ExpressionEngine Hosting: A UK Guide

ExpressionEngine is a flexible, commercially-licensed CMS built around custom content structures rather than imposing a fixed blog or page model. It’s often chosen by developers and agencies building bespoke client sites where the content model itself, not just the design, needs to be tailored to the project.

What ExpressionEngine offers

• Custom content structures: Define exactly what fields and content types a project needs, rather than working within a predefined post/page model.
• Template flexibility: Full control over markup and templating logic.
• Add-ons: A marketplace of add-ons extending core functionality for specific project needs.

What ExpressionEngine needs from hosting

ExpressionEngine runs on PHP with a MySQL or MariaDB database. As with other developer-oriented platforms, check your hosting provides good PHP version control and server access, since ExpressionEngine projects are typically built and maintained by developers comfortable working at that level.

FAQs about hosting ExpressionEngine

Is ExpressionEngine free to use?

ExpressionEngine offers both a free Core edition with reduced features and paid commercial licences for the full version, unlike fully open-source platforms like WordPress. Check current licensing terms before committing to a build.

Why would I choose ExpressionEngine over WordPress?

ExpressionEngine’s appeal is largely its flexible, non-prescriptive content model, useful for projects with unusual or highly specific content structures that would require significant custom development to replicate in WordPress.

Getting started

Switchweb provides UK-based hosting with current PHP versions, SSH access, free SSL, and daily backups, suited to developer-led ExpressionEngine projects. View our web hosting plans to get started.