The world has transformed into a digital space within a decade. Now, more than ever, people are building websites to run businesses online or simply to secure an online space to display their art. And yet, the technical jargon can leave anyone scratching their head.
One of the terms you might come across is web hosting vs domain. If you have questions like:
What is the difference between host and domain?
Do I have to register a domain name first or get web hosting?
Which platform is best for web hosting?
Then, this blog covers it all. Let’s start by enlightening you about web hosting vs. domain.
Difference Between Host and Domain
The difference between host and domain is as follows:
Domain Name
You can understand the difference between host and domain through this example:
Imagine typing different numbers in the URL bar to visit a specific website. While you may be able to remember one specific number, it won’t be possible for a hundred other websites. This number is referred to as an IP address.
For example, a typical IP address may look like this: 55.356.22.1.
While computers have no trouble recognizing IP addresses, humans just can’t.
Remember, computers are connected through cables. So, domain names were invented to ease it for humans to identify and differentiate one website from another.
Domain names are the addresses allocated to your website, which people can type in the URL bar and visit your website. Think of your website as a house; the domain name is its address.
Domain names are made of words that are unique and easily remembered. A typical domain name may look like this:
www.comfortoni.dev.
Web Hosting
We’ve discussed how domain names are the addresses of a website. When identifying the difference between web hosting vs domain, it’s a good way to think of web hosting as the actual house the address (domain) refers to.
Web hosting is the actual land for your website, which stores your files. So, if you want to make your web files and data accessible on the internet, you will need web hosting services.
Web hosting is essential because it makes it possible for online users to access what’s on your website once they enter the domain name on search engines. And since you’ve made your web files public on the computer, the computer can send back those files to the user’s browsers.
Web hosting has several types, with packages and plans suited to specific business types. Some of them include the following:
- WordPress Hosting
- Cloud Hosting
- Shared Hosting
You might have come across claims that you can host your website for free. And although it’s possible to do so, it limits features that enhance customer experience. Besides, a free web hosting plan comes with several drawbacks, such as:
- Pesky ads littering the website
- Lack of customer support
- Limited pages & bandwidth
- Shared branding
Are Web Hosting and Domain Registration Related?
Although there are visible differences between web hosting and domain registration, the two have a distinct relationship. When combined, it becomes possible for a professional website to perform optimally on the internet.
And if you’re wondering about the connection, here’s how both are related:
If you don’t have a domain name, you can kiss the idea of people finding your website goodbye.
Similarly, a website without a place to store files doesn’t exist on the web. Since web hosting is the land for your website, it’s critical to get web hosting services as soon as possible.
It’s one of the reasons you’ll find domain name providers offering web hosting services, too.
Find the Best Platform for Web Hosting In Florida
Several platforms exist through which you can get web hosting. However, if you own a WordPress site, it’s only right to go for WordPress web hosting.
Why? Because it ensures great performance since it’s configured to be highly compatible with WordPress.
It also provides various WordPress management features. With several WordPress plugins and themes, you won’t have to look for additional resources.
Web Hosting vs Domain Registration – What Comes First?
Beginners may get confused about registering for a domain name if they’ve already acquired web hosting. However, the plain-as-day reality is that you won’t have any use for a domain name if it doesn’t lead to anything.
It’s like having an address to a place you can’t locate on a map. That’s why securing a web hosting plan is paramount.
Furthermore, web hosting and domain names are like bread and butter – one can’t exist without another. With that said, when you want to buy web space, you must first go for a registered domain name that no one can claim.
Usually, a domain costs $14.99 which you can own for a year. After your subscription ends, you must pay the recurring fee to continue using your unique domain name.
Once you have a domain name, you should opt for web hosting services that provide the land for your website. This is where your website files are saved so visitors and customers can access them easily.
So, can you buy web hosting and a domain name together? The answer is, yes, you can.
One distinguishing benefit of buying a domain name and web hosting from the same company is that you won’t have to change your domain settings. Why? Because buying a domain name from a separate company means you’ll have to edit the DNS settings so your web hosting company can identify the domain name.
So, let’s face it: who wants to deal with two different hosting service providers when you can buy web space from one?
However, if you decide to change your web hosting service provider, you won’t have to change your domain name. All you’ll have to do is:
- Transfer files and data
- Edit your DNS settings
- Point the domain name to your new web hosting provider
Similarly, if you wish to move your domain name to a different company, you can transfer to another web host or domain provider.
All you need to do is follow the step-by-step instructions on your hosting web service and the domain registrar.
Buy Web Space without a Hassle
A website is a face representing your business online. A unique domain name and secure web hosting make it all the more appealing for people to visit your site. Ultimately, it leads to the brand recognition and credibility you’d aimed for.
So, now that you know the difference between web hosting vs domain, it’s time to avail of superior hosting services that cater to your needs.
Conclusion
If you’re a small business, keeping things simple and going for service providers offering solutions under one roof is the best approach.
Comfort Oni is a leading hosting service provider that can help you register for your desired domain name trouble-freely.
Besides that, our web hosting services are streamlined to meet your unique business demands. No matter how complex, we’ll ensure making things easy for you. After all, that’s the silver lining businesses look for when searching for a hosting service provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hosting a domain refers to services that host domain names for websites. These services sell domain names and register them to an owner. The registration requires a subscription fee which you need to pay annually.
Web hosting provides land for your website where the pages and data are stored. It works by maintaining stable and secure storage spaces so online users can access your website without disruption.
You can buy a domain from several domain service providers. Some of them include GoDaddy, Bluehost, NameCheap, etc. And if you’re looking for an all-in-one package, you have Comfort Oni to rely upon. We provide domain and web hosting services so you can benefit from a secure online presence.
Raquel Kirk
Raquel Kirk hails from Orlando, Florida, with a budding passion for writing about digital marketing trends. Raquel holds a degree in Communication Sciences from the University of Florida and enjoys sharing snippets of knowledge on the web. When not writing in her favorite coffee shop, Raquel spends time reading a book she recently bought, playing with her dog Abby, or catching up with friends and family.
