When you start your own business, one of the first milestones is choosing a name. It feels like a defining moment – your business’s official “baptism” into the world. Naturally, you rush off to secure the domain before someone else does. But in the excitement, it’s easy to overlook the bigger picture: your website hosting, setup, and the foundations of your online presence.
Buying a domain is just one piece of the puzzle. If you don’t plan ahead, you might miss opportunities to save money, streamline your setup, and avoid unnecessary complications. This guide breaks down what you need to know about website hosting and how to get started the right way.
First Things First: What’s the Difference Between a Domain and Website Hosting?
Think of your domain as your street address – it’s how people find you online. Your website hosting, on the other hand, is the plot of land where you’ll build your house (your website).
Many companies offer both domain registration and hosting services, allowing you to keep everything under one roof. You can rent server space monthly or annually, and as long as you renew your plan, your website remains live. However, rushing into buying a domain without considering hosting can lead to some common pitfalls.
The Biggest Website Hosting Mistakes
1. Buying a domain without checking hosting deals
Most website hosting providers include a free domain when you sign up. If you’ve already purchased a domain separately, you won’t benefit from this bundled offer. While it’s not a huge financial loss (domains usually cost £12-£20 per year), it’s still a saving – and more importantly, keeping everything in one place makes management easier.
Before clicking “buy” on that domain, take a step back and check hosting deals first. You might find a better package that includes everything you need.
2. Forgetting about email hosting
A professional email address (e.g., hello@yourbusiness.com) makes a huge difference in how your business is perceived. But not all hosting packages include email hosting, and if you don’t check, you might end up with an extra expense or a separate provider to manage.
Some website hosting deals include multiple mailboxes, so if you need email accounts for a team or different functions (e.g., sales@yourbusiness.com, support@yourbusiness.com), choose a plan that covers your needs from the start.
3. Trying to wing It without IT support
Setting up your website, hosting, and email can feel overwhelming – especially if IT isn’t your thing. Many new business owners try to figure it out themselves, but this can lead to costly mistakes and messy setups that are difficult to untangle later leading you to want to launch your laptop through a window!
Bringing in an IT professional (or at least getting advice from someone experienced) can help you avoid security issues, downtime, and compatibility problems. Investing in expert support early on can save you a lot of stress down the line.
4. Not exploring your website building options
There are two main ways to set up a website:
- Traditional Hosting + Website Platform – You purchase website hosting from a provider (like IONOS, SiteGround, or Bluehost) and install a website platform like WordPress. This gives you full control and flexibility but requires some technical knowledge.
- All-in-One Website Builders – Platforms like Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify bundle hosting and site-building tools into one package. They’re beginner-friendly but can be limiting in terms of customisation and long-term scalability.
Each option has its pros and cons, so it’s worth considering which is best for your business before committing.
Wrapping Up: Take a Step Back Before You Buy
Your domain is just the beginning. Before you jump in, take a moment to consider your website hosting, email setup, and website-building options. Planning ahead will save you time, money, and frustration – making your online presence work for you, rather than against you.
A little research now means fewer headaches later, so don’t rush the process. Choose a setup that supports your business goals, keeps everything manageable, and allows room for growth. Your future self will thank you!
