Differences Between Domain Names, Web Hosting, and E-Commerce Hosting

Many people do not realize that registering a domain name is not the same as establishing a website. To help clear up any possible confusion, we have created the following table to provide summary definitions, explanations, and suggestions for domain names, web hosting plans, and e-commerce. Please take a look at the chart and if you have or think of any other questions regarding domains, web hosting or e-commerce feel free to post in the comments section.

Some people try to substitute a Facebook or Twitter Page for a website because its free, but the customization and functionality is extremely limited. We recommend social media as a supplement to a website, especially if you use it for business purposes.

Domain Names Web Hosting E-commerce
Also Known as: domains, domain registration, web address, website address hosting, website hosting, shared web hosting,small business hosting,website services ecommerce hosting, ecommerce solutions, online shopping cart, online store, estore, web store
Typically includes: Domain name plus one page starter web page with limited customization Free domain name, custom e-mail. Site building tools and disk space allow you to build a website on your domain name. Web hosting + ecommerce capabilities such as a product catalog, shopping cart, and order management.
Typically does not include: Web hosting beyond limited starter page. Custom email. E-commerce capabilities. Online Merchant Account.
Price range: $.99 to $10 registration fee $4-$10 per month. $25-$100 per month
Top providers: Yahoo! Domains, Godaddy, 1and1, Network Solutions Yahoo! Web Hosting, Godaddy, 1and1, Register.com Yahoo! Merchant Solutions, Volusion, Big Commerce
Suggestions Buy web hosting package if you also need a website. Could also consider a Facebook or Google+ Page Buy your domain and web hosting package from the same provider. You need a domain name to have a website. Build your e-commerce site separately. Do not build a web hosting site and bolt on a separate shopping cart.

by Spencer Yao
Updated April 29. 2013


Comments

Anonymous, on Fri, 04/04/2008 - 12:51, said...
This was an informative chart on a basic level. It would be nice to see a more indepth write-up on this topic.

Anonymous, on Tue, 09/09/2008 - 14:47, said...
Thanks It was really helpful. After I read this article I could understand what do I have to do to have a website. Cheers

jane frederick, on Tue, 07/14/2009 - 23:58, said...
I am fully satisfied with the post, It is not only interesting but also is a informative article. Can you please provide me some more links for similar articles.

john, on Wed, 07/15/2009 - 23:23, said...
Great tip for searching through loads of domains. What a time saver..

ZK, on Wed, 07/15/2009 - 23:32, said...
Google just does it all, don’t they? I’m glad you’re taking the time to explain everything, because it gets pretty confusing, even for a website developer like me.

Ejiogu Vitus, on Mon, 07/20/2009 - 08:48, said...
I have tried my best to locate www.azepanig.org to transfer it and point it to ns1.fatcow.com and ns2.fatcow.com but to no avail. I have been able to get others done and their Authorization Codes given but this one. How do I go about it? Please help.

Reseller Hosti..., on Fri, 11/13/2009 - 02:18, said...
Its very good blog to it gets pretty confusing, even for a website developer like me.

web hosting, on Tue, 02/23/2010 - 09:48, said...
Thank you for this chart, makes our life simpler, I am sure many get to understand the difference among all these types!

Anonymous, on Tue, 04/20/2010 - 17:59, said...

Thanks, helps to resolve a couple of my questions.


wildest, on Mon, 06/07/2010 - 00:14, said...
Domain Names, Web Hosting, and E-Commerce Hosting are the most confusing topics for new comers in internet. They can just simply use Hi5, facebook or Facebook Analytics but don't have any specific knowledge about the web related terminologies. Information posted in this site really helps. Thanks!

brainpulse, on Fri, 07/30/2010 - 04:28, said...

Yes, there is so many technical word, which is not understand by normal web user. Good explanation.


PaulWeb, on Tue, 09/27/2011 - 00:59, said...

Thanks for the useful comparison! This should help make the process of starting an online business slightly less daunting for beginners of the internet.


hari123, on Sat, 02/04/2012 - 00:23, said...

Many people do not realize that registering a domain name is not the same as establishing a website.This information regarding the Differences Between Domain Names, Web Hosting, and E-Commerce Hosting may helps and guides them to avoid their confusion.


ronyelbert, on Wed, 06/12/2013 - 17:22, said...

All I get from here is nice by me however here have nice needs for you about signs and banners and other all related to it ways to advertise,so must get it and catch your need construction signage from here.


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