We’re happy you’re here. Thanks for choosing us!

Perhaps this is your first time purchasing a domain name or maybe you’ve transferred from a different registrar. Either way, we want you to feel comfortable navigating your Domain.com account. We’re here to help, so don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have.    

Let’s explore a Domain.com account together. In this post, we’ll start by showing you what it looks like once you’re logged in. We’ll go through the toggles and options you’ll find in your account’s Control Panel and discuss what they mean. By the time you’re finished with this post you should have a great understanding of your Domain.com account.

Understanding your Domain.com account options

To start managing your domain name and update your Domain.com account you’ll want to navigate to Domain.com and click Login in the top right corner of the page.

Then, type in your username or domain name and password and click the red Log in button.

And you’re in!

The first screen you’ll see once logged in gives you an overview of your domains. You can switch to see an overview of your hosting plans by clicking on Hosting toward the top left on the page.

The domain names you’ll see on this page are all of the ones associated with the particular Domain.com account you’re logged into. You can filter by All Domains, Active Domains, Expired Domains, and even opt to show your subdomains on this page.  

Is there a particular domain name you’d like to manage or want to know more about? Go ahead and click on the blue Manage button underneath it to access more information on that domain.

Your domain name summary page

Here’s what that page looks like.

We’ve numbered the different sections so we can go through them and make sure you understand what you can do with your domain name.

Section 1 – Domain Settings

The domain settings area of your summary page offers a quick, convenient look into your domain name. Here, you can see if your domain

Is set to Auto-renew.

• Your domain name represents you online. Do you really want to risk having someone else swoop in and purchase it if you forget to renew your domain?
• No surprise charges. We’ll always email you prior to automatically renewing your domain name.

Is locked.

• It’s always in your best interest to keep your domain name locked unless you are actively transferring it.
• A locked domain name prevents unauthorized domain transfers and prevents any changes from being made to the domain’s settings.

Is encrypted with SSL.

• You want your site visitors to trust you, right? Let them know right off the bat that your site is secure with SSL.

Is your primary domain.

• By default, your primary domain is the first one you registered or transferred. Your primary domain is the one you want representing your site or business. This domain is the default when accessing FTP (file transfer protocol) or configuring mailboxes.

Turn any of these settings on or off by clicking on the toggle icon next to it. If the toggle is entirely grey then the item is turned off. If the toggle is green then the selection activated.

Section 2 – Domain Information

This section provides a brief overview of your domain name. It lists your domain, your registrar, the date your domain was registered, and when it’s set to expire. If you have auto-renew enabled then you’ll also see your renewal date listed in this section.

Section 3 – Domain Privacy + Protection

Domain Privacy + Protection keeps your personal information out of the WHOIS database and away from prying eyes. Whenever a domain name is purchased, the person or company registering it is required to supply their legal, accurate personal information. ICANN mandates that this information be made publicly available via the WHOIS database, but that means it can be scraped by spammers for unwanted emails and phone calls unless you enable Domain Privacy + Protection. It also helps keep your site and domain secure by running malware scans and working to prevent your domain from getting blacklisted.

If you already purchased Domain Privacy + Protection then you’ll see something else for Section 3 on your summary page. This is what it will look like.

As with Section 1, when the toggles are green that means that those items are activated. You’ll want to click on the arrow next to SMS Notification Settings to make sure the information there is correct. Here’s what you’ll see.

Section 4 – Email Accounts

If you haven’t set up a professional email address to match your domain name then you can do so right here! An email address that matches your domain name establishes credibility, supports your digital identity, and looks professional.

If you’ve already purchased email, then Section 4 will look a little different for you. This is what you’ll see.

Section 5 – Account Settings, Billing, Log Out

This is an important part of your account. If you need to update your personal information including phone number or address, or if you need to add your EIN/Tax #, you can do so right here. First click, Account Settings from the drop down menu and on the following page click the three dots next to Contact Information like you see below.  

Beneath Account Settings in the drop down menu you’ll see Billing. This section should be pretty self-explanatory, but you can click here to update your payment method and billing address.

You’ll also find the option to log out in the drop down menu under the Billing section.

Section 6 – Advanced Tools

If you’re looking for more information on your server or perhaps FTP, then this is where to go.

Section 7 – Help

Stuck on something in your account? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back.

We’re here for you 24 hours a day 7 days a week by phone or live chat. If you click on the Help tab you’ll see a menu pop out on the right hand of your screen. From here, you’re able to search for what you need help with, view some popular articles, and connect with our team via live chat.

Section 8 – Option between Domain and Hosting Summary

You can click between the Domain or Hosting options seen here to view either summary page.

Section 9 – Summary Menu

This summary menu provides a quick, easy way to access everything you need for your digital presence. Here’s a close up of what you’ll find in that menu.

From here, you can learn more about our options for easy website creation by clicking either WebsiteBuilder, to learn about our easy to use AI-powered builder, or WordPress.

If you’re looking for email and productivity solutions, click either G Suite or Office 365.

You can learn more about site security by clicking on SSL Certificate and SiteLock.

Next on the menu is Pointers & Subdomains. Your domain pointer determines how you intend to use your site (you can point it to your home directory, a URL, or even park it.)

Need to edit your DNS & Nameservers? Click on the appropriately titled link in the menu and have at it!

DNS stands for “Domain Name System.” The main concept behind the DNS is that people have an easier time remembering names than numbers (could you imagine typing strings of numbers for IP Addresses instead of a quick domain name?). In essence, the DNS is an extensive directory that’s regulated and contains information on all the unique, one-of-a-kind domain names that exist and the IP addresses tied to them. And in order for people to type in your domain and arrive at your site, there needs to be a nameserver attached to it. Be careful when editing this section and ask for help if you need it. We’re available to assist.

And while we’d hate to see you go, if you need to transfer your domain name you can do so through the Transfer link.

Looking for the WHOIS contact information for your domain? You can find that by clicking on Contact Information at the bottom of the menu. This information should always be current and your legal information — no aliases or pseudonyms.

Navigating Your Domain.com Account

We hope this guide to your Domain.com control panel and account is helpful and that it’s pointed you in the right direction.

Whether you’re looking to build your domain name portfolio, claim your online identity, start a website or a business, you can do it all with Domain.com.

And if there’s something you’re looking for and can’t find, let us know in the comments below!

Gone are the days when a copy of the bulky, softcover Yellow Pages would bring in the customers. Now, it’s as though your business doesn’t exist if you don’t have a website. People pick up their shiny cellphones and run online searches to find the business that fits their needs instead of flipping through musty old phone books and directories.

