Are you new to website development? Or have you started a new company or business in Dubai or anywhere in the UAE and been looking for a website? If so, you may have a few common questions or be confused by some technical jargon, such as website hosting and domain names.
In this blog post, we have shared the roles of website hosting and domain names, along with the key differences between them, as well as their associated costs.
Let’s start!
What is a domain name?
A domain name is the address of your website on the Internet. We can also say that the domain name is the virtual address of your website. For instance, our domain name is Innomedia.ae. Domain names are unique and once taken, can’t be registered by anyone else.
Essential facts to know about a domain name
- A domain name may cost you between AED 55 and AED 130. Typically, domain names with the .com extension are less expensive than those with the .ae extension.
- A domain name must be renewed annually.
- You can’t build a website with just a domain name, as it doesn’t serve as a website storage. For website deployment & execution, you also need website hosting.
- Domain names can be purchased from companies such as GoDaddy and NameCheap.
What is website hosting?
Website hosting, also known as a hosting server, acts as a virtual storage for your website. In other words, all the files and databases of your website are stored on your web hosting server. When the user types your domain name, which is connected to your hosting, your server executes the web files and shows your website in a viewable format.
Key facts to know about website hosting
- Just like the domain name, website hosting must be renewed on an annual basis.
- The cost to host your website may range between AED 55 and AED 550.
- Many web hosting companies provide affordable web hosting packages. Some of them are BlueHost, GoDaddy, HostGator, InterServer, and SiteGround.
- There are various types of web hosting packages, including shared web hosting, virtual private server (VPS), and dedicated web hosting. Consult with your web developer to determine the best package for your website.
How are emails created?
Emails are usually created on the web hosting servers. So, when you buy a domain name and point it to the web hosting server (that you have bought), you can start creating emails that have your own domain name. For instance, info@innomedia.ae. How many emails can you make?
Different hosting packages offer varying numbers of email accounts that can be created. Some hosting companies allow only 1 or 2 emails, while others may allow you to create an unlimited number of emails.
What is SSL? Who takes care of it?
SSL, also known as Secure Sockets Layer, is essential for running a website these days. The SSL activation on your web hosting server ensures that all the data transmitted on your website or server is encrypted. SSL is also necessary for achieving high rankings on search engines like Google.
If these technical terms are too complicated or overwhelming for you, let a professional web developer or a web agency handle them for you.
Hire a web developer to handle all website things!
For you, your business matters most. Therefore, you should let a website expert handle all the technical aspects for you, allowing you to focus on your business.
When working with a website developer or an agency, you get various options to work with, whichever suits you.
Option 1:
You purchase the domain name and hosting yourself, and then share the credentials with your web developer so that they can build your website and launch it on your web hosting server.
Option 2:
You let your web developer register a domain name on your behalf and procure a web hosting account for you to manage everything (from website to a domain name, hosting, and emails) so that you don’t have to get into technical problems.
Some professional website companies in the UAE like Innomedia provides free web hosting & domain name for the first year in their website development package.
How much is the website design cost in Dubai or anywhere in the UAE?
The cost to build a website in Dubai or anywhere in the UAE may start at AED 1200. For an e-commerce website / online store, you may have to pay AED 4000 or more.
Need the help of a website developer?
Contact Innomedia! We are one of the leading, affordable website agencies in the UAE.
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