We see you — trying to build your own website at midnight to save some money, Googling “domain VS hosting” for the fifth time, hoping it’ll finally make sense. You’re not alone. A lot of small business owners start their DIY website journey and hit this exact roadblock.
They sound similar. They both seem important. But they’re not the same.
In plain English:
Your website domain is your website’s address.
Your website hosting is the home where your website lives.
Both are required for site visibility, but they serve very different purposes. And if you’re unsure whether you have one, both, or either, you’re not alone. In this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about domain VS hosting — all in language you don’t need an IT degree to understand.
Key Takeaways
- What a domain name is — and what it isn’t
- The difference between a domain registrar and a hosting provider
- How DNS, IP addresses, and server space work together behind the scenes
- Whether you need a .com domain — or if other top-level domains are a smart choice
- Actionable steps to choose and connect your domain and website host
What Is a Domain Name?
A domain name is the web address people type into a browser to find your business online — like succeedingsmall.co, google.com, or wikipedia.org. It’s the front door of your online presence.
But your domain isn’t your website. It’s just the address that points to it.
Behind every domain name is a set of numbers called an IP address — like 192.0.2.1. Computers use these to locate each other on the internet. But instead of asking your customers to memorize something like 192.0.2.1, the Domain Name System (DNS) lets people search for and visit websites using simple, memorable names like yourbusiness.com.
Website domains are made up of different parts. For example:
www.example.com
- www is the subdomain
- example is the second-level domain
- .com is the top-level domain or “TLD”
If you own a fully qualified domain name, you’ve registered your spot in the domain name space — a hierarchical structure overseen globally by ICANN (the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers).
When you purchase a domain name for your website, you do it through a domain name registrar, like GoDaddy, Google Domains, or DreamHost. But buying a domain name doesn’t mean you have a working website — yet.
What Is Website Hosting?
If your domain is your address, your web hosting is the house that holds everything inside.
A hosting provider is a service that rents you space on a server — a high-powered computer that stores all your website files, images, content, and code. When someone types your domain name into their browser, that request gets sent to your host’s server, and your website appears on the screen.
Without hosting, there’s nothing for your domain to connect to. You need both for your website to function.
Hosting providers typically offer packages with different levels of storage, performance, and support. Common types include:
- Shared hosting – affordable and simple, but slower (you share server space with others)
- VPS (Virtual Private Server) – more control and resources
- Dedicated hosting – your own private server, ideal for high-traffic sites
- Cloud hosting – scalable, fast, and reliable
Good hosting is critical for small businesses. It affects everything from site speed and uptime to website security and search engine rankings.
Domain VS Hosting: What’s the Difference?
The short version:
- Your domain is your URL.
- Your host is your storage space.
They’re two separate services — and both are required to run your website.
When someone visits your domain (yourbusiness.com), the DNS routes that request to your hosting provider, which pulls the website files and sends them back to the user’s browser. That’s how your site loads.
Some platforms (like Squarespace or Wix) bundle domain registration and web hosting into one service. Others (like WordPress) require you to purchase them separately — and then connect them via DNS records.
Do You Need a .COM Domain?
Not necessarily — but it’s still a smart choice when it’s available.
Domains with a .com are the most common and most trusted generic top-level domains (gTLD). People tend to default to it when typing in URLs, so it’s often the easiest to remember.
That said, many small businesses successfully use alternatives, like:
- .co
- .net
- .studio
- .design
- country code top-level domains (ccTLDs) like .us or .ca
When choosing a domain name, prioritize clarity, professionalism, and memorability. Avoid long strings, dashes, or obscure TLDs unless they serve your brand well. And be sure to check your name’s availability across social platforms, too. Brand consistency matters!
What to Do If You Already Have One But Not the Other
This happens all the time — and it’s an easy fix.
- If you’ve registered a domain but haven’t purchased web hosting, your website won’t show up online yet. You’ll need to choose a web host and connect your domain using the host’s name servers or DNS settings.
- If you have hosting through a platform but no domain, you may be using a temporary or branded subdomain (like yourbusiness.squarespace.com). Purchasing a custom domain through a domain registrar will let you swap that out for your professional URL.
- If you’re unsure where your domain or hosting lives, we can help track it down and manage everything in one place.
How to Get Started, Step-by-Step
If you’re launching your website, here’s a simple path forward:
1. Choose and Register Your Domain Name
Pick something short, professional, and easy to spell. Register through a reputable domain name registrar like:
- Google Domains
- GoDaddy
- DreamHost
2. Choose a Hosting Provider
Look for a hosting provider with great support, speed, and security. Some trusted options include:
3. Connect the Two
Your host will provide nameservers or DNS instructions. Update these settings in your registrar’s dashboard to link your domain to your website.
Pro Tip:
Buy your domain early, even if you’re not ready to launch your site. That way, no one else can claim it while you build.
You Run Your Business. We’ll Run Your Website.
Building a business is hard enough without having to decipher how DNS, IP addresses, and server space work.
That’s where we come in.
At Succeeding Small, we don’t just help you build a website. We help you build an online presence that’s visible, strategic, and ready to grow with you. From domain registration and managed hosting to content and SEO strategy, we’ll take care of your website visibility so you can focus on running your business.
Let’s make your website fast, secure, and built to scale. Contact us today to get started.
FAQs About Domain VS Hosting
What’s the difference between a domain name and website hosting?
Your domain name is the URL people type in to find your site. Hosting is the service that stores your website files and makes them viewable online. You need both for a functioning website.
Can I have a domain without hosting?
Yes — you can register a domain name without web hosting. Your site won’t be live, but you’ll secure your brand’s web address.
Can I use different companies for domain and hosting?
Absolutely. You can buy your website domain from one provider and host your site with another. You’ll just need to connect them using DNS settings or name servers.
What does a hosting provider actually do?
A hosting provider stores your website files on a server and delivers them to visitors’ browsers when they type in your domain. It also helps with uptime, performance, backups, and security.
What are TLDs, and do they matter?
TLDs (top-level domains) are the endings of your domain — like .com, .net, or .co. While .com is the most familiar, other TLDs can work just fine if they’re relevant and professional.
What is a fully qualified domain name?
A fully qualified domain name (FQDN) includes all levels of the domain hierarchy — like www.example.com — and is used in DNS to identify a specific resource on the internet.
How much does domain and hosting cost?
Domains typically cost $10–$20/year. Hosting can range from $5/month for basic shared hosting to $30+/month for managed services. Prices vary based on features and traffic needs.
Can I transfer my domain or host?
Yes. You can transfer your domain name to a new registrar, or migrate your web hosting to a new provider. Just make sure to back up your site and check for downtime during transfer.
What if I want to rebrand or redesign?
If you’re looking to rebrand your website, you can register a new domain name and redirect traffic from your old one. Just ensure your SEO and branding are updated consistently across the web.
