If you’re a business owner starting out online, you’ve probably heard the terms “website domain” and “website hosting.” But what exactly do they mean? What’s the difference? And why do they matter to your business?
This article is here to demystify these terms and explain them in a way that’s easy to understand.
The essentials of website domains and hosting
Let’s use the analogy of a store.
Your website is like the contents of the store. This can include your products, furniture and signage.
Your website domain is like your store’s street address — i.e. “100 Smith St, Melbourne”. (unlike a physical address, you can choose your domain name and can even change it later.)
Website hosting is like the physical space where your store lives. Your hosting is a computer server somewhere in the world where your website’s data is stored and can be accessed by visitors.
All three elements – websites, domains and hosting are crucial:
- Without the website, your store would be empty.
- Without a domain, people won’t know where to find your site.
- Without hosting, you have nowhere for your business to exist!
Getting your website domain and hosting set up: a beginner’s guide
When building a website, the first thing you need to do is procure your domain and hosting.
I recommend you choose a domain name that is your business name or represents your services. This will make it easy for customers to remember and find you.
Your domain name is leased annually. You can’t just pay for it once and own it forever. If your domain lease expires, anyone else has the right to then lease the domain. So it is important to stay on top of your domain renewals.
The hosting provider and plan you choose will depend on your website’s size and traffic. Your hosting plan can grow with your site – so you don’t need to waste money on resources you don’t need. Instead, you can start small, and then upgrade your hosting as your site grows.
You can migrate between domain and hosting providers easily if your current providers no longer meet your needs – you won’t even need to change your domain address.
The costs of getting online: domain and hosting expenses
Domain names and hosting need to be paid for on an ongoing basis.
Domain names vary widely in price based on their popularity and desirability. They can start at around $20 a year, then go up into the multi-millions for the most in-demand domains.
Hosting can range from a few dollars a month for basic sites on a server shared with other sites, up to hundreds of dollars per month for dedicated servers. As mentioned earlier, you can start small and upgrade your hosting as your business and website grow.
Why your domain name matters
Your domain name is more than just a web address; it’s an important part of your branding and marketing.
A good domain name is:
- memorable,
- easy to spell, and
- reflects your business or the services you offer.
Your domain name is a first step in building trust with your audience and a critical component of your brand identity. The right domain name will set your business apart from the competition.
Web hosting demystified
Web hosting is about finding the right storage place for your website — where all your online content lives.
For beginners, it’s important to choose a hosting provider that offers support, security, and scalability. I recommend starting with shared hosting for new websites. This is like renting a small store in a shopping centre. It’s cost-effective and meets the basic needs of most small businesses.
As your website grows, you might move to a dedicated server all of your own. (this would be a standalone building – to continue the analogy)
The perks and pitfalls of free web hosting
While free web hosting might be tempting, it comes with serious limitations and we don’t recommend it. This can include less control over your site content and design, unwelcome ads, and poor performance. These pitfalls can tarnish your brand’s reputation.
Think of free web hosting it as a free billboard placed in a location where it might not get the best visibility or audience. It may be OK in some circumstances, but you’re much better off investing in reliable hosting that aligns with your business goals.
How we can help
Banjo Digital can help sort out website domains and website hosting for you. We’re experts who understand the complexities and how to set them up successfully.
From selecting the perfect domain name to choosing a reliable hosting plan, Banjo Digital takes care of every step, ensuring your online presence is strong, secure and ready to get you results.
With the right partner (us!) and a clear strategy, you can establish a powerful online presence that supports your business goals. Banjo Digital is committed to making the digital world easy to navigate for business owners. We offer tailored solutions in website design, SEO, and ongoing maintenance and support.
Give us a call today!
Are you ready to get real results from your website? We’ll help you navigate the digital world with ease. Starting with choosing your first domain name and establishing proper web hosting, we’re here to make your online journey pain-free (and fun!)