Recently, I moved. It wasn’t a huge move, but it was far enough away from my old surroundings that I wasn’t sure what businesses existed in my new town. After what felt like years of hauling a never-ending stream of boxes down multiple flights of stairs, I arrived at my new place — and I was starving. I like supporting local businesses, so I located my phone amidst a jumble of papers and used Google to find some nearby restaurants to sate my hunger. What was so special about what I did? Absolutely nothing. In fact, according to SEO Tribunal, Google receives over 63,000 searches per second on any given day. Even a small sliver of that traffic could do wonders for your business. 

Your website needs a domain name. We can help.

Does having a website guarantee that my business shows up first in search results? 

First off, if you don’t have a website you won’t be showing up in any search results. Secondly, your website has to be good. Search engines don’t reward bad websites with better placement in search results. 

Creating a good website that performs well and captures customer attention is a lot easier than it used to be with the advent of website builders. Website builders, like ours, help you create a good-looking, sensible website in a short amount of time. They provide a large selection of customizable templates for you to choose from; then, you click on the item you want (photo placeholder, text box, etc.), drag it where you’d like for it to appear on your website, and drop it in place. You can customize those elements with your own wording, photos, videos, and more. Search engines favor websites with good, informative content. If your website isn’t appealing to customers, or doesn’t answer their questions, it won’t appeal to search engines either. 

Do I need a website if I don’t sell products or services online?

Yes! Not selling products online is no excuse to forego a website. Think of your website as the digital face of your physical location. You always want to put your best face forward because you never know who’ll see it. 

Your customers, and potential customers, expect you to have a website as well. If they find you don’t have one, they’ll wonder why that is and could question whether or not you’re a legitimate business.

Your website is a goldmine of marketing opportunities.

On social media, you can’t control the conversation about your business. People can comment, like, react, or otherwise change your business narrative. But this isn’t the case on your website. On your site, you position your products and services (even if you don’t do e-commerce) exactly as you see fit, and tell your story the way it should be told.

You can even derive insights from the actions your visitors take on your site — what are they clicking on? How far down are they scrolling on the page? And so much more! Apply these insights to refine your messaging, your marketing, all the way down to your products and business M.O., if applicable. 

If you’d like to continue building a relationship with your site visitors after they’ve left your site, consider email marketing. Email marketing is a small investment of your time for a big return ($38 return for every $1 spent.) You’ll need to include an email marketing sign-up list on your website, but any good email marketing provider will give you premade options you can quickly add to your site. 

How do I start creating a website?

Good question! It all starts with a great domain name. You can think of your domain name as your website’s unique name and address. It distinguishes your website from all the others out there.

Your domain name should reflect your business, and if possible, match your business name. If you can’t find an available domain name to register, consider purchasing a premium domain name to really solidify your brand. 

Got your domain name? Good, let’s continue.

Plan your website, then create. 

It’s a smart idea to plan out how you think your website will be used, what pages should be included, and how to leverage content on your site. What you put on your site should be intentional and serve a purpose, whether that be to inform your customers or drive purchases. 

Before creating your website, ask yourself the following questions. 

• How many people do I expect to visit my website each day?
  • The amount of website traffic you expect to receive will influence what type of web hosting you need. Website hosting is where all the data and files that comprise your website live. It’s also what allows you to publish your website on the internet, thereby allowing people to find and visit it. You know how retail stores have a back room to store inventory for when it’s needed, and also a shop to handle customer foot traffic? Hosting is a lot like that, but digital.
• What actions do I want people to take on my site?
  • Are you trying to drive purchase volume? Or provide educational content? When you’re creating a website you’re designing an experience for your site visitors, and the actions they take on your site should benefit your business.
• What should visitors see when they land on my site?
  • Should they be greeted with your sale of the day? Your bright, beautiful face? Or an informative landing page? Again, think about what actions you want your site visitors to take, and about whether or not their first impression of your site will help lead them to that action.
• Am I providing them with a way to reach me if they have questions?
  • You can provide all the relevant and pertinent information about your business that you want, but someone is still going to have questions. That someone may be your most valuable customer. If they have a question and need to get in touch with you, they should be able to easily and quickly find your contact information. A “Contact Us” page on your site should suffice. 

So that’s it then, my brick-and-mortar needs a website?

The bottom line is, yes, you really do need a website. 

Creating a website for your brick-and-mortar business is a lot quicker and easier than it used to be. You can use a tool like WebsiteBuilder to create a site that reflects your business in the best light possible, and you can do it in less than an afternoon. However, remember that planning is half the battle in website creation. If you go into creating your website with clearly defined goals, you’ll have an easier time deciding where things should go and what information should be displayed. Your website will be the gift that keeps on giving — from visitor insights, to marketing opportunities, to new customers — so what are you waiting for?

Get the perfect domain name today.

You’re not on your own, Domain.com is here to help.

Need an extra hand when creating a website? Or do you have some lingering questions? We’ve got you covered. Our teams are here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you’re in need of assistance. 

Google is making a major change on June 1st, one that they started to talk about back in 2016 and are finally bringing live next month. The idea makes a lot of sense but it could also leave some website owners in a tricky situation if they haven’t already taken a mobile-first approach themselves.

Here’s the skinny:

That means that when a new website is registered it will be crawled by Google’s smartphone Googlebot, and its mobile-friendly content will be used to index its pages, as well as to understand the site’s structured data and to show snippets from the site in Google’s search results, when relevant.

(Source – Techcrunch)

As many of you know, when you visit my blog on a mobile phone, it looks completely different. I have a nice handy plugin for WordPress that does this for me. The ads go away, all distractions disappear, and instead the focus is on what is should be on mobile – content.

Still, there are a ton of website and blogs out there that don’t have a great mobile experience and they are likely going to start to notice less traffic coming from search starting in June. Not only is Google using the mobile version of a site to get content for indexing, for years now it has been ranking sites higher that are mobile friendly:

As we noted earlier this year, today’s the day we begin globally rolling out our mobile-friendly update. We’re boosting the ranking of mobile-friendly pages on mobile search results. Now searchers can more easily find high-quality and relevant results where text is readable without tapping or zooming, tap targets are spaced appropriately, and the page avoids unplayable content or horizontal scrolling.

(Source – Google Webmaster Central Blog)

The good news is, it has never been easier to make your site mobile-friendly, especially if you use a platform like WordPress. Here’s a handy article that compares seven different WordPress plugins to make your blog look great on mobile.

Don’t use WordPress? Don’t worry. Here’s a solid article to help you understand how to make your site mobile friendly, and if you’re not a developer, don’t worry there either, there are more web developers than ever now and places like Upwork can help you connect with one for a fraction of what you would have paid only a few years ago.

