Understanding Web Hosting vs Domain Hosting: What's the Difference?

Understanding Web Hosting vs Domain Hosting: What's the Difference?

By Michael Thompson

January 8, 2025 at 01:52 AM

A web host stores and serves your website's content (like text, images, and videos), while a domain host provides the web address visitors use to find your site. Though interconnected, these are distinct services that work together to make your website accessible.

Web Hosting

Web hosting provides server space to store and display your website's content. Think of it like renting space in a shopping mall for your store. Your web host:

  • Stores all website files and content
  • Makes your site accessible online
  • Manages server maintenance and security
  • Provides tools for site management

Domain Hosting

Domain hosting provides and manages your website's address (like www.yoursite.com). A domain host:

  • Registers and maintains domain names
  • Manages DNS records
  • Handles domain renewals
  • Enables domain forwarding

How They Work Together

While separate services, web hosting and domain hosting must work together:

  1. Your domain points visitors to your web host's servers
  2. The web host serves your site's content to visitors
  3. Multiple domains can point to the same web-hosted content
  4. DNS settings connect your domain to your web host

Cost Considerations

  • Web hosting typically requires a monthly or annual fee
  • Domain registration usually involves yearly renewal fees
  • Some web hosts offer free domain registration for the first year
  • You can use different providers for web and domain hosting

Best practice is to choose reliable providers for both services to ensure your website remains accessible and performs well.

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