Domain Registration vs Web Hosting. What’s the difference?

A domain name is split into two important parts: a web address and an IP address.

The web address is the part of the domain name you and your potential customers can see (www.websitename.ie). It is a recognizable and memorable address that makes it easy for people to find your little space on the Internet.

The IP address is the number based address that is attached to your web address, like (55.66.709.89) that allows computers to communicate with each other in the background. This does all the difficult work in the background for you.

A domain name is a combination of both elements. They are permanently linked.

The IP address is stored with a record that references your website’s name in a service known as Dynamic Name Service or DNS.

Your provider supplies the DNS records with the IP address and the name of your website. That allows your site to be reached from any device that has an internet connection. The web hosting company you use will create that link between your website name and IP address, and then bind it to the location where your website is being hosted.

All of this is done so that people don’t have to remember a long IP address for every website they visit.

At SmartHost, we understand that your domain name is the foundation of your online presence. That’s why we offer a comprehensive selection of domain extensions categorized to help you find the perfect fit for your business or brand.

• SmartHost offers 500 plus domain extensions, ensuring you can find your perfect domain
• Easy-to-use domain management tools to give you total control over your domain
• Irish-based phone and email support. Talk to our team whenever you need us
• Automatic domain renewal notifications to ensure you never miss when your domain is due for renewal
• Professional email plans are available to make your email stand out
• Domain Locks to prevent unauthorised domain transfers
• Up to 10-year registration periods to secure your brand’s presence on the internet

Web hosting is a service that provides a space on the internet for your website to live and be accessible to others.

A web hosting provider will hold your company’s website information on managed and secure web servers. When someone types in your domain name into a search engine, it will break down the IP address linked to the domain name, direct it to the web hosting server where the website information is stored and then send it back to the person trying to see your website.

As a paying user, you can connect to the hosting platform and manage your site. You can make changes to your website whenever you like, as well as upgrade it if you need to.

A web hosting company will usually provide the backend tools you need to administer your site, but some hosting companies offer more, including:

• Custom tools that you can use to implement advanced features on the fly,
• Billing that automatically adjusts based on your usage,
• Options for additional storage or websites,
• Webmail, and more.

Purchasing a hosting plan from SmartHost is a straightforward process designed to get your website up and running with minimal fuss. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown.

Explore Hosting Plans

Begin by visiting the web hosting page on SmartHost.ie. Here, you’ll find a variety of hosting plans catering to different needs. Compare the features, resources, and prices to determine which plan aligns with your requirements. If you need any help, our team is on hand to advise the best option for you. Our entry-level plans are ideal for small, brochure-type websites, while our larger plans will work well for e-commerce websites.

Select Your Plan

Once you’ve identified the hosting plan that suits you, click on the “Buy Now” button associated with that particular plan. This will take you to the SmartHost Order form, where you can enter your details to create an account.

Register or Login

If you’re a new customer, you’ll be prompted to create an account with SmartHost. If you already have an account, simply log in with your credentials.

Domain Setup

During the checkout process, you’ll be given the option to register a new domain name or use an existing domain. Follow the prompts to set up your domain.

Review and Checkout

Review your order to ensure all details are correct. You can also add any additional services, like WordPress support, to your order. Complete Payment: Proceed to the payment page, fill in your payment details, and complete the transaction. Once your payment is processed, your hosting account will be activated, and you’ll receive a confirmation email with the necessary details to get started.

Your Account

Log in to your SmartHost account to access your hosting control panel, where you can manage your website, email, and other hosting features.

Need Assistance?

If at any point you need help or have questions, our support team is available by phone or email to assist you. Purchasing a hosting plan from SmartHost is as simple as that! We’ve structured the process to be user-friendly and efficient, ensuring you can start building your online presence with confidence and with support from our customer support team.

It is good practice to purchase your domain name and web hosting from the same supplier. Most web hosting providers offer a discount on domain names when you purchase their web hosting services. It also makes management much easier. Having your domain and web hosting manageable under one account makes tracking and making changes easy.