If you’re setting up your first business website, you’ve probably come across the terms domain name and web hosting. They might sound similar, and it’s easy to get them mixed up if you’re new to the world of websites. But they’re actually two completely different things – and understanding the difference is crucial if you want your site to go live and work properly.
In this beginner-friendly guide, I’ll explain what domains and hosting are, how they work together, and what you need to get your business online the right way. Whether you’re a new startup, a growing company or just exploring the idea of launching a website, this post will give you the clarity and confidence to move forward.
What is a Domain Name?
A domain name is the address people type into their web browser to find your website – like leedswebdesigner.co.uk. It’s your online identity, and ideally, it should match your business name or describe what you do.
Think of your domain name like your business’s address on the internet. It’s how people find you, remember you and recommend you to others. Just as you wouldn’t open a physical shop without a clear address, you shouldn’t launch a website without a domain name.
Some examples of domain names include:
- bbc.co.uk
- gov.uk
- nationaltrust.org.uk
- google.com
Your domain is unique to you. No one else can use the same domain name at the same time. It’s something you register through a domain registrar, often paid for annually or bi-annually.
What is Web Hosting?
If a domain name is the address, hosting is the actual building. It’s where your website files, images, text and code live.
Web hosting is a service that provides the storage space and technology needed to display your website on the internet. When someone types in your domain name, your hosting provider delivers the content of your website to their screen.
Without hosting, your website can’t be accessed by others, even if you own a domain name. Hosting makes everything work behind the scenes – kind of like electricity and plumbing in your office. You don’t always think about it, but without it, you’re not in business.
How Domains and Hosting Work Together
Let’s imagine you’re opening a shop in Leeds. Your domain name is your shop’s address – something like 21 Business Street. But to actually open the doors and sell your products, you need a building with shelves, tills, and lighting – that’s your hosting.
When someone types your domain name into their browser, it connects to your hosting server, which then displays your website.
So, to have a functioning website, you need both a domain name and hosting. They are bought and managed separately, but they work together to bring your site to life.
Can You Buy Them Together?
Yes, and many people do. Some providers sell domain names and hosting as a package, making it easier to manage both in one place. However, it’s also common (and often better from a security or business continuity perspective) to buy your domain and hosting separately.
At Leeds Web Designer, we offer managed hosting and can help you secure the right domain too – whether that means purchasing a brand new one or helping you migrate an existing domain to new hosting.
Common Misunderstandings
**1. “I bought a domain, so my site is live.” **Not quite. Buying a domain doesn’t mean you have a live website. It just means you’ve reserved the name. You still need hosting and a website built on top of it.
**2. “My domain name includes email, right?” Sometimes, but not always. Some providers include email accounts with domain purchase or hosting packages, but not all. At Leeds Web Designer, we help clients set up professional email addresses (like info@yourdomain.co.uk) to give their brand credibility.
**3. “I can move my website easily, right?” You can, but it depends how it was built and hosted. If you own your domain and website files, then yes, you can move them to another host. This is one reason why I always recommend clients own their domain name and hosting account – never leave it all with an agency that locks you in.
Choosing a Domain Name: Tips for Beginners
Here are a few tips if you’re choosing your first domain name:
- Keep it short, memorable and easy to spell.
- Stick with .co.uk or .com for UK businesses – they’re the most trusted.
- Avoid numbers, hyphens or confusing spellings.
- Try to match your business name or key service (e.g., yorkshireplumbing.co.uk).
- Check it hasn’t been used in the past – you can search for old versions to be sure.
If you’re stuck for ideas, I’m always happy to brainstorm domain name suggestions as part of your website planning process.
What to Look for in a Hosting Provider
Not all hosting is created equal. Here are some key things to look for:
- Reliability – Look for uptime guarantees of 99.9% or better.
- Speed – A slow host means a slow website, which hurts user experience and SEO.
- Security – Look for SSL certificates, malware protection and regular backups.
- Support – Can you get hold of someone when things go wrong?
- Scalability – Can the hosting grow with your site as traffic increases?
At Leeds Web Designer, we use premium UK-based hosting optimised for WordPress. We manage it on behalf of our clients, so they don’t need to worry about the techy stuff.
Do You Need a Web Designer Too?
Owning a domain and hosting account gets you online, but you still need an actual website. This means:
- A design that fits your brand
- User-friendly structure and navigation
- Search engine optimisation (SEO)
- Speed and mobile responsiveness
- Clear calls to action to convert visitors
If you’re not confident doing all this yourself, hiring a professional is a smart move. I specialise in WordPress website design for businesses across Leeds and the UK. Whether you need a brand-new site or want to improve an existing one, I can help.
A Word About Ownership and Control
One of the biggest problems I see is when a business doesn’t actually own their domain name or hosting account. They’ve left it in the hands of a previous designer or marketing agency, and now they can’t make updates, move providers, or even access their emails.
I strongly recommend that you register your own domain name, or at the very least, make sure your name is listed as the owner (registrant). Same goes for hosting. You can absolutely have a designer or developer manage it for you – but make sure you have access if needed.
This protects your business in the long term and makes things easier if you ever want to switch providers.
What Happens If You Don’t Renew Your Domain or Hosting?
Domains and hosting accounts are usually billed annually (or monthly, in some cases). If you don’t renew:
- Your domain name may expire and be released back into the pool, allowing someone else to register it.
- Your hosting may be suspended, taking your website offline. After a while, your files could be deleted.
Always set reminders and keep your payment details up to date. Better yet, use auto-renew if it’s available.
Summary
Let’s recap:
- Your domain name is your online address.
- Your hosting is where your website lives.
- You need both to have a live, working website.
- They can be bought separately or together.
- Owning your domain and hosting gives you more control.
If you’re starting a business or building a new website, understanding these basics will save you time, money and stress down the road.
Ready to Launch Your Website?
Whether you need help choosing a domain name, setting up hosting or building a full WordPress site, I’m here to help. I work with startups and established businesses across Leeds and the UK to design, build and manage professional websites that deliver results.
Get in touch today to request a quote or learn more about my services.
