Understanding Web Hosting vs. Domain Hosting: A Complete Guide

Understanding Web Hosting vs. Domain Hosting: A Complete Guide

By Michael Chen

January 8, 2025 at 02:54 AM

Domain hosting and web hosting serve different purposes in making your website accessible to visitors.

Web Hosting

  • Stores your website's actual content (text, images, videos)
  • Provides server space where your website lives
  • Works like renting space in a digital shopping center
  • Includes tools to manage and display your content

Domain Hosting

  • Provides your website's address (like www.yourdomain.com)
  • Manages domain name registration and storage
  • Acts as a directory pointing visitors to your website
  • Can be managed by various providers (GoDaddy, Hover, etc.)

How They Work Together

  • Web hosting stores your site's content
  • Domain hosting provides the address to access that content
  • Multiple domains can point to the same web-hosted content
  • Both services are required for a fully functional website

Important Notes:

  • Web hosting and domain hosting can be provided by different companies
  • Domain registration typically requires separate payment from web hosting
  • You can link multiple domains to a single website
  • All domains will redirect to one primary domain
  • Domain settings can be managed through your domain host provider

Payment Considerations

  • Web hosting is included in website builder platform subscriptions
  • Domain registration usually requires additional annual fees
  • Some providers offer free domains for the first year with annual plans
  • Renewal fees apply for both services after initial terms

Your website needs both services to function properly: web hosting to store and display your content, and domain hosting to provide visitors with an address to access it.

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