“Where should I get my domain registered and “Where should I get my website hosted?” are two of the most common questions people always ask me. In this article, I’ll explain the difference between domain registration vs. web hosting. And why you need both to get a website up and running.
Starting a website can feel overwhelming, especially with all the new terms you need to learn. Two of the most important terms you’ll come across are “domain name” and “web hosting.” Let’s break them down in a simple way.
What is a Domain Name (Domain Registration)?
Think of a domain name as your business’s address on the internet. Just like your home or office has a street address, your website has a domain name. It’s what people type into their browser to visit your site, like “websitecreationworkshop.com.”
Domain registration is when you purchase a domain name for your website. For example, websitecreationworkshop.com is the domain that I purchased from GoDaddy. When you purchase a domain name from GoDaddy or Namecheap (my recommendations for domain names), you are ‘registering a domain name.’
What is Web Hosting (Website Hosting)?
Web hosting is the service you need to house your website’s content. It will be connected to your domain name. Your web hosting company holds all the files, text, images, audio, PDFs, or other media on your website. It also holds your web content—the pages and posts. Most web hosting companies also hold your branded email.
When someone types your domain name into their browser, web hosting servers deliver your website’s content to them.
*GreenGeeks, SiteGround, and Bluehost are my favorite web hosting companies. This article provides more details about the companies we love and use.
Short Video on “Domain Registration” vs. “Website Hosting”
This 2-minute video will walk you through the difference between domain registration and website hosting and explain why keeping them at separate companies is better.
Use Two Separate Companies
While it’s possible to register your domain and have your website hosted with the same company, I don’t recommend it! And here is why…
I use the metaphor of a store with a sign on it. It’s the simplest visual that conveys the situation. Think of your domain registration as the “Sign” on your business and the web hosting as the “Building” that holds all the content of your website.
If you want to change housing structures, you can easily move your sign (domain) to another building (web hosting). There are various reasons why you may want to move hosting companies (e.g., the plan may increase in price, poor customer service, change in needs, etc.).
If your website is hosted by a company other than your domain name registrar, changing your web hosting company is relatively easy and quick.
Please note: There is no need to change if you already have your domain registration and web hosting with the same company. This suggestion is for people who are starting websites from scratch.
Where is my Domain and Web Hosting?
Sometimes, you hire someone to build you a site. But then you don’t know where it’s hosted. Or, you start building a website and can’t remember which company hosts it or whether the domain is still active.
Fortunately, some tools are available that can tell you where your domain is registered and where your website is hosted.
1) WhoIsHostingThis (https://whoishostingthis.com/): Enter your domain name in the search bar, and it will show you who is hosting your website.
2) WhoIs (https://who.is/): You can enter your domain name to get detailed WHOIS information, including the hosting company and contact details for the domain owner.
3) WhatsMyDNS (https://www.whatsmydns.net/): You can enter your domain name to check DNS records, which can also provide hosting information.
Before and After Images
Take a look at these screenshots. 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)
Example Hosted Domain (After You Build Your Site)
Final Thoughts…
To recap the store analogy, your domain is your address (or sign)—it’s where people find you on the Internet. Your hosting is the building that houses all your website content.
If possible, your domain registration and website hosting should be with two different companies. Technology in the hosting world changes very fast. And you want to be able to switch your hosting service provider should they fail to keep up with your needs.
If all this sounds confusing, you are not alone, especially when new to creating a website!
To help my students start having FUN creating a website right away, instead of dealing with the above things, I help you with domain registration and signing up for web hosting so that you can start building your website the right way!
*Note: Some of these links are affiliate links, and I may receive a small commission if you purchase through them.
(Originally published on Oct 2015, Updated June 2024)
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.