It’s important to remember that while you might still be someone that surfs the web (do people still say that?) on your Desktop with your huge monitor, most people around the world are looking at your site on a tiny Smartphone screen…and that trend is here to stay.

Interested in a WordPress hosting package? See what Domain.com has to offer!

Have you been thinking about starting your own business? There’s no time like the present. But where should you start?

Your business and domain names are some of the first things potential customers see, and can influence their perception of you, so let’s start there. You’ll want to make sure that the business name you choose is also available to register as a domain name. This way, your physical and digital small business presence is consistent and you won’t confuse any potential customers.

In honor of small businesses and entrepreneurs everywhere, our friends at Radix created the infographic below with 10 tips to help you choose the perfect domain name.

It all starts with the right domain. Get yours today at Domain.com.

10 Tips to Find the Perfect Small Business Domain Name

1. K.I.S.S. — Keep it short & simple.

People are busy and deal with constant distractions; be memorable with a short and simple domain name.

2. Avoid using hyphens and numbers.

When it comes to choosing a domain name, err on the side of caution and avoid using lots of numbers and hyphens. Those characters are harder for people to remember, and you may lose out on website traffic.

3. Refrain from unique spelling.

Much like with #2, keep your customers in mind. Chances are they’ll type your domain name the way they believe it should be spelled and never end up on your website.

4. If you already have a business name — use it!

If you’ve already decided on a business name, use it for your domain name. There are many domain extensions, like .store or .tech, that increase the likelihood of you getting the perfect domain name to match your business.

5. Be descriptive.

Don’t leave potential visitors guessing as to what they’ll find on your website. Make your domain name descriptive and creative so they’ll know exactly what to expect from your site.

6. Be relevant.

Going all in on a tech startup? Use .tech. Diving into the world of e-commerce? Consider using a .store domain name extension.

7. Do your homework.

Getting caught up in legal red tape isn’t a lot of fun — don’t use a domain name that’s trademarked.

8. Avoid slang to leave room for growth.

Certain slang might be “in” today and passé tomorrow. Plan for longevity.

9. Don’t ignore Artificial Intelligence.

We live in an age of Artificial intelligence, though you might call it “Alexa” or “Siri.” If automated assistants can’t spell or pronounce your domain name, there’s a problem. Hearkening back to #3 — spelling matters.

10. Plan on being social.

Before hitting “Purchase,” take a few minutes to see if your desired domain name is available across different social media platforms.

It all starts with the right domain. Get yours today at Domain.com.

What other tips and tricks do you know that can help others find the perfect domain name? Share them with small business owners in the comments!

Before diving into these questions, it’s helpful to quickly explain how the internet, and web addresses, are organized.

The DNS, Domain Name System

According to a survey done in January of 2018, 1,805,260,010 websites currently exist on the internet. That’s 1.8 billion individual web addresses that exist online, with more added every day.

Organizing all of those web addresses seems a grueling task, but thanks to the Domain Name System (DNS), developed in 1983, the process has been simplified.

Think of the DNS as the internet’s phonebook. Each web address — like Domain.com — is represented as an IP address, a long string of numbers that functions as the home address of a website (much like your home address corresponds to your house or apartment.)

The DNS helps translate IP addresses into domain names. Domain names are easier ways to remember web addresses — they’re shorter and more practical for humans than a long string of numbers is.

Components of a Domain Name

Domain names are comprised of multiple parts, but only two of them are essential components. They exist on either side of a web address’ “dot.”

To demonstrate how a web address is broken down, we’ll use Domain.com as an example. Domain.com has two components, a second-level domain (SLD) and a top-level domain (TLD).

• Second-Level Domain (SLD): The second-level domain is the text that exists to the left of the dot in Domain.com specifically the word “domain.” All web addresses possess a second-level domain, which is used to distinguish one website from others.

• Top Level Domain (TLD): A website’s top-level domain, or TLD, further distinguishes websites from one another, and also helps identify the content of the website. In Domain.com the TLD is the string of letters that fall to the right of the dot, specifically, “.com.”

There are over one thousand unique TLDs, but the most popular and recognizable of them are known as generic top-level domains, or gTLDs.

It all starts with the right domain. Get yours today at Domain.com.

What is a gTLD?

There’s a certain irony about the word “generic” in the phrase “generic top-level domain,” or gTLD. Generic means something unexceptional, banal, common — and yet, websites that use a generic top-level domain are respected, sought-after, and valuable to the companies and individuals who use them.

Understanding the history of gTLDs can help explain why that is.

History of gTLDs

The first wave of gTLDs were released in the 80s, shortly after the internet was invented. They were developed to help the first generation of internet users organize websites.

Despite being 30+ years old, the original seven gTLDs are among the most popular top-level domains on the internet. The original seven are:

• .com
• .edu
• .gov
• .int
• .mil
• .net
• .org

It’s likely that you’ve seen or recognize most, if not all, of these gTLDs.

Because of how recognizable these gTLDS are, domain names that include them are often considered more valuable than domain names using some of the more obscure TLDs developed in the past several years.

gTLDs vs ccTLDs

Top-level domains can be divided into multiple categories. Two of those are gTLDs, like the seven listed above, and ccTLDs, which stands for “country code top-level domains.”  Just like gTLDs, ccTLDs are represented by a string of letters that come immediately after the dot in a web address.

Unlike gTLDs, ccTLDs designate a country, autonomous territory, or sovereign state. If a web address includes a ccTLD, it’s safe to assume that the website refers to a specific geographic location.

A report was released in 2018 that listed the 10 most popular ccTLDs in the world. Here they are, in order of relevance.

• .cn – China
• .tk – Tokelau
• .de – Germany
• .uk – United Kingdom
• .ru – Russia
• .nl – Netherlands
• .br – Brazil
• .eu – European Union
• .fr – France
• .au – Australia

Compared to gTLDs, ccTLDs help websites target internet users in their geographic region. Many ccTLD domain name owners believe that using a specialized ccTLD gives them a competitive advantage. Some ccTLDs, like .ca or .us, have geographic restrictions on who can register and use them.

The Top Four gTLDs

Over 1,000 TLDs are available on the internet and many of them hint at a website’s function (.coffee, .travel, etc.), but the most common TLDs were designed to be open-ended.

Four of the top gTLDs in registration volume include:

• .com
• .net
• .org
• .co

Each of these TLDs offers domain name owners unique advantages. We’ll dive a little deeper into their origins, and how they can be used most effectively.

.com

.com has remained popular ever since the first wave of gTLDs was released, and as a result, is the most recognized top-level domain.

