TL;DR
Your website domain is your URL
- Your hosting is the server on which your website files are stored
- Make sure your hosting provider is reliable before registering
What is a domain?
Imagine a domain as your website’s unique address on the internet, much like your home address in the physical world. It’s the URL that users type into their web browsers to find and access your site. For instance, the Healthy Pixels domain is healthy-pixels.com, where “.com” is the domain extension.
Selecting an appropriate domain is vital for branding and accessibility. You want a name that’s relevant, easy to spell, and memorable, making it simple for visitors to return to your site. A personalised domain, like healthy-pixels.com, adds a professional touch, while enhancing your brand identity.
A domain is unique to the domain owner, so no two websites have the same name. If your ideal brand name is unavailable, get creative with variations or consider other domain extensions like .net, .org, or country-specific ones like .co.uk. You can also use domain name generators for creative suggestions (just don’t get too creative; remember it has to be memorable, relevant and easy to spell.)
What is hosting?
Think of hosting as the actual house where your website resides – your virtual home. It’s the location (server) where all your website files, media, data, and content are stored.
Reliable hosting ensures that your site is accessible to visitors 24/7, regardless of their location. With users expecting fast responses, the speed of your website is crucial. Quick-loading pages not only keep users engaged but also boost your search engine rankings. Quality hosting providers offer optimised servers and content delivery networks (CDNs) to ensure your website performs at its best, even during peak traffic times.
Choosing a reliable provider
Selecting the right domain and hosting provider is critical to your website’s long-term success. A reliable provider ensures your website runs smoothly, delivering a positive experience for your visitors – while you can focus on everything that truly matters.
There are many types of hosting available, so it’s essential to select the one that best fits your website’s needs. Consider factors such as reputation, customer reviews, uptime guarantees, customer support, security features, and pricing. Look for providers with positive testimonials and high ratings, indicating excellent service quality and customer satisfaction. A reputable provider should offer an uptime guarantee of 99.9% or higher, ensuring your website stays accessible at all times.
If you need help in choosing domain provider, Healthy Pixels will be happy to offer advice. Currently, the Healthy Pixels domain and hosting are with Krystal. In addition to being a 100% green provider, Krystal has a 4.9/5 rating on Trustpilot, offers a 99.99% uptime guarantee, and they have quick and positive customer support.
How to register a domain and set up hosting
Registering a domain and setting up hosting is a straightforward process. Start by brainstorming a good domain name that aligns with your brand and mission.
Next, research domain and hosting providers. Do this at the same time, as many hosting providers offer (sometimes free) domain registration services as well, streamlining the process for you.
If you register them separately, register your domain name through your selected domain registrar. Expect a price of £5-50/year, but this highly depends on the domain name itself and its extension. Most providers will offer a discounted price for the first year.
Next, select a hosting service considering the above factors. Once you’ve purchased a hosting plan, the hosting provider will guide you through the setup process. Hosting plans generally cost between £1 to £20 per month, depending on the features and resources you need. Once you’ve purchased your hosting, the provider will guide you through the setup process.
If you sign up for a website with Healthy Pixels, I’ll help you with the set-up and uploading the website to your host.
Conclusion
Remember that your domain and hosting decisions should align with your website’s needs and long-term goals. Take the time to research and compare various domain registrars and hosting providers, considering factors like cost, features, customer support, and server performance. Don’t worry though, Healthy Pixels can offer guidance and help you find the best provider for your needs.
With a well-chosen domain and reputable hosting service in place, you’ll be well on your way to creating a strong online space!
