How Promo Rates Actually Work
The headline price you see is an introductory rate — a first-term discount. After it expires, the host bills you the regular list price. This isn't a trick; it's how the whole industry prices. The trick is planning for the renewal, not being surprised by it.
The 1-Year Trap
A 12-month term gives you the lowest per-month intro rate, but the renewal lands fastest — within a year you're paying full price, and that's when "renewal shock" hits.
The 4-Year Math
Compare total cost over four years:
- 12-month terms: low intro for year 1, full price for years 2–4.
- 24-month terms: low intro for years 1–2, full price for years 3–4.
- 48-month terms: low intro frozen for all four years.
Because the intro rate is often a fraction of the renewal rate, locking the longest term upfront can cut your total 4-year hosting cost by up to 70%.
When a Long Term Makes Sense
A multi-year lock wins when you're committed to the site. If you're testing an MVP, a 12-month term keeps you flexible — you can reassess before the renewal hits.
The Pro Move
Buy the longest term your budget allows on a host with a real price-lock policy. Hostinger's 48-month plan is the longest lock in the index — it freezes your low rate before renewal increases ever touch it.