Domain Name vs Website Hosting: 6 Things to Know
Domain name or website hosting? They do different jobs for your business. This short video explains six points, with written steps and practical notes below.
1:47 · No narration: the video shows each step as text on screen, and every step is written out below, with buttons that jump the video to it.
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The six points in the video
The video is silent. These are its on-screen headings, explanations and labels, followed by supporting notes.
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Step 1: Your domain is the address
People use it to find your website.
On-screen labels: Business address online; Easy to share; Separate registration.
A memorable address can stay the same when the website behind it changes. Check who is recorded as the domain registrant and how the registration is renewed.
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Step 2: Hosting serves the website
A server delivers the pages and files.
On-screen labels: Website files; Page requests; Hosting service.
Hosting makes the site’s pages and assets available. A website platform may bundle hosting with its editing tools, so read what the service includes.
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Step 3: DNS connects the services
Records help route website and email traffic.
On-screen labels: Website destination; Email destination; Correct records.
The web and email records can point to different suppliers. A website move therefore needs a review of DNS without accidentally replacing the mail settings.
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Step 4: Know the two renewals
Domain registration and hosting have separate terms.
On-screen labels: Domain renewal; Hosting plan; Written costs.
Bundled invoices can hide separate renewal terms. Ask for the domain registration period, hosting arrangement and cancellation process in writing.
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Step 5: Keep access organised
Record who manages each business account.
On-screen labels: Registrar login; Hosting contact; Recovery details.
The business should know which account controls each service and have a recovery route if the usual contact is unavailable.
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Step 6: Check before moving
Plan website and email changes together.
On-screen labels: New destination; Email continuity; Test afterwards.
Before a move, agree what changes, when it happens and how you will test the website and email afterwards.
A practical check for your business
Make a short account inventory before changing suppliers: registrar, DNS provider, website host and email provider. Record who can access each service and who receives renewal notices. Keep passwords in an appropriate password manager rather than in a shared planning document.
Sources and further detail
Common questions
Can I keep my domain when I change hosting?
Usually, yes. A domain registration and hosting are separate services. Check the registrar, account access and DNS settings, then plan the change with both suppliers.
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