- Abi Djanogly
- 24 hours ago
- 8 min read
Updated: 6 hours ago
The perfect domain is just a click away: claim your domain →
A domain name and website hosting are the two fundamental components you need to launch a website. The domain name is your site's address (like wix.com), and hosting is the space where your website's files are stored. If you are building a website, this guide explains what domain names and website hosting are, why you need them and how to get started.
Creating your own website is an exciting step toward achieving your goals. Wix provides reliable, free web hosting and a user-friendly website builder to bring your vision to life.
Your domain is more than a web address, it’s the first impression of your brand. With Wix, you can easily find and secure a custom domain that reflects who you are and what you do. Whether you’re launching a business, blog or portfolio, your perfect domain is just a few clicks away. Start building your online presence and claim yours today.
TL;DR: What is a domain name and website hosting?
Short on time? Here’s a quick summary of what you need to know about domain names and website hosting.
A domain name is the unique address people type into their browser to find your site, while website hosting is the service that stores your website's data and makes it available online.
Component | Definition | Analogy | Key function |
Domain name | The unique, human-readable address for a website (e.g., yourbrand.com). | The street address of your house. | Allows users to easily find and remember your website. |
Website hosting | A service that stores your website’s files and makes them accessible on the internet. | The plot of land where your house is built. | Keeps your website online and available to visitors. |
What is a domain name?
A domain name is the address for your website that people type into their browser's URL bar. For example, our domain name is wix.com. It functions as a memorable shortcut to your site's specific location on the internet, which is otherwise identified by a complex series of numbers called an IP address.
Think of it like saving a contact in your phone. Instead of memorizing a long phone number for a friend, you save it under their name. A domain name works in the same way for a website.
Learn more: I want to buy a domain name
Benefits of a custom domain name
Having a custom domain name offers several advantages for your business or personal brand:
A unique domain makes your brand more memorable and strengthens your identity.
It establishes a professional image and builds credibility with your audience.
A custom domain can improve your search engine rankings. Search engines often see websites with custom domains as more trustworthy, which can help you attract more organic traffic.
“Your domain name is your online home address, and just like in real life, location matters. Pick something short, easy to say out loud and easy to remember. If someone can recall it after hearing it once, you’re on the right track.” - Ofir Gvili, Domains PMM at Wix
Industry research suggests that pronounceable domain names are more memorable, easier to share and often perceived as more professional—factors that can positively influence a website’s credibility and user trust.
Learn more: Types of domains
Common challenges of a domain name
One of the biggest challenges is finding a name that isn't already taken. With millions of websites online, your first choice might not be available. This can lead to a frustrating search for a name that is both relevant and unique.
Another issue is brand confusion. If your domain name is too similar to an existing, well-known brand, it could confuse your audience or even lead to legal problems. It's important to do thorough research before settling on a name.
"There are three WIN Pillars for choosing a great domain name. 1) Words: Keep it short and easy to spell, 2) Identity: Make sure it’s relevant to your business and 3) Name: Ensure it’s unique and distinguishable. Avoid numbers and hyphens as they can complicate the domain." - Keren Friedlander, Product Manager at Wix
Learn more:
What is website hosting?
Website hosting is a service that allows you to publish your website on the internet. A hosting provider rents you space on a physical server where you can store all the files and data that make up your website. When someone types your domain name into their browser, their computer connects to the server and your webpages are delivered to them.
Essentially, without a host, your website would just be a collection of files on your computer that no one else could see. Hosting is what makes your site accessible to the world.
Learn more: Best website hosting providers
Benefits of website hosting
“Behind every great website is reliable hosting. From uptime to an SSL certificate, hosting is what keeps your site secure, accessible and trustworthy. Your visitors may not see it, but they’ll definitely notice if it’s missing.” - Ofir Gvili, Domains PMM at Wix
Reliable website hosting ensures your site is consistently available to visitors. Good hosting providers guarantee high uptime, meaning your website will rarely go down. This is important for maintaining a professional image and ensuring a positive user experience.
Good hosting also impacts your site's speed. Faster loading times lead to better engagement, lower bounce rates and improved SEO rankings. A quality hosting service optimizes server performance to make sure your pages load quickly for every visitor.
Additionally, every 1‑second improvement in page load speed can boost your website’s conversion rate by 17%, highlighting the importance of fast and reliable web hosting.
Common challenges of website hosting
One common challenge is dealing with slow loading speeds. If your hosting provider uses outdated technology or overloads its servers, your website's performance can suffer. This can frustrate visitors and negatively affect your SEO.
Security is another significant concern. Poorly secured servers are vulnerable to hacking and malware attacks, which can compromise your data and damage your reputation. It's important to choose a host that prioritizes security measures like firewalls and regular monitoring.
