To date, the emphasis of our educational articles has focused largely on the acquisition of a domain name license. However, this is only a fraction of the picture, and once you have your domain name, you may be wondering what to do next?
Hosting is the essential component which makes your domain accessible through the World Wide Web! Think of it as a space on the shelf at the supermarket, where you’re free to display your product. When a user visits your site, they go through the host to download the data required to view your page.
Connecting your domain with a host is a simple process, typically involving an individual copying their host’s name servers and editing these with your domain provider – in effect, these names instruct your domain where to point. Some domain name registrars offer web hosting services, as do numerous web building providers. Among the key elements, consider:
– the type of hosting available: shared, dedicated, cloud, VPS, etc;
– the amount of bandwidth provided: a measure of data transmitted by your site to visitors, typically on a monthly basis;
– CMS or FTP access: modern websites typically utilise Content Management Systems (CMS). Once installed at both ends, this will allow you to transfer content from your computer and upload it to the host’s server. Previously, FTP (File Transfer Protocol) programs were used to do this, however, they have become increasingly susceptible to security threats.
– the level of customer support offered;
– the host’s reliability and security: including firewall protection;
– the provision of email addresses;
– the storage space you require: for basic websites you won’t need a lot of space but if you’re looking to run something complex, or with large files and pictures, you’ll need to increase your quota
The most common motive behind a domain name purchase is to use the name for a website. Nowadays, creating your own website is much more accessible to those with limited to no technical skills, as there is an abundance of template-based DIY options – typically catering for varying purposes also.
Alternatively, if one has a knowledge of HTML, CSS, PHP, etc., or instead opts to engage a professional developer to create their site, you will be able to achieve a superior level of customisation and flexibility.
Creating a customised email address is often a necessity for those who are looking to use their domain to support their business. In combination with the domain name, you can incorporate a generic term, or personalise it with your own name. And as we outlined in our guide to choosing the right domain name, aligning a domain with your business is critical to build a unique brand.
If you haven’t had the chance to develop your website, or the name was an impulsive purchase and you haven’t quite figured out your plans yet, you can opt to park your domain. Domain name registrars, such as Netfleet, are able to park domains for owners, which in turn directs visitors to a placeholder site.
Depending on the length with which you intend to park your website, and what your end goal with the website is, it may be worth considering pointing the domain to: any other related websites you might hold, your own customised ‘parked’ page (optimised for monetisation), or a registrar who places limited advertisements on the page.
That’s it for this occasion, stay tuned for our next educational article.
Best wishes,
The Netfleet Team
This post is tagged: domain hosting; host; hosting; parking; website;
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