• The “com” in .com stands for “commercial”
• .com is the most widely used gTLD of all time
• .com is the most recognized gTLD of all time

Originally intended for use by for-profit, commercial businesses, .com became the go-to extension for the majority of websites.

If someone has the chance to register a domain name with a .com gTLD, they should seriously consider taking advantage of the opportunity. Here’s why:

• Familiarity: Almost every internet user has typed “.com” at some point in time (if not on a daily basis) and that’s led to an implicit authority possessed by all .com websites. People tend to trust .com websites as they see them all the time and are most familiar with them.

• SEO Favorability: SEO experts agree that many search engines are biased towards .com websites as .coms are widely used and frequently searched. So websites with a .com domain name have a higher chance of appearing towards the top of search results.  

.net

There’s no debating the dominance of the .com gTLD, but there’s also no debating the strength of the gTLDs trailing right behind it in registration volume.

• The “net” in .net stands for “network”
• .net has been a gTLD since the 80s
• .net is one of the most popular gTLDs available

The word “network” suggests that the .net gTLD was originally intended for tech-based companies and industries. It’s frequently used for websites that advertise, promote, and sell web-based services.

Since fewer .net domain names have been registered than .com domain names, companies or individuals have a higher chance of securing the .net domain name that best fits their brand.  

.org

.org is another gTLD that’s available for anyone to register. However, its original purpose was to indicate websites belonging to non-profits, NGOs, and other organizations. Like .net and .com, .org is one of the oldest and most credible gTLDs available.

• The “org” in .org stands for “organization”
• .org websites often focus on community building

.org websites are normally seen as trustworthy. Some of the most famous .orgs, like Wikipedia, have done a lot to bolster the credibility of this classic gTLD. .org is often associated with websites that impart reliable information, but it’s also commonly used to register websites that serve as an online home for communities of people with similar interests.

.org is a powerful choice for SEO. While it may not have the same amount of pull as .com does with search engines, it still performs well as it falls in the second tier of preferred gTLDs (along with .net.)

Although .org was originally intended for nonprofits, a lack of regulation has essentially eliminated that restriction, making it possible to secure your ideal domain name with a .org gTLD. There are millions of registered .org domain names, but not as many as .com, so you may have a better chance getting the domain name you want with this gTLD.

.co

Of all gTLDs, .co might have the most interesting backstory. Most of the gTLDs we’ve discussed have been around almost as long as the internet has, but .co came much later as it was introduced at the same time as other ccTLDs.

• The “co” in .co officially stands for Colombia but it’s changed to stand for “commercial” or “company”
• .co is a trendy option for many companies and startups who want to separate themselves from older, more traditional .coms.

.co is the only TLD on this list that was originally created to be used exclusively as a country code. There are several reasons that this extension gained popularity in the last decade.

The first reason is distinction. Startups and companies are always looking for ways to distinguish themselves from their competition. One of the best ways to do this is by distancing your company from previous generations, those same generations that all obsessed over the .com gTLD.

.co is seen as a forward-thinking, fashionable TLD. While .com clearly indicates “.commercial,” .co can suggest “company,” “corporation,” as well as “commercial.”

By opting for a .co TLD, you have a higher chance of securing your ideal domain name. Businesses have swept up .com domain names for decades, but .co is still relatively new and hasn’t been abundantly registered.  

How to Register a Domain Name and gTLD

The best way to register a domain name and gTLD is through an ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) accredited online registrar, like us, Domain.com.

We offer a domain search tool that allows you or your business to search for your desired domain name. If no exact match is available, we’ll show you a list of domain names that are available and associated with the keyword or phrase you searched.

How Much Does it Cost to Register?

Because certain gTLDs and ccTLDs are more popular than others, prices between them tend to vary. Some TLDs cost $9.99 and others cost $2.99 to register for a year. You can find the perfect domain name for your business here and register it for a period of 1 to 5 years.

Recapping gTLDs

Many popular gTLDs have been around since the 80s. These gTLDs include .com, .net, and .org, among others. When you register a domain using one of these TLDs, your website gains an implicit authority based on the familiarity most internet users have with those gTLDs.

Registering a gTLD is simple, and can be done at low costs through domain name registrars like us, Domain.com. Choosing a domain name and finding a reliable web hosting company has never been easier.

Sources:

Guilon, J. (2019, April 8). March 2019: Which New gTLDs Are Becoming Mainstream? http://www.circleid.com/posts/20190408_march_2019_which_new_gtlds_are_becoming_mainstream/

Top-Level Domains (gTLDs). (n.d.).https://archive.icann.org/en/tlds/

Usage of Top-Level Domains for Websites 2018. (2018, June 20). https://www.statista.com/statistics/265677/number-of-internet-top-level-domains-worldwide

It all starts with the right domain. Get yours today at Domain.com.

What is WordPress?

WordPress is an open source content management system that allows even the greenest builders to design and create their own website. It can be used to build anything from a simple blog page, to e-commerce to business or portfolio websites. “Open-source” essentially means that it is constructed of elements built by and shared amongst those who use it. There’s a vast community of savvy web-designers out there who design and build useful tools to help others build websites on the WordPress platform that they would otherwise be incapable of creating. Many of these tools, known as plug-ins, are made to help you with every aspect of your site, from aesthetics to layout to content creation.

What is WordPress Hosting?

WordPress hosting is any form of web hosting that is specifically optimized to function with websites built via WordPress. Websites built on the WordPress platform have some unique characteristics that can cause functionality issues if not properly optimized — meaning certain elements may not load properly, increased load time, or the website could become unreachable altogether. When this happens, it is common for readers or customers to exit your site, costing you valuable traffic and potential sales.

Shared Web Hosting For WordPress

For those on a narrow budget, shared hosting is available to house your WordPress site. In this case, WordPress users share a server that isn’t necessarily optimized for the specific demands of the WordPress platform. As with any other shared hosting environment, resources such as disk space and bandwidth are shared amongst all accounts housed on the server. This can create competition for resources which may result in reduced performance and load time of your site.

Technical Support For Shared WordPress Web Hosting

Although shared hosting does come with some general customer technical support and a price tag that even the smallest business can afford, this form of WordPress hosting often fails to meet the needs of larger or more complex operations.

Often, sites built on WordPress that are hosted in a shared environment share server space with sites that are built on other platforms. Because of this, the technicians who provide support for the server are expected to be able to service sites built on any platform, not just WordPress. This jack-of-all-trades expertise can cause the quality of technical assistance to drop noticeably.

