Having a website is like opening a new store. But before you can welcome your first set of customers to your shop, you need a sign out front to showcase your business name and a good space inside to store your products.
In the online world, your ‘sign’ is your domain name, and the ‘space’, is your web hosting. So what’s the difference between a domain and hosting, and why does it matter?
In this article, we will go into details about how these essentials elements together can build the online presence you’re aiming for.
Here is a quick overview of the topics we will cover in this guide:
What is a Domain Name?
What is Web Hosting?
Key Differences between Domain and Hosting
How to Purchase a Domain and Hosting
Common Misconceptions
Importance of Choosing the Right Domain and Hosting
What is a Domain?
A domain is your website’s address on the internet. A domain name allows users or customers to locate your website online. For instance, Leanna.ng is a domain name. It’s what users type into their browser’s address bar to access your website.
In a more detailed explanation, a domain serves as a memorable and user-friendly way to navigate to a specific website. It translates into an IP address through the Domain Name System (DNS), which directs users to the correct server hosting your website.
What is Web Hosting?
Web hosting is the service that stores all your website’s files and make them available on the internet. Without hosting, your website wouldn’t be accessible to users because hosting provides the infrastructure needed for your website to operate smoothly.
It stores your site’s files, manages your database, and ensures that your website is available to visitors always.
Types of Hosting
Shared Hosting: Multiple websites share the same server resources. Ideal for small to medium-sized businesses.
VPS Hosting: Provides more control and resources than shared hosting by dividing a server into virtual private servers.
Dedicated Hosting: Provides an entire server exclusively for your website.
Cloud Hosting: Uses a network of servers to provide scalable resources, offering flexibility and reliability.
Key Differences between Domain and Hosting
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Ownership: A domain is a unique address for your business online, while hosting is like renting a space at that address. You own a domain name, but you lease hosting services.
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Purpose: The domain name’s primary role is to allow easy navigation to your site. Hosting, on the other hand, ensures that your files are stored securely and are accessible to your users.
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Independence: Domains and hosting services operate independently but are interconnected. You can purchase a domain from one provider and hosting from another, but both are necessary for a full functional website.
At Leanna.ng , we offer our clients a free domain with our hosting services.
How to Purchase a Domain and Hosting
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Choose a Domain Name: Select a name that easy to remember and reflects your brand. You can use domain registrar, like Leanna.ng, or any other trusted registrar to check availability of the domain name.
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Select a Hosting Provider: Compare hosting plans based on your need. Leanna.ng offer a range of options from shared to dedicated hosting.
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Register Your Domain: Once you’ve chosen your domain, register it through your chosen registrar.
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Set Up Hosting: After purchasing your hosting plan, follow the provider’s instructions to connect your domain to your hosting account.
Common Misconceptions
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Domains vs. Websites: A domain is not the website itself but the address through which your website can be accessed. Think of it as the sign outside a building, not the building itself.
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Hosting without a Domain: It is technically possible to have hosting without a domain, but users would need to access your site through an IP address. While, having a domain without hosting means you have an address but no actual website content to display.
Importance of Choosing the Right Domain and Hosting
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Impact on SEO: Your domain name has a major influence on search engine optimization (SEO). A relevant, keyword-rich domain can improve search engine rankings.
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Website Performance: The quality of your hosting service impacts your website’s speed and uptime. Reliable hosting ensures that your website loads quickly and remains accessible, which is important for retaining visitors and achieving better search engine rankings.
