Domains and hosting serve different purposes.
A domain is the address visitors use to reach your website. Hosting provides the environment where its files and application run. You do not have to buy both from the same provider. Consider management access and the possibility of a future migration alongside the initial purchase.
Clarify domain ownership and renewal responsibilities.
Be clear about who manages the registration account, which contact email it uses and who is responsible for renewals. Introductory prices may differ from renewal fees. Ask your provider about transfer terms. Plan your business’s access from the outset so the account is not accessible only to the person who built the website.
Choose hosting that fits your website’s technology.
A static company website and an online store with a database and payments need different resources. Alongside storage, assess software compatibility, resource limits, data centre options and technical support. If future traffic is uncertain, ask how capacity can be increased. Read the service terms rather than relying on broad descriptions such as “unlimited”.
Ask about restoration as well as backups.
A promise of backups is not enough on its own. Find out what is backed up, how often, how many copies are retained and how to request a restoration. Email accounts and databases may have separate arrangements. A rollback plan prepared before a change helps keep launches and migrations under control.
Check what is included for SSL, email and migration.
SSL installation, email accounts and website migration may not be included in every hosting package. A migration should consider DNS, files, databases and mailboxes together. Complete checks in the new environment before cancelling the old service. Also clarify the distinction between application maintenance and hosting support.
Before you decide: a checklist
- Can your business access the domain registration account?
- Are renewal dates and fees clear?
- Is the hosting compatible with your software?
- Are backup and restoration terms documented?
- Is the scope of email and website migration clear?