Blogging Tips Archives

Introduction:

Every blog or website needs both a domain name and web hosting, among other things. A question frequently asked is, should you separate domain registration and web hosting?

In fact, many hosting companies will often offer a ‘free’ domain name as an integral part of the web hosting package they offer.

Obviously, they want it to appear cost-effective because they want your business. However, that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea.

Should you separate domain registration and web hosting

The argument for separation:

When you’re setting up a new blog or website, it’s easy to lose sight of what might happen in the future.

You might choose a web host, only to find that it isn’t good enough to meet your needs for whatever reason. There might be a speed issue, it might be poor technical support, or it might be that the host’s website is not user-friendly. Then again, you might just find better value for money elsewhere.

Whatever the reason, it doesn’t matter. One thing you can be sure of is that at some point, you will choose to move a website from one host to another because bloggers always do. And if you do, the last thing you want is any potential for complications.

7 reasons why separation matters:

1. Separate Services:

It is a fact that domain registration and web hosting are two separate services. So, it makes sense to keep them separate.

2. Not all hosts offer both services:

While most of the big names do offer both services, this is not universally true. Some web hosting services may not offer the option to register a domain name directly through them.

If this is the case, then you will need to register your domain separately to use it with this type of web host.

3. Freedom of Movement:

A free domain name included with a hosting plan means you’ll have to keep hosting your website with them to keep that domain name.

By registering your domain separately, you’ll have more flexibility in terms of where you host your website.

4. Ease of Migrating:

If you have your domain registration and web hosting with different companies, you can switch hosts easily when necessary without having to transfer your domain registration too.

5. Hosting Multiple Websites:

Hosting companies like SiteGround, which I use, allow you to set up multiple websites on the same unique account. This can be cost-effective when you have multiple web projects running concurrently.

At some point, you may choose to sell one or more of those websites. In doing so, you’ll need to transfer whatever is being sold to the buyer.

Now, if you’ve been provided with a ‘free’ domain, you may not have the freedom to transfer the domain name from your account. So, if that were associated with a website you’re selling, an unnecessary complication over the domain name could prove to be a deal-breaker.

6. Ability to manage them independently:

If you keep your domain name registration and web hosting service separate, this will allow you to manage them independently.

For example, you will be able to renew your domain registration without having to worry about renewing your hosting plan at the same time. And you can migrate a website from one host to another without worrying about moving the domain name registration at the same time.

7. Greater control over your online presence:

Separating your domain name registration from your web hosting service means you’ll have greater control over both aspects of your online presence.

This is especially important if you’re running a business website, as you will want to ensure that your domain and hosting are both reliable and properly configured, always.

Conclusion:

The underlying message today is that it’s wise to keep your domain name registration and web hosting quite separate to avoid any potential pitfalls, such as domain name loss.

Registering your domain name separately from your web host gives you greater flexibility and more control over your online presence.

If you were to have a falling out with your web host, the last thing you’d want is for them to have any control over the use of your domain name.

If you have control over the domain name registration, you can simply migrate your website to another host if you’re no longer happy with your existing web host.

What do I use?

I have always kept the registration of my domain names separate from my web hosting.

All my domain names are registered through Namecheap. They provide great service and the best prices, in my experience.

For web hosting, I now use Hostinger. I have multiple websites hosted on that platform, and my experience with them overall has been excellent.

Should you separate domain registration and web hosting?