Are you among those who get confused between Web hosting and Domain name? The two things are co-related but different.
A web hosting hosts your website with specific plans provided by hosting companies.
A domain name is the address of your website. It’s the name that people will search in the address bar.
When you visit a web hosting provider’s site, the first thing you’ll notice is the domain name. When you register for a particular domain, you can move to the next level i.e. selecting a web hosting plan.
To own a domain, you’ll need to buy a domain from the company, and for a website, you need to buy a hosting plan. If you’re still confused, we will provide you with a broad difference between a domain and web hosting.
Further reading: How to Purchase a Domain Name and Hosting With Bluehost
Difference: Web Hosting vs Domain Name?
You need both web hosting and domain name to create a sustainable website. Web hosting allows you to host your website online, whereas a domain name is your brand’s identity that makes it easy for target customers to find you online.
Both are available at affordable prices with a wide range of hosting providers. But, you need to pick the right domain and hosting plan for your website to get an edge over your competitors. Thus, read this guide to learn more about them and make a choice accordingly.
What is Web Hosting?
Web hosting hosts your website and takes care of all the files on the server. It is like a home to your website. Web hosting companies not only specialize in storing but also servicing. Most hosting companies provide different plans for hosting.
The most common ones are Shared hosting, VPS hosting, Dedicated server hosting, and Cloud hosting. When you build your website with a web host, it provides a secure place to display your content on the web. The hosting companies provide added tools for managing your content and data. Plus, the hosting plans are flexible and affordable.
Read this Bluehost review to learn the different types of web hosting provided by this hosting company.
What is a Domain Name?
Before you set up a website, you will need to set up your domain name. For this, you can register your domain with a domain name registrar. Each domain name is unique, which gives your website a distinctive identity.
As a rule, you can’t set up a new website if you don’t register a domain. Once you purchase the domain, you can use it for your website. It has its own distinctive identity, which helps the users to locate your website online.
Further reading: New Domain or Subdomain
Difference Between Web Hosting and Domain Name
The domain name and web hosting are two different services. But when they come together, they make up for a website.
A domain system is a massive address book that consists of different website addresses. If a particular domain is unavailable, there are alternatives for the same.
For example, if the domain ‘Healthtoday’ is not available, the hosting company may offer alternatives like ‘Healthtodayone, etc. Every domain is followed by a domain extension.
A domain name alone is not enough to create a website. Once you register a domain name, you need to purchase a hosting plan that supports your website. In most cases, people opt for Shared hosting plans that are cheaper and easily available. There is always an option of migration later.
What Are the Main TLD’S For a Domain Name?
The top-level domain is mostly the last segment of the domain name as it’s the short part that follows the dot. The other name for a domain name is the domain suffix. The ICANN is a corporation that helps to manage the domain name and IP addresses of the website.
It categorizes TLD as generic top-level domains, country code top-level domain, sponsored top-level domain, and infrastructure top-level domain. The most popular ones are generic domains, which a website uses for address – .com, .org and, .net. Some are specific to government agencies, militaries, and educational institutes.
To purchase a domain, use these Bluehost domain coupons and get a discount.
Choosing Domain Name Registrars
Each domain registrar may offer you different pricing and renewal fees. Check the terms and conditions before you buy a domain name. Check the domain transfer policy before you choose a domain name. Domain names have an expiry date, so choose a plan that offers automatic renewal. Also, check for other add-on services with the domain name registrars.
Choosing a Web Host
You can buy web hosting easily today at affordable prices, thanks to the many options that are available. With Bluehost hosting coupons, you can get a discount of up to 65% on hosting.
However, when selecting a web hosting provider, you need to consider some factors:
- Speed is an important factor as most users expect a site to load within two to three seconds. Always look for speed and an uptime guarantee.
- Look for security as it’s the core concern in today’s times. Your website may be vulnerable to hacks and spam attacks if your security is not up to date. Added security features will make sure that your website remains secure.
- Scalability is the most important factor; you will need to add more resources and tools if there is a sudden surge in traffic. Choose a web hosting provider that can accommodate the expansion.
- Good customer support can bail you out of any trouble related to your website. Check for good customer support features.
Here are some hosting comparison articles that you can check out to make an informed decision.
To Sum up,
Web hosting is the space of your house, whereas a domain name is the address of your house. People get confused regarding the two as the same hosting provider provides both options. Only conventional domain name registrars used to offer domain names before, but today most web hosting companies offer domain names.
Web hosting companies provide feasible domain name options when a user wants to buy a hosting plan. It is like a package deal. The hosting plans that you choose may also offer a free domain name.
Buying a web hosting plan and domain name from the same company will give you an added advantage as it is not only easier to manage but also renew both from a control panel.
When the companies are different, you’ll have to keep a tab on both. Plus, renewal process of domain registration from conventional registrars may also incur some extra fees.
Most hosting providers also offer easy domain name transfer. But, the migration of plans depends on the company. So, register a domain and purchase hosting today with these Bluehost coupons
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