Learn more: How to secure a website
Can I buy a domain name without hosting?
Yes, you can purchase a domain name separately from a hosting plan. Many people buy a domain name they like to reserve it for future use, even if they aren't ready to build a website yet. This practice is known as "parking" a domain.
When you're ready to create your site, you can then purchase a hosting plan and connect it to your registered domain. Alternatively, services like Wix offer an all-in-one solution where you can get a custom domain and hosting together, simplifying the entire process.
Learn more:
How much does a domain and hosting cost?
Service | Type | Estimated cost |
Domain Name | Standard | $10 to $20 per year |
Premium/Resale | Hundreds to thousands (one-time fee) | |
Hosting | Shared hosting | $3 to $10 per month |
VPS hosting | $20 to $60 per month | |
Dedicated hosting | $80 to $500+ per month |
The cost of a domain name and website hosting can vary widely. A new domain name typically costs between $10 to $20 per year, though premium or highly sought-after domains can cost thousands.
Website hosting costs also differ based on the type of hosting and the provider. Shared hosting is the most affordable option, often starting at just a few dollars per month. However, many website builders, like Wix, include free, reliable hosting as part of their plans, which can be a cost-effective and convenient option.
You may also be interested in: most expensive domain names
Examples of domain name and website hosting
Every website you visit is an example of a domain name and website hosting working together. Popular sites like amazon.com, wikipedia.org and netflix.com all have a memorable domain name paired with powerful hosting that can handle millions of visitors.
When you use a platform like Wix, the process is streamlined. You can choose a domain name and get free, secure hosting all in one place, without needing to manage the technical details yourself.
You may also be interested in: best web hosting for small business
How to get started with finding a domain name and website hosting
Getting online doesn’t have to be complicated. For domain name search, Wix provides instant domain name search, Wix offers easy domain name search and Wix powers real-time domain name search so you find the right fit fast.
For website hosting, Wix offers secure, fully managed web hosting for a hassle-free experience. Wix offers secure, scalable web hosting built in when you create your website, and provides resilient web hosting with 99.99% uptime so your site will stay up no matter what—even during traffic spikes.
Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you secure your domain and set up your hosting:
01. Brainstorm domain name ideas
When choosing a domain name, write down a few name options that reflect your brand, product or purpose. Aim for names that are short, clear and easy to spell. Avoid numbers or hyphens if possible, as they can make your domain harder to remember.
02. Check domain availability
Use a domain search tool to see which of your ideas are available. Real-time domain search allows you to instantly view open names and explore alternatives if your first choice is taken, such as trying different extensions or variations.
03. Register your domain name
Once you find an available name, register it through a trusted provider. Many platforms bundle domain registration with their plans, and some offer a free domain for the first year when you choose an annual package.
Learn more: How to register a domain
04. Choose your website hosting
Next, select a hosting solution that keeps your site fast, stable and secure. Look for hosting that includes built-in security, automatic updates and the ability to handle traffic growth without slowing down your site.
Learn more: How to host a website
05. Connect your domain to your hosting
After your domain and hosting are set up, link them together so your website can be accessed through your chosen name. With all-in-one platforms like Wix, this step is handled automatically, so you don’t need to manage technical settings.
Explore: Domain hosting vs web hosting
06. Start building your website
Once everything is connected, you can begin designing your site, adding content and preparing for launch—knowing your domain and hosting are already taken care of.
This approach gives you a solid foundation for a fast, secure and reliable website from day one.
You may also be interested in:
Ready to get online with a domain name and web hosting?
Understanding domain names and hosting is the first step in creating your place on the web. Now that you know the basics, you're ready to take action. With tools like the Wix website builder, you can find the perfect domain name and get secure hosting all in one package, making it simple to get your site up and running.
What is a domain name and website hosting FAQ
What’s the difference between a domain name and a URL?
A domain name is the main part of your website's address, like wix.com. A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the full address of a specific page on your site, such as wix.com/blog. The URL includes the domain name plus other information that directs a browser to a particular page.
Do I need a domain name and website hosting to have a website?
Yes, both are essential. The domain name is how people find your site, and hosting is what stores your site's content and makes it visible online. Without both, your website won't be accessible to the public. However, platforms like Wix bundle these services, so you don't have to manage them separately.
Learn more:
Can I move my domain name to a different host?
Yes, you can transfer your domain name from one domain registrar to another or point it to a new hosting provider. The process usually involves unlocking your domain at your current registrar and getting an authorization code. While it can be a bit technical, your new hosting provider typically offers guides or support to help you through the process.
Comments