Hosting and domains are some of the first terminologies that you will see when looking at building a website. They are often listed together and connected in packages through companies such as Squarespace, Wix, Bluehost, and others. They are not interchangeable but they are connected.
What is a domain?
A domain is the web address that you purchase to park your future website. Like the street address for a house or store, the domain is the address that internet users will type into a search bar to find your website.
Website domains have to be registered through a provider before being able to be used. This is why domains are purchased, not just created. When you purchase a domain, you should be purchasing it through a domain registrar that will mark that particular combination of letters and/or numbers unavailable to anyone else.
What is website hosting?
Hosting refers to the server space to hold your website data and files. If the domain is the address, then web hosting refers to the space of that address. Even though websites are not tangible, they do need server space to operate.
Website hosting can be purchased from a provider or servers can be purchased to host in-house. Using a website hosting provider means less work as the website manager as all of the server configuration and technical requirements are handled by them as opposed to a staff member.
Website hosting and domains are both necessary for a functional website. Website hosting providers often offer domain purchasing services as part of their hosting packages.
If you have questions on finding out if your preferred domain name is available for purchase or which hosting package would be best, contact us to schedule a consultation with a website developer. We will partner our expertise with your business and map out a plan for an optimized digital marketing strategy.