A domain name and website hosting are both required for most professional websites, but they perform different functions.
A domain name is the address people use to find your website, such as yourbusiness.co.za. Website hosting is the server space where the website’s pages, images, database and other files are stored.
A Simple Domain and Hosting Example
One way to understand the difference is to compare a website to a physical business premises:
- The domain name is similar to the street address that tells people where to find the business.
- The hosting account is similar to the property where the business, equipment and information are kept.
- The website is similar to the actual office, shop or building that visitors interact with.
The address and the property work together, but they are not the same thing.
What Is a Domain Name?
A domain name is the unique internet address connected to your business or organisation. It allows people to access your website without needing to remember the numerical address of the server.
Examples include:
- yourbusiness.co.za
- yourorganisation.org.za
- yourcompany.com
A domain can also be used to create professional email addresses such as sales@yourbusiness.co.za.
What Is Website Hosting?
Website hosting is a service that provides space on an internet-connected server. The server stores the files and information required for the website to operate.
A hosting account may store:
- Website pages and images
- WordPress files and plugins
- Databases
- Contact-form information
- Company email accounts
- Documents and downloadable files
- Security and backup information
When someone visits the domain, the hosting server delivers the website content to the visitor’s browser.
Domain vs Hosting at a Glance
| Domain Name | Website Hosting |
|---|---|
| The website’s internet address | The server space where website files are stored |
| Example: yourbusiness.co.za | Stores pages, images, databases and emails |
| Registered and renewed periodically | Paid for according to a hosting subscription |
| Can exist without a website | Can host a website, emails or other online services |
| Points visitors to the correct server | Delivers the website content to visitors |
How Does the Domain Connect to the Hosting?
A domain connects to its hosting server through Domain Name System records, commonly referred to as DNS records.
These records tell internet services where to locate:
- The website
- The email server
- Subdomains
- Other connected online services
When the records are correctly configured, visitors who enter the domain are directed to the website stored on the hosting server.
Can Your Domain and Hosting Be With Different Companies?
Yes. A domain can be registered with one provider and connected to hosting supplied by another provider. However, keeping the domain, hosting and email services with one reliable provider can make account management, renewals and technical support simpler.
When changing providers, it is important to ensure that the website files, databases and email information are migrated correctly before the old hosting service is cancelled.
Can You Have a Domain Without Hosting?
Yes. You may register a domain to reserve the business name without immediately purchasing website hosting or building a website.
However, hosting will normally be needed when you want to:
- Publish a website
- Create professional company email accounts
- Store website files and databases
- Run an online application or customer portal
Can You Have Hosting Without a Domain?
A hosting account can technically exist before a domain is connected to it. However, a proper domain name is normally required before customers can conveniently access the website or use professional company email addresses.
What Happens When the Domain Expires?
When a domain expires, the website and professional email addresses connected to it may stop working because visitors and email systems can no longer locate the hosting service through the domain.
The hosting files may still exist temporarily, but they will not be properly accessible through the expired domain.
What Happens When the Hosting Expires?
When the hosting subscription expires or is suspended, the server may stop displaying the website and processing email. Depending on the provider’s terms, website and email data may eventually be removed if the account is not renewed.
This is why domain and hosting renewals should both be maintained before their respective due dates.
What Do You Need for a Complete Business Website?
A complete professional website normally requires:
- A registered domain name
- A suitable website-hosting package
- Professional company email accounts
- A designed and developed website
- An SSL certificate for secure connections
- Ongoing renewals and maintenance
Domain Registration and Hosting from Website Design Office
Website Design Office provides domain registration, website hosting, professional company email accounts and complete website design services. Businesses may also register a domain and host company emails without immediately developing a website.
Contact us to register your domain, set up professional company email accounts or request a complete website quotation.