How to Host Multiple Websites on a Single Hosting Plan

Most people do not limit themselves to just one website. Whether you are a blogger managing multiple niches, a freelancer with client websites, or a business owner running different brands, you may often need more than one website. But the good news is—you don’t always have to buy a separate hosting plan for each website. Instead, you can host multiple websites on a single hosting plan.

This approach can save you money, simplify management, and give you more flexibility. In this blog, we will cover everything you need to know about hosting multiple websites on one plan, including the benefits, steps, technical setup, common challenges, and best hosting providers for such needs.

Why Host Multiple Websites on a Single Hosting Plan?

Before jumping into the “how,” let’s understand the “why.” Many people buy separate hosting for each website without realizing that most hosting plans allow multiple domain setups. Here are some key advantages:

1. Cost-Effective

   • Instead of paying for three or four different hosting plans, you only pay once. This helps you save significant yearly costs.

2. Easier Management

   • Managing everything from a single cPanel or hosting dashboard is convenient. You don’t have to switch between different accounts.

3. Better Resource Utilization

   • Hosting providers usually give extra resources (disk space, bandwidth). Hosting multiple sites ensures you maximize those resources.

4. Centralized Backups & Security

   • Instead of managing security updates, SSL, and backups separately, you can keep all sites secured from one dashboard.

5. Scalability

   • As your business or portfolio grows, you can easily add more domains without buying new hosting accounts.

Summary Table: Hosting Multiple Websites on a Single Hosting Plan

Pricing List for Hosting Multiple Websites (2025)

What Type of Hosting Supports Multiple Websites?

Not all hosting plans allow multiple websites. Here are the common types of hosting and their suitability:

1. Shared Hosting

• Many shared hosting providers allow multiple domains, but performance can be limited if you run high-traffic websites.

• Example: Bluehost, Hostinger, and SiteGround provide shared hosting with multi-domain support.

2. VPS Hosting (Virtual Private Server)

• Offers more resources and better control compared to shared hosting.

• Ideal if you have medium-traffic websites and want flexibility in configuration.

3. Cloud Hosting

• Scalable and reliable for multiple sites. Resources are allocated based on usage, so you only pay for what you use.

4. Reseller Hosting

• Designed for people who want to host multiple websites for clients. Provides separate cPanels for each site.

5. Dedicated Hosting

• Powerful but expensive. Recommended only for very large websites or agencies hosting dozens of sites.

Step-by-Step Guide: Hosting Multiple Websites on a Single Plan

Here’s how you can set it up, step by step.

Step 1: Choose the Right Hosting Plan

• Ensure that your hosting provider allows add-on domains or multiple websites.

• Check the maximum number of domains allowed (some plans support unlimited, others have limits).

Step 2: Buy & Register Your Domains

• You need separate domains for each website.

• You can register new domains via the hosting provider or use an existing registrar like GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc.

Step 3: Point Domains to Your Hosting Server

• Log in to your domain registrar.

• Change the Nameservers to your hosting company’s nameservers.

• Example: ns1.hostingprovider.com and ns2.hostingprovider.com.

Step 4: Add Domains in Hosting Control Panel

• Go to your cPanel (or hosting dashboard).

• Look for the Addon Domains section.

• Enter your new domain name, assign a subdirectory (where the site files will go), and create the domain.

Step 5: Install CMS (WordPress, Joomla, etc.)

• Once the domain is added, you can install WordPress using Softaculous or another auto-installer provided by your host.

• Repeat the process for each website.

Step 6: Set Up SSL for Each Website

• Many hosting plans provide free SSL certificates via Let’s Encrypt.

• Activate SSL for each domain separately.

Step 7: Manage Emails & Databases

• You can create separate email accounts (like info@yourdomain.com) for each site.

• Assign separate databases for each WordPress installation.

Example: Hosting 3 Websites on One Hosting Plan

Suppose you buy a hosting plan that supports 5 websites. You want to host:

1. myfashionblog.com – A lifestyle and fashion blog.

2. techreviewhub.com – A tech review website.

3. organicstoreonline.com – An e-commerce store.

• You’ll add each as an Addon Domain inside cPanel.

• Create separate folders like:

  • /public_html/myfashionblog

  • /public_html/techreviewhub

  • /public_html/organicstoreonline

• Install WordPress for each and manage them individually from the same hosting account.

Things to Keep in Mind

When hosting multiple websites on a single plan, you must be careful about resource usage and management. Here are a few tips:

1. Performance Issues

• If one site experiences heavy traffic, it might slow down others. Consider upgrading to VPS or Cloud Hosting when scaling.

2. Security Risks

• If one site gets hacked, other sites on the same hosting plan can also be compromised. Use strong passwords, enable firewalls, and update plugins regularly.

3. Backup Strategy

• Use automated daily backups. If one site fails, you should be able to restore it quickly.

4. Domain Limits

• Always check how many domains your hosting plan supports before adding more.

5. SEO Considerations

• Each domain is treated separately by search engines. Make sure you optimize each site individually with proper SEO strategies.

Best Hosting Providers for Hosting Multiple Websites

Here are some hosting companies that are reliable for hosting multiple domains:

1. Bluehost – Popular for WordPress users, offers multi-domain support.

2. Hostinger – Affordable, with unlimited domain hosting on higher plans.

3. SiteGround – Known for excellent performance and customer support.

4. A2 Hosting – High-speed servers with unlimited website hosting.

5. InMotion Hosting – Business-focused hosting with multiple site management.

Alternatives: Manage Multiple Websites with One WordPress Installation

Another way to manage multiple websites is through WordPress Multisite.

What is WordPress Multisite?

• A feature that allows you to create a network of websites using a single WordPress installation.

• You can manage all websites from one dashboard.

Pros of WordPress Multisite:

• Centralized management.

• Easy updates across all sites.

• Saves resources.

Cons of WordPress Multisite:

• If one site goes down, all sites can be affected.

• Limited flexibility compared to hosting separate WordPress installs.

Conclusion

Hosting multiple websites on a single hosting plan is not only possible but also a smart way to save money, reduce complexity, and make management easier. By choosing the right hosting plan, adding domains carefully, and keeping an eye on performance and security, you can run multiple successful websites without any hassle.

Whether you are a blogger with different niche sites, a freelancer managing client projects, or a business owner with multiple brands, this method will work perfectly for you.

If your websites start receiving high traffic, consider upgrading to VPS or cloud hosting for better performance. But for most beginners and small businesses, a multi-domain shared hosting plan is more than enough.