Domain Names and Web Hosts

Names and Websites

This can be a confusing topic, especially when you’re starting out.

I want to focus on owning your own, personal Domain Name and Hosting Your Website.

For many people it’s the same, so that adds confusion.

We are not talking about having a website on someone else’s website… that’s really called a subdomain. You know, like soandso.wordpress.com or martial-healing-arts.blogspot.com. Those are websites of a different sort and they can serve powerful purposes (like link wheels). But it’s like keeping your notebook in someone else’s house. It’s (sort of) your notebook, but it’s not your house. Such websites are still cool and valuable though.

We’re talking about owning your own name and owning some hosting property: keeping your ids and notes in your back pocket, and making a commitment to your vision, your business, and your art.

Many website hosts provide the service of recording your domain name. Again: that confuses the issue. And, personally, I think it’s a little shady because they get people signing up names right before hosting… and before understanding the difference. Then you’re trapped. You may technically own your stuff, but someone else has possession of it.

So split it up.

If you’re really going to grow, you’ll have extra security if you put your name in one box and your stuff in another.

Here’s all you need to know (it’s easy):

• The Domain Name is one thing.
• The Website Host is another.
• Then get companies to handle each.

Separate Domain Name and Website Host

Think of it this way: you have an identification and you have a body. One says who you are; the other keeps all your stuff in order (memories, stories, etc).

The same goes for your website. You get a name and you get a place to keep your stuff.

Again, many website hosts provide the service of domain name management. That’s great if you get a reliable, awesome, fast, and flexible host. But there’s a lot of hosting companies out there… some may not be as reliable as you think.

Here’s how to hedge your bets:

• Put your Domain Name with one company.
• Host your Website with another.

That way, if either service goes bad, you won’t be held hostage by a company who will have lots of control over your valuable information. (It’s happened to me.)

(Later, there’s other technical advantages if you own more sites.)

Here’s What I Do

I keep my Domain Names registered with SustainableDomains.com

Some of my websites are hosted with HostRocket.com

Others are hosted with Midphase.com

[Full disclosure: I use affiliate links...but I only pick the best. Still, if you're saucy, read my privacy policy.]