Additionally, there are typically a very large number of websites hosted on each shared server. It makes sense from a fiscal perspective — when the price of the service is low, hosts need to pack a lot of clients into each virtual server space in order to turn a profit. However, the need to serve so many clients may cause a support team to be spread thin, which can have a negative impact on the quality of their work.

Those who have a need for additional speed, enhanced security features, and additional technical support will have to look elsewhere to fulfill all of their hosting needs.

Security and Performance For Shared WordPress Hosting

The shared nature of resources and the lack of private space in a shared hosting environment creates challenges for both security and performance.

Security is difficult to provide effectively for websites hosted on the same server due in part to the sheer volume of sites being hosted. With so many opportunities for malware or poor coding to take root, a greater number of scans must be performed in order to defend against them and root them out when they’ve taken hold. Also, much like when a pathogen is released in a space occupied by a large number of people, it is much more likely that an infection will affect other members in a shared environment.

The same holds true with regard to performance issues. When one or more websites on a shared server begin to hoard resources due to traffic spikes, the negative impact on neighbors can be dramatic due to the sheer number of WordPress users on a single web server. When a lot of websites are affected, it is the responsibility of support technicians to fix them all. With so many to fix, performance can be delayed for extended periods of time. In light of this, those who prioritize performance, enhanced security features and strong technical customer support over lower pricing may also want to look elsewhere to fulfill all of their web hosting needs.

Managed WordPress Hosting

Managed WordPress hosting, in comparison to shared WordPress hosting, tends to offer quite a bit more in the way of technical support and security. They also offer superior operating speed and performance with larger amounts of resources (and no competition) available for use by each individual client.

Tech Support For Managed WordPress Hosting

In comparison to the general support included with shared hosting, the support you receive with a managed host is much more in-depth and more readily available.

Technical support for managed WordPress hosting is well-versed in the specifics of the WordPress platform and thus is able to assist on a wider range of topics than you’d get with a shared package. Also, since a managed host server will have far fewer clients hosted on it than a shared server, those assigned to assist you have more time to offer and are more easily reached than those who oversee shared servers.

Speed And Performance: Managed WordPress Hosting

Managed hosts provide significant upgrades in both speed and performance over their shared host counterparts. As mentioned, direct competition for memory and bandwidth can cause sites on shared plans to become glitchy, and sometimes become unavailable altogether. With a managed host, not only are resources allocated for the sole use of each individual client, but technicians are on hand to monitor performance and rectify any errors that may occur.

Also, since this support team is comprised of trained professionals, they are often able to correct any operational errors far more efficiently than the average Joe, maximizing uptime and the overall performance of the WordPress website.

Security: Managed WordPress Hosting

Under the oversight of a managed host, site and server security are much stricter than most users would be able to provide on their own. Protective tools are optimized for the specific needs of WordPress by virtue of features that take into consideration the unique needs of the WordPress hosting platform.

Since all servers in a managed environment are running WordPress, all security measures can be standardized to apply across the board. This helps the hosting provider streamline their routine maintenance processes and leaves their technicians with more freedom to focus on other security measures like installing patches or upgrades as soon as they are made available.

It all starts with the right domain. Get yours today at Domain.com.

Domain.com WordPress Hosting Package Features

A desirable hosting package for your WordPress site is going to combine elements designed to provide both convenience and essential performance at an affordable price. Elements designed to make operation convenient will include things like ample storage, plenty of bandwidth, an easy to use control panel, and various other bells and whistles that make your life easier.

Features designed for optimum performance will include things like 24/7 customer support, automatic malware removal, and integrated security systems. Domain.com offers WordPress hosting packages that incorporate all of these elements at a great price.

Unlimited Storage

Acquiring enough storage space to house all of your files is a primary concern when considering a new hosting plan. For those of you looking to host a simple blog or small site, there is little risk of running out of disk space. However, for those looking to host an e-commerce site, or combine your blog with your e-commerce and web-based storefront, having a plan with unlimited storage is a huge draw. Not only does this allow you the room to get started, but it also allows you to scale as your business grows. Domain.com offers unlimited storage as part of both its Starter and its Essential WordPress hosting packages.

Unlimited Bandwidth

Another primary concern is gaining access to enough bandwidth to ensure that your site is able to run smoothly at all times. When websites have a slow load time or become glitchy, readers and customers tend to bounce from the site. This results in lost traffic, conversions, and sales. In some cases, a lack of sufficient bandwidth can cause your site to become entirely unreachable. Obviously, if readers or customers can’t reach your site, they can’t consume the information you wish to provide or purchase the products you offer.

Domain.com offers unlimited bandwidth across all WordPress packages to ensure that your site experiences minimal downtime and runs as smoothly as possible.

Customized Control Panel

A customizable control panel allows you to set up your space with convenient access to the tools that you use the most. It’s a fantastic way to streamline your everyday operations by ensuring that you waste no valuable time sifting through features that you don’t need. Bloggers have little use for e-commerce tools and vice versa. Each is well-served by Domain.com’s customizable control panel.

Pre-Installed Themes and Plugins

One of the coolest features of WordPress is that it is open-sourced, giving you access to nearly endless themes and plugins designed to serve nearly any need. However, finding, researching, and choosing the best ones for your specific needs can be time-consuming, especially for the newbie. Domain.com’s hosting plans feature a pre-installed set of themes, curated to fit nearly any taste, and useful plugins like W3 Total Cache and Jetpack—some of the most functional and popular tools available.

Free .blog Domain

As one of the “bells and whistles” referred to above, Domain.com offers free .blog domains as part of both the Starter and Essential packages. A blog is another outlet that allows you to build brand awareness and recognition through periodic dissemination of information and offers. Domain.com lets you utilize this resource free of charge.

Domain.com WordPress 24/7 Support

Live support from WordPress experts is included with every WordPress Essential hosting subscription. Frankly, there is quite a bit to know about building a website with WordPress, and having 24/7 access to a real-life expert can simplify the process. There are plenty of online resources including our Domain.com blog and other forums to help you learn as you go, but sometimes it can be difficult or time-consuming to get the exact answer you’re looking for. Having expert customer support on hand 24/7 is a massive boon to your learning process.

Sitelock Professional Security and Automatic Malware Removal

Domain.com offers complimentary access to Sitelock professional security and malware protection with every Essential subscription. Sitelock conducts daily security scans on your website to track down any malware or harmful code that shouldn’t be there. In the event that malware is detected, you will receive an alert via email and your control panel and the Malware Removal Tool will automatically remove it for you.

How Much Does WordPress Web Hosting Cost?

