Are you confused about hosting vs domain?

You’re not alone.

Many people think they can launch a website by getting just one, but these are two different things you need to understand if you want your website to work.

A domain is the address people use to find your website, while hosting is the service that stores your site’s files and makes them visible on the internet.

Both are necessary to have a working website. If you only register a domain but don’t get hosting, your website won’t show up online.

On the other hand, if you buy hosting but have no domain, no one will know how to visit your site.

What is a Domain Name?

A domain name is your website’s easy-to-read internet address. Instead of a long set of numbers known as an IP address, you use names like www.example.co.ke to make it simple for people to find you online.

Domain names always have two main parts:

• A name, chosen by you (such as example)
• An extension, also called a top-level domain (TLD), like .com, .co.ke, .org, or .net

Key facts about domains:

• Registered annually through domain registrars like Truehost, GoDaddy, Namecheap
• Each one is unique — no two websites can share the same domain
• Can have subdomains like blog.google.co.ke or shop.example.com
• Usually ends in a TLD (Top-Level Domain) like .com, .co.ke, .org, etc.

Here are some of the most common domain extensions:

There are different kinds of domain extensions:

• gTLDs (generic top-level domains): .com, .org, .net
• ccTLDs (country code top-level domains): .ke, .uk, .ng
• sTLDs (sponsored top-level domains): .edu, .gov

You register your chosen name and extension through a domain registration service, which makes sure no one else can use it.

During registration, you provide your contact details and pay a yearly fee to keep control over the name.

When people enter your domain into their browser, the internet directs them to your website using domain name system (DNS) servers.

This system turns the name into your site’s actual IP address, so visitors see your site quickly.

What Is Hosting?

Web hosting is a service where companies store your website’s files, images, and data on a server.

This server stays connected to the internet at all times, so your site is viewable day and night.

There are a few main types of hosting:

• Shared hosting: Your website shares one server with other sites. Good for small websites.
• VPS hosting (Virtual Private Server): Gives you more control and resources, still sharing with others but less crowded.
• Dedicated hosting: The whole server is just for your website. Best for large or busy sites.
• Cloud hosting: Spreads your site across multiple servers for higher reliability.

Hosting accounts let you manage your site files, email, and sometimes databases. If you use website builders, hosting stores all your HTML pages, images, and other content.

The amount of space and power you get depends on your hosting plan. A reliable hosting provider will offer regular backups, good security, and support if something goes wrong.

How Hosting and Domain Work Together

Domains and hosting are two parts of the same system.

The domain gives users a way to remember and visit your website without memorizing IP addresses. Hosting provides the space where your site’s files are stored.

Here is how they fit together:

Part	What it Does	Example
Domain	Internet address for your site	www.example.co.ke
Hosting	Stores your website files & data	Your HTML, images, database on a server
DNS	Directs browser to correct server	Links www.example.co.ke to your hosting

When someone enters your domain, the DNS system matches it to your hosting provider’s server.

This server delivers your web pages, images, and content to their browser.

You cannot run a website with only a domain or just hosting. Both are essential. If your domain expires or your hosting is not active, your site will not be accessible online.

Common Misconceptions

Misconception	Reality
Domains are hosting	Domains are just names; hosting is where files live
You must buy both from the same company	You can buy a domain from Namecheap and host with Truehost, though manging everything from one dashboard is usually recommended
Hosting includes a free domain	Only some hosting packages include this
Domains are one-time purchases	You must renew every year (or buy for multiple years)

Hosting vs Domain (Pricing, Support, and Performance Considerations)

Domains:

• Usually cost less than hosting.
• Prices may increase for premium or rare names.
• Check if renewal or transfer fees apply.

Hosting plans:

• Shared plans cost less but have more limits.
• Cloud and VPS hosting offer better speed and control.
• Look for a provider with fast servers. Site speed affects visitor experience.

Support:

• Good hosting providers offer help through chat, email, or phone.
• Fast support fixes issues before they affect visitors.
• Migration help makes moving your site smoother.

Performance:

• Uptime guarantees show how often your site should be accessible.
• Some hosts claim 99.9% uptime or better.
• Backups and security tools protect your files and data.

Service	Average cost
Domain name	KES 999 – KES 1,500/year (for .co.ke, .com)
Shared hosting	KES 2,500 – KES 15,000/year
VPS hosting	KES 10,000 – KES 50,000/year
Dedicated hosting	KES 20,000 – KES 100,000+/year

Prices vary based on providers and features

Checklist: Before You Buy

1. Pick a domain name: Short, memorable, relevant
2. Check availability: Use a domain search tool
3. Choose the right hosting type: Based on your traffic and budget
4. Connect the domain to hosting: Usually through DNS settings
5. Secure your site: Add SSL (often free via Let’s Encrypt)

In summary

Feature	Domain	Hosting
Purpose	Helps people find your site	Stores your site’s content
Format	yourname.com, phones.co.ke	Server IP or storage space
Provider	Domain registrar	Hosting provider
Cost	KES 1,000 / year (avg)	KES 3,000 – 50,000/year

You need both to launch a live website. Domain = access. Hosting = content.