Disclosure: This blog post contains affiliate links. I will be paid a commission if you use this link to make a purchase. I currently use the linked affiliate for my own hosting so know of their service and reliability.
When launching a website, one of the most important decisions to make is whether to have your domain and web hosting services under the same or different providers. Not all business owners may know that these two are separate services, so it can be overwhelming to choose where to start.
To recap, domain hosting is the service that allows you to make your site visible on the web, it is like the street address (URL eg: www.callonjo.com.au) and without it, your site has nowhere to live. Web hosting makes your website content accessible on the internet (think of it like a the house located at the actual street address). When you purchase this type of hosting, you are essentially renting space on a physical server to store all of your website’s files and data. Siteground * or VentraIP are two that my clients commonly use.
In this article, I’ll discuss the advantages and disadvantages of keeping domain and web hosting separate, as well as other things to consider when selecting a web hosting and domain provider.
Advantages of Keeping Domain and Web Hosting Separate
Extra Protection for Your Domain
When you host your website and domain with one provider, it can be quite risky. If your host shuts down, or you run into problems with your host, you may also lose your domain. By keeping your domain and web hosting separate, you can significantly reduce the risk of losing your domain name should anything happen to your web hosting.
Easier to Change Web Hosting
Keeping your domain and web hosting separate provides greater flexibility and convenience in case you need to switch web hosting providers or obtain a better deal. By simply redirecting your domain to the new provider, you can avoid the hassle of transferring both your domain and hosting at the same time. This ensures that your online presence isn’t tied down to a single provider and that you have the freedom to make the best choices for your business.
Opportunities for Better Domain Management
When you have different providers for your web hosting and domain registration, you have more control over your domain management options. This allows you to use a different company with a better user interface and more management options. For instance, you could find a host that provides better email hosting services and use a different registrar to manage your domain.
Disadvantages of Keeping Domain and Web Hosting Separate
More Technical Knowledge May be Required
If you’re not particularly tech-savvy, having different providers for your web hosting and domain registration can be a bit overwhelming. You’ll need to be familiar with technical terms related to hosting, domain registration, website building, and more. You may also need to deal with different user interfaces and platforms, which may cause confusion.
Additional Expenses
Having your domain name and web hosting services from different providers can also cost you more. You may need to pay separate fees for each provider’s services. While some business owners might be able to find a cheaper domain registrar and a more affordable web host, combining the two could offer your savings.
Whether or not you should keep your domain and web hosting separate depends largely on your specific business needs. If you want more control over your domain management and better protection for your website and domain, then keeping them separate is the best option. However, if you’re not tech-savvy and prefer simplicity, then using one provider is the better option.
It’s essential to research and compare prices, services, and features offered by different domain registrars and website hosting providers to make an informed decision.
Ultimately, you can consider your budget, level of technical expertise, and business goals in deciding which option to choose.
Jo
* Disclosure: The links provided in this blog are affiliate links. I will be paid a commission if you use this link to make a purchase.