Web hosting for WordPress sites is remarkably affordable with the most basic packages starting under $5 per month. Packages that include more advanced features such as increased security, access to better tech support, or any number of other additions are still affordable at under $10 per month.

Domain.com WordPress Hosting Packages

Domain.com offers two fantastic web hosting packages for WordPress at some of the most affordable rates in the industry. Here are the details:

WP Starter

• Unlimited storage
• Unlimited bandwidth
• Customized control panel
• Pre-installed themes and plugins
• Free .blog included
• Price: $3.75/mo.

WP Essential

• Unlimited storage
• Unlimited bandwidth
• Customized control panel
• Pre-installed themes and plugins
• Free .blog included
• WordPress 24/7 support
• Automatic malware removal
• Sitelock professional security
• Price: $6.95/mo.

What is the Right WordPress Hosting Option for You?

While there are a number of different options available to host your new WordPress website, it should be comforting to know that none of them is likely to break the bank. If you are simply looking to host your personal blog or an e-commerce site, then a cheap shared hosting plan might be just the ticket for you — serving all your basic needs and saving you a few bucks in the process. Those of you with more substantial needs should consider more elite options like Domain.com’s WordPress Essential package, which boasts performance, security, support, and a few bells and whistles all for a fantastically low price.

Don’t know which hosting solution is right for you? Domain.com is one of the best WordPress hosting providers on the market and can help you build the website of your dreams. To learn more about our website builder or hosting services, please chat with or call one of our expert representatives today.

It all starts with the right domain. Get yours today at Domain.com.

By the end of this article, you should have a better understanding of what each of these web hosting options provides, and be able to make the best decision regarding where, and how, to host your website.

It all starts with the right domain. Get yours today at Domain.com.

Shared hosting vs dedicated hosting

Both shared hosting and dedicated hosting hold the data for your website on a single server. When web users access your website from their browser, this server sends your data to them.

The difference between the two hosting types is the type of server on which your website is stored. With shared hosting, your website lives alongside others, which are neighboring users utilizing the same server. With dedicated hosting plans, your website has a server all to itself. There are distinct advantages and disadvantages to both. Learn the difference between  shared hosting and dedicated hosting to choose the best option for your business.

What is shared hosting?

Shared hosting works by hosting multiple websites on one server. Some have compared shared hosting to a public bus system, because it is inexpensive to use, and involves sharing resources with other users. Hundreds or even thousands of websites can be hosted on a single server, which creates advantages and disadvantages.

Pros of shared hosting

The advantages of shared hosting are:

• Low costs
• Low technical skills required

A huge factor influencing the use of shared hosting is its low cost. A single server’s maintenance costs can be distributed amongst its many users, driving down individual costs to customers. You also have the option to pay more to upgrade to hosting services that allow more traffic, and greater resources.

Many people first launch their websites with shared hosting because it requires little technical skill, or in-depth knowledge of servers. Shared hosting plans come with a control panel to facilitate website management, and pre-installed programs to accommodate most general websites. Server maintenance, like installing updates and patches, is carried out by the host providers, so all you have to worry about is developing your business.

Cons of shared hosting

The disadvantages of shared hosting are:

• Shared server resources
• Higher security risks

Shared hosting is great for new websites that require basic resources and expect low to moderate traffic. However, shared hosting does have its limitations. The most obvious limitation is the collective sharing of processing power, memory, disk space, and all other resources housed on a server.

A consequence of sharing server resources is the possibility of the “bad neighbor effect.” This is where one website on a shared server hogs resources, causing other websites on the server to slow down. However, chances of this actually causing a noticeable issue is low, since professional hosting companies provide more than enough resources to accommodate their users. They’re also efficient in moderating highly trafficked websites, and suggest growing websites move to higher hosting services that provide additional bandwidth.

Another risk associated with shared hosting is that your server’s IP address could be blacklisted if someone on the same server is sending out spam. To avoid having your emails dropped in the spam mailboxes of your recipients, make sure you choose a web hosting provider with policies against this abuse.

Who uses shared hosting?

Shared hosting is ideal for website owners looking for a beginner friendly, and cost-effective option. Personal projects, small businesses, and even medium sized businesses can benefit from the advantages of shared hosting. The disadvantages are inconsequential as long as website traffic isn’t too heavy, and the server is protected by reliable security protocols.

When websites do outgrow the resources allotted in shared hosting situations, there are other hosting plans ready to take over. Migrating a website from one hosting environment to another is an easy process, and does not detract from your site’s efficiency.

What is dedicated hosting?

Dedicated hosting means your website is hosted on a single server that is dedicated specifically to your website. This cuts out the competition of resources associated with shared hosting, and results in more robust website performance.

If shared hosting is like a public bus, then dedicated hosting is like renting your own car. You have more control where you take your car, how fast it goes, and what radio station plays. However, it also comes at a much higher cost, and requires more knowledge in order to maintain it. Dedicated hosting has very similar advantages and disadvantages.

Pros of dedicated hosting plans

The advantages of dedicated hosting are:

• Total utilization of server resources
• Ability to customize

With a dedicated hosting solution, there is no server sharing involved which means no bad neighbor effects. All your server’s processing power, memory, and disk space can be committed to your website. In addition, no other user could expose your website to cyber threats or cause your server’s IP address to be blacklisted.

Dedicated hosting allows extensive customization, giving you the ability to optimize your server settings. It also gives you root access so that you can modify software code. Server configuration is generally valued when a website requires a special application.

Cons of dedicated hosting

The disadvantages of dedicated hosting are:

• Very high costs
• Requirement of technical knowledge
• More labored maintenance

It comes as no surprise that greater resources and control come at a greater cost. Renting dedicated servers can run between $60 and $350+ per month, depending on how involved the hosting provider is with maintenance and security. Usually a website that garners the traffic requiring dedicated server resources is profitable enough to afford dedicated hosting.  

Another limitation of a dedicated hosting solution is that it requires a high level of technical knowledge, especially if you want to take advantage of the customizability. If technology isn’t your specialty, you could hire a server admin, or purchase a plan that includes management support, however, these add to your costs.

Since much of the server maintenance is left up to you, a new burden is introduced. You’re responsible for updating and installing patches to your dedicated server, which may detract from your other responsibilities.

Who uses dedicated hosting?

Dedicated hosting is best for businesses with very high bandwidth requirements and highly specialized needs. For example, large companies with lots of valuable data would want to invest in the higher level of security that dedicated hosting provides. It also provide the most benefit to users who are tech-savvy enough to capitalize on the customizability.

At a glance comparisons

Here is an outline of how shared hosting and dedicated hosting stack up against each other in different areas.

