If you think that your domain name and chosen website hosting plan seem less important than your website itself – think again. The right domain name could make your website URL more memorable while the best in website hosting could boost site functionality dramatically. In this article, we familiarise you with the most important things you should know about domain names and website hosting.

Table of Contents

1. What is a domain name?
2. What does a good domain name look like?
3. How do I get my own domain name?
4. What is a domain name Registrar?
5. What does DNS refer to?
6. How much does a domain name cost in South Africa?
7. What is important in selecting a domain name provider?
8. What is the most common problem with website hosting?
9. What are the benefits of good website hosting?
10. What types of web hosting are there?
11. What do I need to know before choosing website hosting?
12. How do I host a small website?
13. How much does website hosting cost in South Africa?
14. What should I consider before selecting a hosting provider?

Domain Name FAQs

What is a domain name?

A domain name is a human-readable address used to identify and access websites on the internet. It serves as a user-friendly alternative to the numeric IP (Internet Protocol) addresses that computers use to locate each other on the internet.

What does a good domain name look like?

A good domain name is a unique and memorable web address that effectively represents your brand, website, or online presence. It should be easy to spell, relevant to your content or business, and not too long.

How do I get my own domain name?

To get your own domain name, you can follow these steps:

Step 1: Decide on a domain name: Choose a unique and relevant domain name for your website or online project.

Step 2: Visit www.domains.co.za to check domain availability. If it's already taken, choose an alternative name or a different TLD. There are multiple new and innovative TLDs like .tech and .online to choose from.

Step 3: Register the domain. Click "Add to cart" and follow the checkout process. Once payment has been processed, the domain name is yours for one year, after which you can choose to pay the annual renewal fee to retain it for another year.

Tip: Worried about your brand? Register your domain name in other available extensions and point these domains (also called URL forwarding) to your main website.

What is a domain name Registrar?

A domain name Registrar is a company that manages the reservation, registration, and renewal of domain names on the internet. Registrars act as intermediaries between domain name holders (domain owners called Registrants) and the independent governing bodies for the respective TLD (called a Registry) responsible for domain allocation.

What does DNS refer to?

DNS stands for the global Domain Name System, and is a system that translates human-friendly domain names (like www.example.co.za) into IP addresses that computers use to identify each other on the internet. It serves as a directory for all domain registrations available on the internet, making it easier for us to access websites and other online resources.

How much does a domain name cost in South Africa?

The cost of a domain name in South Africa varies depending on several factors. These factors include the domain Registrar you choose, the specific domain extension (TLD) you want (e.g., .com, .co.za, .org, .net, etc.), and any additional services or features you may need, such as Domain Privacy Protection. Domain prices can range from R15.00 to R4 929.00 depending on the factors mentioned above, and even more if it is a Premium domain name.

What is important in selecting a domain name provider?

When choosing a domain name provider, consider the following factors:

• Reputation and reliability: Look for established and reputable domain Registrars with a track record of providing reliable services and support.
• Domain extensions: Ensure the provider offers a wide variety of domain extensions (e.g., .com, .net, .co.za) to suit your needs.
• Pricing: Compare domain registration prices, including renewal fees, to find an affordable option. Keeping in mind that you get what you pay for.
• Customer support: Check if the provider offers responsive, knowledgeable and friendly customer support in case you encounter issues.
• Domain management features: Access to user-friendly domain management features and tools in an intuitive control panel can be beneficial.
• DNS status: Domain Name Servers (DNS) are important. If the DNS is down where your domain name is hosted, your website visitors won't be able to successfully be directed to your website, ensure that there is geo-redundancy.

Good to know: Domains.co.za is geo-redundant, meaning we have our server infrastructure and DNS in various geographical locations. Should one server be down, for whatever reason, the system will failover to the next DNS, thereby preventing server downtime at all costs.

Website Hosting FAQs

What is the most common problem with website hosting?

• Downtime: Websites may experience downtime due to server issues, maintenance, or traffic spikes.
• Slow loading times: Insufficient server resources can lead to slow page loading, impacting user experience.
• Security vulnerabilities: Inadequate security measures can make your site susceptible to attacks.
• Limited scalability: Some hosting plans may not easily accommodate growth in website traffic and resources.

What are the benefits of good website hosting?

• Reliable uptime and performance.
• Strong security features to protect your website and data.
• Scalability to handle increased traffic and resource requirements.
• Expert technical support for resolving issues.
• Access to features like backups, SSL certificates, and easy content management.

What types of web hosting are there?

Common types of web hosting include:

• Email hosting: The infrastructure and resources needed to store, send, and receive email messages only.
• Shared hosting: When multiple websites share server resources.
• Dedicated hosting: When you have an entire server to yourself, offering maximum control and performance.
• VPS (Virtual Private Server) hosting: When a virtual server is created within a physical server, thereby mimicking a dedicated hosting environment. This offers more control and resources.
• Cloud hosting: When resources are distributed across multiple servers , providing scalability and reliability.
• WordPress hosting: Hosting that has been optimised for WordPress websites, which often includes pre-installed software and enhanced performance.

What do I need to know before choosing website hosting?

Before selecting website hosting, consider your needs in terms of website size, traffic, budget, and technical requirements. Research providers, read reviews, and understand their terms and conditions. Determine the level of technical support you may require and evaluate factors like uptime, security, and scalability.

How do I host a website?

Step 1: Visit www.domains.co.za and register a domain name.
Step 2: Choose between Email Hosting, cPanel Web Hosting, Direct Admin Web Hosting, VPS Hosting and WordPress Hosting and select the appropriate monthly package.
Step 3: Click "Buy Now" and follow the checkout process. Hosting is payable every month.

How much does website hosting cost in South Africa?

The cost of website hosting in South Africa varies depending on the hosting provider, the type of hosting, and the features included. Shared hosting plans can start at around R100.00 – R300.00 per month, while VPS hosting can cost a little more per month. Dedicated hosting and cloud hosting costs can be significantly higher. Prices also depend on factors like storage, bandwidth, and additional services.

What should I consider before selecting a hosting provider?

Before selecting a hosting provider, consider the following factors:

• Type of hosting offered.
• Server performance and uptime guarantees.
• Security measures and SSL certificates.
• Customer support quality and responsiveness.
• Scalability options.
• Pricing and contract terms, including renewal rates.
• Reviews and reputation in the industry.
• Backup and data recovery options.
• Any additional features and tools provided, like website builders or email hosting.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Registering the perfect domain name can enhance the memorability of your website's URL.
• Selecting a good quality website hosting plan can significantly improve your site's functionality.
• A good domain name is a distinctive and easy-to-remember and accurately reflects your brand.
• Instead of focusing solely on price, seek out well-established and trustworthy domain Registrars and website hosts known for their reliable services.
• Carefully assess your specific needs and match them with the hosting provider that offers the best service.