What is a domain?
A domain is the public address of your website, such as example.co.uk. It is registered for a fixed period and renewed through a domain registrar.
What is hosting?
Hosting stores and serves the website files so visitors can load them. Different hosting plans support different technologies, traffic levels and management tools.
Who should own the accounts?
Your business should normally control its domain account. Keep the login details secure, use two-factor authentication where available and ensure the renewal contact details remain current. Hosting access and handover arrangements should be agreed before work begins.
What about business email?
Email using your domain is usually a separate service. Buying a domain does not automatically include a mailbox, and the price can vary by provider.
Questions to ask
- What renews each year and at what current price?
- Which account owns the domain?
- Is business email included?
- Who can update or transfer the website?
- Are backups or maintenance included?