A domain is your website's name and address on the internet, while hosting is the server that stores the site's files and runs it. You need both: the domain brings the visitor to you, and the hosting shows them the site.
Step by step
- 1
The domain
A name you choose with an extension such as .com or your country's extension, registered through a domain registrar and renewed every year or for several years.
- 2
The hosting
Space on a server that runs around the clock: shared hosting for small sites, or a virtual or cloud server for larger sites and stores.
- 3
Connecting the two
The domain's DNS settings point to the hosting server, so the site opens when a visitor types its name.
- 4
Email
Email on your domain is a separate service that may come with the hosting or from a separate email provider.
- 5
Ownership
Register the domain in your company's name with an email you own, and keep the logins for the registrar account and the hosting account.
- 6
Renewal
Turn on automatic renewal, because an expired domain takes down both the website and the email.
Leaving the domain registered in the developer's or agency's name makes it hard to transfer if you ever disagree. The domain is one of your company's assets.
- domain vs hosting explained
- is a domain enough to have a website