What’s the difference between a domain name and web hosting?.
If you’re new to websites, you might have heard terms like domain name and web hosting thrown around—but what do they actually mean? And do you really need both?
Let’s break it down with a simple analogy and explain why both are essential for getting your website online.
A website is like a house
To understand the difference, imagine your website is a house.
- Your domain name is your street address. It’s what people type into their browser to find your site—like yourbusiness.com.
- Your web hosting is the actual land and building where your website lives. It’s the server that stores your site’s files, images, and content.
You need both to be found and functional. A street address with no house won’t help anyone, and a house with no address? No one will find it.
What is a domain name?
A domain name is your website’s unique address on the internet. It’s registered through a domain registrar (like Namecheap or GoDaddy) and usually renewed annually.
Examples:
- mybusiness.com.au
- portfolio.site
- yourname.co
You can buy a domain separately from hosting, and you can even own multiple domains that point to the same site.
What is web hosting?
Web hosting is the service that provides the server space where your website’s files are stored. When someone visits your domain name, the host delivers your website’s content to their browser.
There are different types of hosting:
- Shared hosting – budget-friendly, slower (you share space with other sites).
- VPS or cloud hosting – more control, faster, scalable.
- Managed WordPress hosting – optimised for WordPress sites (e.g. Cloudways, which I recommend).
How they work together
- You register a domain name (e.g. yourbusiness.com).
- You sign up for a hosting plan.
- You connect the domain to the hosting server (usually by updating DNS settings).
- Your website becomes accessible via your domain.
Quick FAQ
Q: Can I have a domain without hosting?
Yes, but your site won’t appear online.
Q: Can I get free hosting?
Yes, but it often comes with slow speeds, limited control, and ads. For a business or professional site, paid hosting is worth it.
Q: Can I move my domain or hosting later?
Absolutely. They’re separate services—you can change hosts or transfer your domain anytime.
Final thoughts
While domain names and web hosting are two separate things, they work together to make your website possible. Think of your domain as your online address, and your hosting as the home where your website lives.
If you’re launching a new site, you’ll need both—and choosing the right setup from the start can save time and stress later.
Not sure where to begin? I can help with that.
- Not sure if you even need a website? Here’s how to decide.
- Ready to move forward? Choose the right developer for your project.
- Want to understand what makes a great user experience? Here’s why front-end development matters.
Need help getting your domain and hosting sorted?
Let’s chat about the best setup for your site—get in touch today and I’ll walk you through the options.
