type into their browser (like google.com or framer.com) to reach your site.
Without a domain, no one can find your website!
Server
Picture this as the "home" where all your website’s files are stored.
When someone visits your domain, their browser requests information from the server, which sends back the web pages, images, and content that make up your site.
In the simplest terms, it’s like a giant computer that’s always online, ready to deliver your website to visitors.
Hosting
Hosting is the service of providing that "home" for your website.
A hosting provider makes sure your server is online and capable of delivering your content to visitors whenever they want it.
It’s like paying rent to make sure your website has a steady place to live on the web.
Each of these elements needs to work seamlessly together for a website to load quickly, reliably, and securely.
How Does Framer Handle Hosting and Servers?
Here’s where Framer simplifies the process.
Framer takes care of both hosting and server management.
No hunting for a separate hosting provider, no dealing with complicated server setup.
Framer hosts your website on its own servers, which are powered by AWS (Amazon Web Services).
AWS is known for its reliability, speed, and scalability, so your site is backed by top-notch infrastructure.
In practical terms, Framer handles the tech stuff. All you need is a domain (your website address), which you can easily connect to your Framer site.
Framer takes care of the rest!
This means you get to focus on building and designing your site without worrying about downtime, server errors, or hosting hiccups.
Do You Need a Separate Plan for Each Website?
Yes, you do!
Each website in Framer is treated as an independent project, with its own separate hosting and features.
This also means that if you create multiple websites, each one will require a separate paid plan.
While this might seem like a drawback, it’s actually a smart setup.
Each project gets its own dedicated hosting resources, so there’s no shared bandwidth or risk of one site slowing down another.
It also makes managing your websites easier, especially if they’re for different clients or businesses.
Can You Make a Website in Framer But Host it Outside Of Framer?
At the moment that is not possible.
This means if you make a website in Framer you will need to host it within Framer itself.
Although it can be cheaper hosting on your own it also does require you to have your own/rent a server to be able to host from.
However, in the future Framer might allow you to export the code of your website allowing you to then host it anywhere else.
But until then, you're limited within Framer.
Wrapping up
Framer hosting offers a user-friendly, reliable way to host your website without needing separate servers or complex configurations. With Framer, your focus stays on what matters: designing an amazing website.
Whether you’re a small business, creative professional, or part of a large design team, Framer’s plans give you flexibility and professional features without the usual technical hurdles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch from a free to a paid plan easily?
Yes! Framer makes it simple to upgrade your plan, so you can start on the free version and move to a Pro or Team plan as needed.
Does Framer hosting include SSL certificates?
Absolutely. Framer hosting includes SSL certificates for all sites, so your website will be secure and display the HTTPS lock symbol.
Do I need coding skills to use Framer?
Not at all. Framer is designed with a visual editor, so you can design and build your site without writing code.
What kind of support does Framer offer for hosting issues?
Free, mini, basic, and pro users get basic support, while enterprise teams have access to dedicated support to help with any hosting issues.
Can I use Framer hosting for an eCommerce site?
Framer hosting is primarily for content-focused websites. If you're looking to build a full-fledged eCommerce site, you may need to integrate additional tools or platforms for a better eCommerce experience.
