Domains, Hosting & Your Website: What Small Business Owners Really Need to Know

Aprile Blair • April 21, 2025

Domains, Hosting & Your Website: What Small Business Owners Really Need to Know




If you’ve ever found yourself Googling something like “What’s the difference between a domain and hosting?”—you’re not alone.


I’ve worked with many small business owners who feel overwhelmed trying to get their website set up. The tech world tends to throw around terms without much explanation, and unless you live in it every day, it can feel like learning another language. I know it did for me when I was starting out in web design.


So what do you really need to know? Let’s break it down in plain English.


Think of It Like This:


Here’s the simplest way to explain it - picture it like a house:


  • Your domain is your address—where people go to find you online.
  • Your hosting is the land or building where your website lives.
  • Your website is the actual content—the rooms, furniture, and everything inside that people interact with.


Each one has a job, and all three are needed to have a fully functioning website.


What’s a Domain?


A domain name is what people type into their browser to find your site—like yourdomain.com .


You can buy a domain through companies like:


  • GoDaddy
  • Google Domains (now part of Squarespace)
  • Namecheap


Domains usually cost $10–$20 per year, and once you buy one, it’s yours—as long as you keep it renewed.


But here’s where a lot of people get tripped up:


Just owning a domain doesn’t mean your website is online. It’s like having a street address with no house built yet.


What’s Hosting?


Hosting is the service that stores your website’s content—your images, text, design files, and more—and makes it viewable on the internet. When someone visits your domain, hosting delivers the actual website that you see.


A few popular hosting providers for small businesses:


  • SiteGround – reliable, solid support, great for WordPress
  • Bluehost – beginner-friendly
  • WP Engine – great for performance-focused WordPress sites
  • Duda – includes built-in hosting with the design tools baked in


Hosting plans typically cost anywhere from $5–$30/month depending on what you need.


Some website builders (like Duda, Wix, Squarespace) bundle hosting into the platform. If you're using WordPress, you’ll need to choose a hosting provider separately.


What’s the Website Itself?


Your website is what people actually see and interact with—your homepage, services, about page, blog posts, contact forms, etc.


Whether you build it yourself or work with a designer, your site files need both a domain and hosting to go live.


Common platforms for building websites:


  • WordPress – very flexible and widely used, but has a bigger learning curve
  • Duda – drag-and-drop builder with hosting built in (great if you’re not super techy)
  • Squarespace/Wix – user-friendly all-in-one platforms
  • Shopify – made for selling products online


If You’re DIY-ing Your Website


Here’s a simplified to-do list:


  1. Buy your domain
    You can purchase it separately or through your website builder, if they offer the option.
  2. Pick a platform
    WordPress gives you full control; Duda or Squarespace are easier if you don’t want to mess with plugins or code.
  3. Set up hosting
    If you’re using WordPress, you'll need to buy hosting (SiteGround, Bluehost, etc.). If you're using Duda, Squarespace, or Wix, hosting is already included.
  4. Build your site
    Start with a template or layout and customize it with your content, colors, and branding.
  5. Connect your domain
    This step makes your website live at              yourdomain.com       for the world to see.



If You’re Hiring a Designer


If you decide to work with a professional, here’s what to keep in mind:


  • Ask if they handle domain and hosting setup or if you’ll need to do that separately.
  • Make sure you own your domain—even if your designer helps you buy it, the account should be in your name.
  • Clarify where the site will be hosted, especially if ongoing speed or security is important for your business.
  • Get access and training—you should always be able to log into your site and make small edits, even if someone else built it.


Your designer should walk through all of this with you step-by-step. That way, you’re never left wondering what you’re paying for—or who’s in charge of what.


Why this Matters


It’s easy to get sold a pretty website and still end up confused about how it all works under the hood but understanding the difference between domains, hosting, and the website itself:


  • Helps you avoid overpaying for things you don’t need
  • Gives you more control over your online presence
  • Lets you make confident decisions—whether you DIY or hire help


As small business owners, we understand confidence matters. You deserve to understand how your website works—because it’s one of the most powerful tools you have for building credibility, attracting customers, and growing your brand.


Want More Straightforward Tips Like This?


I break down website and branding topics for small business owners in a way that actually makes sense—no tech speak, no fluff. If that sounds helpful, I’d love to send more resources your way.


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