Domain registration and web hosting are the two main services needed before a website can go live. Domain registration gives you ownership of a website name, while hosting gives your website a place to run.
Domain registration is the process of buying and securing a web address, such as yourcompany.com. This is handled through a domain registrar. After registration, the domain must be renewed regularly so no one else can claim it. Domain settings also include DNS records, nameservers, privacy protection, and email routing.
Web hosting is the service that stores and delivers your website’s files to visitors. These files can include text, images, videos, databases, themes, plugins, and business pages. When someone enters your domain in a browser, DNS sends that request to the correct server, and the hosting account loads the website.
A new website owner can buy both services from the same provider or keep them separate. Keeping them together may be easier for beginners, while separating them can give more control.