Should You keep domain and web hosting separate? And know about the secret benefits of keeping web hosting and domain separate.
When setting up your business, there’s a lot to think about, and it can be overwhelming. Streamlining processes and reducing suppliers is a natural approach, and when choosing website hosting, grabbing your domain name from the same provider may seem like a no-brainer.
Many website services, such as Squarespace, WordPress, and Wix, offer custom domain options—sometimes even for free as part of your hosting package. However, at Upsource, we strongly recommend using different providers for your domain and web hosting.
What is Domain and Web Hosting?
Domain
A domain is your website’s address on the internet. It’s the name that people type into their browser to visit your site, like www.example.com. Think of it as the street address for your website.
Web Hosting
Web hosting is a service that stores all the files and data that make up your website. It’s like renting space on a server where your website lives. When someone types your domain name into their browser, the hosting service delivers your website to them.
In short, a domain is the address, and web hosting is the house where your website lives. You need both to make your website accessible online.
Both services are essential, but they don’t have to be provided by the same company.
Which Secret Benefits to Keep Domain and Web Hosting Separate?
Here are six reasons why keeping them separate is the smarter choice:
1. Maximize Your Hosting Resources
When you buy a hosting package, it includes certain bandwidth and storage provisions. If you bundle email services with your hosting, you’re sharing those resources between your website and your email, reducing what’s available for your site.
Keeping your domain separate allows you to dedicate your hosting resources solely to your website, ensuring optimal performance.
2. Better Email Experience
Specialist hosting providers often treat email support as secondary, and their built-in email programs can lack essential features and be less user-friendly. By keeping your domain separate, you have the flexibility to choose an email provider that best suits your needs, like Gmail or Microsoft 365, which offer superior usability compared to many proprietary email services.
3. Separate Renewal Dates for Better Management
4. More Domain Options
Dedicated domain providers often offer a wider variety of Top-Level Domains (TLDs), allowing you to find the perfect domain name and extension for your business. You’ll have more choices when you’re not limited by what a bundled hosting package provides.
When you buy your domain and hosting together, they expire on the same date. This can lead to a single set of reminder emails that are easy to overlook, increasing the risk of missing renewals. Keeping your domain and hosting separate ensures you receive distinct renewal notices, reducing the chance of accidental lapses.
5. Reduced Risk During Outages
When you combine your domain and hosting, a single issue with your hosting provider can affect both your website and your email. Hosting outages do happen, and when they do, it’s far less stressful if only your website is affected while your email remains functional. Keeping these services separate ensures that not all your eggs are in one basket.
6. Improved Security and Control
Data breaches are more common among SMEs than you might think. If your hosting or domain is compromised, a hacker could potentially gain access to both your website and email, or even transfer your domain to another provider without your consent. Separating these services adds an extra layer of security, reducing the risk of losing control over your website and communications.
How to Decide What’s Best for You
Deciding whether to keep your domain and web hosting separate depends on your priorities:
- Security and Control: If these are your top concerns, separating the two is likely the better option.
- Convenience: If you value simplicity and ease of use, keeping them together might suit you better.
- Budget Considerations: Weigh the cost differences between bundled discounts versus the flexibility of separate services.
Keeping your domain and web hosting separate from different providers is the best choice for website owners.
Conclusion: Keep Domain and Web Hosting Separate
While bundling your domain and hosting might seem convenient, separating these services offers better resource management, security, and control. By keeping your domain and web hosting with different providers, you can mitigate risks, optimize your resources, and ensure a smoother experience for your business.
Ready to make the switch? Contact us at Mc Starters for personalized advice on managing your domain and hosting services separately!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Have to Buy a Domain Name and Hosting Together? Or Can I Buy Them Separately?
No, you don’t have to buy a domain name and hosting together. You can purchase them separately from different providers. This approach gives you more flexibility, allowing you to choose the best services tailored to your needs.
Can I Move My Domain Name to a Different Company?
Yes, you can transfer your domain name to a different registrar. The process usually involves unlocking your domain, obtaining an authorization code, and initiating the transfer at the new registrar. This can provide better control, pricing, or customer service options.
Should You Keep Your Domains and Hosting Separate?
Yes, it’s often recommended to keep your domains and hosting separate. Doing so enhances security, reduces dependency on a single provider, and makes it easier to switch services without disrupting your website.
Do I Need a Domain & Hosting for a New Website?
Yes, both a domain and web hosting are required to set up a new website. The domain serves as your online address, while hosting provides the server space and resources needed to display your website’s content to visitors.
Should I Keep My Domain Name Separate from My Web Host?
Yes, separating your domain name from your web host allows for better management, security, and flexibility. It also reduces the risk of losing both services if one provider faces an issue.
Should You Keep Your Domains and WordPress Hosting Separate?
Yes, keeping your domain and WordPress hosting separate offers similar benefits: improved security, easier management, and more control over your services. This way, you can choose a domain provider with robust domain management features while selecting a specialized WordPress host for optimal website performance.