Flexibility and customizability

Shared hosting does not allow customization because any changes to the back-end would apply to all websites on the shared server. Some hosting plans allow for flexibility in the features allotted to shared hosting users (like more FTP users or more cloud storage), but this is the extent of personalization.

Dedicated hosting allows for complete customization. Since you don’t have to share the server with any other websites, you can choose the operating system, configure the environment to run specific applications, and optimize the amount of bandwidth and memory you need.

Reliability

The potential for slowdowns or downtime increases on shared hosting plans. This could be due to bad neighbors — websites on your shared server that experience high volumes of traffic and use up more of a server’s processing power — or due to faulty coding.

Dedicated hosting is extremely reliable making it the preferred hosting package for businesses that experience large volumes of traffic.

Security

In terms of cyber security, shared hosting plans tend to be more susceptible to cyber-attacks than dedicated hosting. This is because the server is shared by multiple users, which opens more opportunities for security breaches.

If the physical security of the server is a concern, make sure to host your website with a reputable professional hosting company you can trust to protect the server from break-ins or damage.

Scalability

In many cases, shared hosting is not scalable. However, some web hosts like Domain.com offer shared hosting with scalable bandwidth, meaning the amount of traffic and data that flows between your website and users is not limited. In the fortunate event that your website is successful and garners heavier traffic, Domain.com will work with you to move your site to a host server with more resources, ensuring optimum performance for all customers using shared hosting.

Dedicated hosting is very scalable because there is no competition for resources on the server. This makes it possible to accommodate high growth.

Costs

Shared hosting is a clear winner when comparing costs. Shared hosting costs around $1 to $20 per month, whereas dedicated hosting costs can soar above $350 depending on the plan. Additional costs to dedicated hosting can arise if the server has a major problem that requires the web host to resolve it.

Technical knowledge requirements

Shared hosting is the most hassle-free hosting option. Since the server is shared by multiple users, the hosting company controls, and maintains, nearly all aspects of the server.

Dedicated hosting can be prohibitive to parties with limited technical knowledge, since most of its advantages rely on administrative implementation.

The middle ground of VPS hosting

If you’re still unsure where your website’s needs fall within the spectrum of shared hosting and dedicated hosting, you may want to consider the middle ground option; VPS web hosting. VPS, which stands for virtual private server, works by housing multiple websites on separate virtual machines. One physical server typically holds only a dozen or so websites, and each website  has a reserved space with allotted server resources.

Because of this setup, VPS hosting provides a balance of server performance and cost effectiveness. Since the resources are split evenly by fewer users, VPS hosting provides greater processing power, disk space, and memory than shared hosting. It’s also more affordable than dedicated web hosting since there are multiple users contributing to the costs of a single server.

Additionally, it lends a happy medium in regard to flexibility, security, reliability and scalability.

• Flexibility: Since your website is contained within a virtual machine, you have the ability to modify your environment without disturbing the setup of other websites housed in the server. This makes it possible to customize more than with shared hosting.  
• Security: Having fewer accounts on a server decreases the vulnerability to cyber threats. This makes VPS hosting slightly more secure than shared hosting.
• Reliability: If one website on the server exceeds its resource utilization, that website may experience a slowdown, while your website is unaffected. This means the bad neighbor effect is eliminated.
• Scalability: You have more room to scale your website up with VPS hosting than with shared hosting. Your VPS hosting plan includes a certain percentage of resources available on the server, and you can simply pay for an upgraded plan to access a greater percentage of server resources. This is a huge advantage for users who want to start out on an inexpensive plan, but expect to grow quickly.

Which hosting option is right for your business?

Choosing the right web hosting plan can save you lots of time and money. If you don’t need immense bandwidth, memory, computing power, or control, then save your money by going with shared hosting. However, if your website requires lots of server resources, and your team can efficiently manage a specialized hosting setup, go with dedicated web hosting. If your website falls somewhere in between, choose VPS hosting.

Once you have decided which type of hosting is best for your website, Domain.com can provide affordable packages for your specific needs.

It all starts with the right domain. Get yours today at Domain.com.

A car is useless if you can’t go anywhere.

The same is true for a website that isn’t published on the World Wide Web.

The most affordable and simple way to get your website public is through shared hosting. What is shared hosting, how does it differ from other web hosting plans, and what is the best option for your business?

Let’s find out.

It all starts with the right domain. Get yours today at Domain.com.

What is shared hosting?

Shared hosting, also referred to as virtual hosting, is a way to host your website on a single physical server that also hosts additional sites. Within the server, there are software applications that make managing and accessing your website easy.

The shared hosting environment is like sharing a highway with other cars. Hundreds or even thousands of users can share the same server, which means they also divide the costs. This “collective” platform makes shared hosting the most inexpensive and popular option of all the web hosting setups. Many bloggers, startups, and small businesses use shared hosting to host their websites since it’s so easy to get started.

How much does shared hosting cost?

The cost of shared hosting depends on the level of service a web host provides. Generally, you can expect to pay $1 to $20 a month for space on a shared server.

How does shared hosting work?

Shared servers are similar to computers in that they have hard drive space, a central processing unit (CPU), and RAM. These resources are shared with other users hosted by the server. This makes it possible to securely store all the saved files, data, and information making up your website.

When anyone requests access to your website from their computer, the stored data of your website is sent from the server to the internet user. Shared hosting takes advantage of a server’s optimal utility, since each individual website generates different amounts of traffic, at different times.

Effects of sharing a server

As stated, utilizing a shared server is like sharing a highway. You pay taxes to have highways maintained, just like you pay a small monthly fee to use shared hosting. Because many people contribute to the costs, individual prices for users are kept low.

If you’re expecting low-to-moderate traffic on your website, then a shared hosting package is a fantastic choice, since it’s affordable and convenient. However, just as a lot of cars on a highway can cause congestion, your website can experience a slight slowdown if the computing resources you share with others are directed to a website that is experiencing an unusually high volume of traffic.

Typically, reputable web hosting companies like Domain.com can easily support most web pages with very little risk of speed issues. If traffic to your site picks up consistently, you can always upgrade to a higher tier plan.

Characteristics of shared hosting

Not all shared hosting providers offer the same experience. Some factors that may vary from one hosting company to the next are explained below.

These should give you an idea of how to choose a reliable provider.

• Uptime: Uptime is a measurement of how long a web hosting system has been continuously running. The best shared hosting providers have high uptimes, indicating high reliability. Domain.com guarantees 99.9% uptime on all hosting plans.
• Traffic: If you already anticipate high traffic, shared hosting may not be an option. Web hosting companies generally have policies that prevent “bad neighbor effects,” which is when heavily trafficked websites hijack all the resources on a shared server. Make sure to read the policies to find a web host that can support your website’s traffic.
• Resources: Although shared hosting providers can accommodate many users, resources such as processing and memory are still limited. Some web hosts limit what you can put on your website so that more users can share a single server. Be sure to read and understand your web hosts’ acceptable use policy to ensure your website is compliant.

