“Where should I get my domain registered? and “where should I get my website hosted?” are two of the most common questions people ask me all the time.
The Difference Between “domain registration” and “website hosting.”
Domain registration: It’s basically purchasing a domain name for your website. For example, websitecreationworkshop.com is my domain that I registered with (ie. purchased from) GoDaddy. When you ‘purchase a domain name’, you are ‘registering a domain name’. When you do this step, you are just buying the name.
- Website hosting: That’s the service you need to house the content of your website that will be connected to your domain name. Your web hosting company holds all the files, text, images, audio, PDFs, or any other kind of media you have on your website. It also holds your web content, i.e. your web pages and blog posts. And most webhosting companies also hold your email that you would get at your domain name. i.e. “your[email protected]” vs. “[email protected]”
My favorite web hosting companies for most non-techie people are:
GreenGeeks (my link for them https://www.christinasresources.com/greengeeks)
SiteGround (my link for them www.christinasresources.com/siteground)
Bluehost (my link for them https://www.christinasresources.com/bluehost)
This short video (2 min long) will walk you through the difference between domain registration vs. website hosting and why it’s better to keep them at separate companies.
Short Video on “Domain Registration” vs. “Website Hosting”
Think of the Domain Registration as the “Sign” on the Store (house), and the Web Hosting as the “Building” that holds all the content of your website. I use the metaphor of a store with a sign on it. It’s the simplest visual that I can think of that conveys the situation.
If you want to change housing structures, you can take your sign and move it to another building.
So keep this visual in your mind when you are thinking about domain registration and website hosting.
While it’s possible to register your domain and have your website hosted with the same company, I choose not to do that. And here is why…
There may be an occasion when you want to change your hosting company in the future. Just like technology, things change in the hosting world very fast. And you want to be able to switch your hosting service provider very quickly should they fail to keep up with your needs. And if you have your website hosted with a company that is not your domain name registrar, changing your web hosting company is a relatively easy and quick process.
Changing Domain Registration
However, if you already have your domain registration and web hosting with the same company, I don’t recommend going through the hassle of changing that now since switching domain registrars is not a straightforward task. For now, I just wanted you to understand the differences between domain registration and website site hosting so that you can make an informed decision when building new websites in the future.
Before and After Pics of Buying a Domain Name
See these screenshots below: The first is a registered domain name that has been purchased but the site has not yet been created. The second image shows the site that is built and hosted.
Registered Domain Name (BEFORE You Build Your Site)
Hosted Domain (After You Build Your Site)
If all this sounds confusing, you are not alone, especially when you are new to creating a website!
To help my students start having FUN creating a website right away instead of having to deal with the above things, I help you with domain registration and signing up for web hosting so that you can get started building your website the right way!
I’m planning on opening the doors to the next Website Creation Workshop soon. Get on the notification list here!
(This article was originally published on Oct 22, 2015)
Would you tell me what you think about the affiliate marketing business? If someone can actually make money in this? I’m very confused about how someone promotes certain things like “self help” without having authentic expertise. I would love your input on this subject.
Maureen,
Yes affiliate marketing works, but it can be very involved. The best way to be an affiliate marketer is to pick an area of expertise that you are passionate about, and that you have some knowledge in. Then find companies who have products or services that support that market. Then build a community via your website and social media, and market those other products to your community. Then when someone buys, you get a commission.
Thank you for the insight. I currently have one domain through GoDaddy and hosting through HostGator but was considering registering both for a new site completely through HostGator.
I apologize if you already cover this elsewhere, but my biggest technical hurdle at the moment involves creating a PDF with links and converting it to a digital download ‘freebie’ for readers who subscribe with their email. I have an Aweber account for capturing my subscriber list (preferably on a dedicated landing page) but this undertaking (especially for someone non-tech) has many confusing, moving parts.
Do you offer or know of an ebook or course that explains how to link these components together? Thank you as I would love your advice on this subject!
Kristy,
Personally, I would keep your domains registered at GoDaddy, and then get your hosting at Hostgator if you are happy with them, or somewhere else.
In terms of your question about having a PDF digital download, and how all of that connects together, yes I teach that in my Website Transformation Workshop. And if you send an email to me, I can get you a link for that as it’s closed to the public now.
I thank you for all the information. I have been following you for many years
but unable to get a site started. Several of reasons I could not get started.
So I keep learning from you. I really enjoy working on the internet. I have watched your company grow and grow.
Impressive.
Thank you for all you do. I have a saying I have used for years and I think of you.
“Promise What you deliver and Deliver what you promise” You do it all and more to help people.
Best of every thing to you and God bless you.
Robert Taylor, WSP, MN
Robert,
Glad you are enjoying the content! Watch your email for more that I send to subscribers only 🙂
Thank you.