Understanding Web Hosting vs. Domain Hosting: A Complete Guide
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.