What small business customers really want from their hosting providers in 2025

For small business customers, choosing the right hosting solution in 2025 is about far more than just storage space or uptime. It’s about trust. Whether they’re running a full e-commerce shop or launching a service-based website, small business owners want peace of mind so they can get on with running their business. Here we take a look at what that means for hosting providers.
As a hosting company, your ability to meet (and exceed) small business expectations is key. So, what does a best-in-class offering look like today?
Here’s a simple checklist to help you stay ahead and deliver true peace of mind to your customers.
Cloud-based hosting: Speed, security & reliability
Small business owners are busier than ever. They want websites that work. That’s where cloud-based hosting shines.
- Scalability: Cloud infrastructure can scale instantly to match demand, which means no outages or slowdowns during traffic spikes.
- Faster load times: Cloud hosting typically utilises edge networks or CDNs (content delivery networks) to minimise latency and ensure rapid page loads, regardless of the visitor’s location.
- Built-in redundancy: With multiple servers working in sync, cloud-based hosting offers excellent uptime and failover protection.
- Automatic security updates: Businesses benefit from real-time patches, reducing vulnerability without having to lift a finger.
Why it matters: In 2025, the majority of small business websites are not managed by IT experts; entrepreneurs manage them. They expect their hosting to be hands-off, fast and failproof. Cloud-based services tick all these boxes.
Unlimited storage: For content-heavy and future-proof sites
The days of minimal brochure sites are long gone. Today’s small businesses are building immersive, content-rich experiences. From embedded videos to dynamic product galleries and long-form blogs. That content demands storage.
- Room to grow: Unlimited storage gives small businesses the flexibility to scale their content strategy without fear of hitting limits.
- Content-driven SEO gains: With no storage caps, business owners can publish high-quality visuals, videos, and blog content freely. Combined with a well-defined content strategy, this can help the business achieve higher search rankings and improve online visibility.
- Predictable pricing without caps: Unlimited storage reduces the risk of surprise fees, allowing small business owners to grow their sites without worrying about hidden costs tied to file size or usage.
Why it matters: Small business owners don’t want to think about file limits or performance degradation. Unlimited storage takes one more worry off their plate and helps ensure their website stays fast and functional as it evolves.
Environmentally responsible hosting
Sustainability is no longer a ‘nice to have’. It’s an expectation. Today’s consumers care, and by extension, so do your small business customers.
- Energy-efficient data centres: Look for providers that use renewable energy or offset emissions.
- Carbon transparency: Make your environmental credentials visible to help your customers do the same.
- Green brand alignment: Hosting that supports sustainability enables small businesses to communicate their values and differentiate themselves from the competition effectively.
Why it matters: Small business owners are increasingly value-driven. Offering hosting that’s not just high-performing, but also low-impact can be a powerful point of difference.
Integrated tools: Everything in one place to power their business
Managing a small business means juggling a lot. From building a website to managing products and taking payments. That’s why integration with essential tools isn’t just convenient – it’s critical.
- Website builders made simple: Drag-and-drop site builders with built-in AI help entrepreneurs get online without hiring developers.
- Built-in commerce tools: Solutions like BaseKit Store or BaseKit Bookings allow small business owners to start selling and manage products, orders, and payments with ease.
- Automation: The ability to connect digital tools with other apps, such as Microsoft, offers the power to transform small business customer workflows and boost productivity. For example, BaseKit’s Zapier integration allows customers to automate store and appointments transactions between BaseKit and a choice of over 5K other different apps.
Why it matters: Small businesses want fewer moving parts and more results. Offering essential tools in one cohesive platform empowers them to move fast, stay focused, and scale efficiently.
The gold standard hosting solution small businesses want in 2025
For 2025, the gold standard in hosting for small business customers combines:
- Cloud-first infrastructure (for speed, security and scale)
- Unlimited storage (for content freedom and performance)
- Environmental accountability (for values-led businesses)
- Easy integration with essential tools to run their business in one place
If you’re a hosting company looking to stand out, offering this complete package – wrapped in a simple, user-friendly interface – is key to becoming your customer’s trusted partner in digital success.
Small businesses are the backbone of our global economy. Helping them succeed online means giving them tools they can rely on. As we move further into 2025, the best hosting isn’t just fast or affordable; it’s also reliable. It’s thoughtful, flexible, and future-ready.