Understanding shared hosting plans

Many web hosting companies offer tiered plans for shared hosting. This is so you only pay for what you and your website need. These plans include some important features and possibly some unfamiliar jargon.

• Websites: You can choose a plan that allows you to host more than one website on a single shared server rather than buying two separate plans. This streamlines the management of all your different sites.
• Disk space: Disk space is the amount of hard drive space available to users. Most of the time, shared hosting plans provide more than enough space for small businesses or personal projects. Websites may run into issues if they include large images or audio files. That’s why companies like Domain.com guarantee unlimited disk space, so you never have to worry about reaching a limit.  
• Monthly bandwidth: Bandwidth is the amount of traffic and data your website can process. With low bandwidth, the speed at which your website functions can be impacted by higher traffic on a shared server. Typically, the speed difference is negligible. In fact, with well-resourced web hosting companies like Domain.com, your bandwidth is scalable, so you can seamlessly accommodate more traffic.

• FTP users: FTP stands for file transfer protocol, and an FTP user is someone with access to a domain. If you run a personal blog, one FTP user is enough. However, in a business with coordinating team members, multiple FTP users are better.
• MySQL databases: MySQL is a data management system that organizes data. Without getting too technical, if you want multiple independent sites on one shared account, then you need more MySQL databases.
• Subdomains: Wondering subdomains are and how they might influence your online presence? Subdomains are divisions of your domain that are useful for organizing your website’s content. For example, you could use a subdomain to separate a mobile version of your site from your full version.
• Email addresses: Your shared hosting plan may also include professional email addresses which enhances the image of your brand.
• Support: In case you run into any issues or have any question about hosting your domain, choose a web hosting company that has a friendly and helpful support team.  

Shared hosting pros

Here is a review of the advantages of shared hosting.

• Cost-effective: The cost to customers is kept low due to multiple users contributing to the costs of the server.
• Flexible: You can choose shared plans that fit the needs of your growing website. For example, if you find yourself needing another website, more cloud storage, or more FTP users, you can upgrade to a plan that provides it.
• Secure: Although the space and resources are shared on a server, your information is not. Other websites utilizing your shared server are not able to access any of your website’s data. Additional security features provided by some web hosting companies also defend your website against cyber security threats.
• Straightforward setup: Setting up your website on a shared server is quick and easy. Shared hosting experiences are designed to support the less tech-savvy so you can get your website running with maximum efficiency and minimum technical knowledge.
• Effortless maintenance: The shared server is maintained by your web host provider so you can stay focused on growing your platform rather than working out bugs, or installing software updates. Leave that to the professional technical assistants.

Shared Hosting Cons

Despite its cheap and convenient nature, shared hosting does have a few tradeoffs to consider. What makes shared hosting attractive is its painless nature, but these circumstances can happen:  

• Possible slowdowns: As previously discussed, the definition of shared hosting includes sharing resources like CPU power and memory. Because of this, it’s possible that a spike in activity will cause a lag in your website. Most of the time changes in speed is barely noticeable.
• Potential risks: Because shared servers host multiple websites, it risks potential compromises. To combat this, a reliable server host may include security features like SSL certificates.

Limited customization: In order to uphold security, the backend of shared servers are locked down. This means that you’re limited to what the hosting company provides for programs. If you have special technical requirements, like running an alternative operating system, then avoid shared hosting. For the less tech-savvy individuals, this is actually a benefit because it means all the tools you need are provided in an easy to understand interface, and server maintenance is taken care of by your server host.

Is shared hosting suitable for you?

Shared hosting is most suitable for the person or business that:

• Has limited background knowledge of web hosting
• Wants to save on costs
• Values hassle-free website management
• Requires a simple website for small businesses or personal purposes
• Is interested in learning web design, coding, or WordPress

Building a website is both exciting and daunting. Choosing the right web hosting setup is important to establish a good foundation for your website development. Unless you plan on going viral with a major marketing campaign, chances are shared hosting will handle your website’s needs.

Once your website is up and running, you can get a better sense of where your website needs to grow, whether it be in bandwidth or data storage. Starting on a shared hosting plan allows you the flexibility to scale without hiccups.

Shared hosting vs VPS hosting vs dedicated hosting

If your website is on a shared server, and regularly uses more resources than what your host considers acceptable, then you may want to consider discuss upgrading your hosting package. VPS web hosting is typically the next step up when websites outgrow shared hosting.

VPS hosting

VPS hosting differs from other web hosting plans. VPS hosting stands for virtual private servers and it allots you access to more resources. VPS hosting tends to limit the number of websites on a single server, and provides a reserved space on the server for your website’s disk space and bandwidth.

This means when using a virtual private server, your website won’t be affected if another website on your server has a spike in activity. There are also more customizations available to VPS hosting users. VPS hosting is perfect for sites that are too big for shared hosting, but too small to move to a dedicated server.

Dedicated hosting

If your website requires more resources than VPS hosting can provide, then you can upgrade to dedicated hosting. Dedicated hosting is when a server hosts only your website. It is completely dedicated to you. This means your website benefits from increased privacy, security, bandwidth, storage space, and speed.

The downside to dedicated hosting is that it is the most expensive web hosting setup, and requires a decent amount of IT skills to manage. However, if you value unshared resources, peak website performance, and greater control of programs and security, dedicated hosting is the way to go.

Which hosting option is right for your small business?

For most people stepping into the world of website hosting, shared hosting advantages outweigh its limitations. The low cost saves huge amounts for people still working out the scale of their website, and its simplicity makes it an accessible option for everyone, regardless of their technical know-how.

VPS and dedicated hosting are alternatives you can consider when your website requires more processing power, storage space, and customization. However, they come at a much higher price. Save yourself from unnecessary costs by understanding what each web hosting package offers, and what your website really needs.

It all starts with the right domain. Get yours today at Domain.com.

Using an alias for certain websites and chat rooms is generally accepted, but does that mean you can use an alias to register a domain name? The internet is perfect for keeping yourself hidden, but keeping your real name hidden during the registration process, isn’t a smart idea.

We’re not trying to be “Debbie Downers,” or bring unwanted attention to your private life, but there are a few reasons why it’s necessary to register your domain using your accurate, legal information.

It all starts with the right domain. Get yours today at Domain.com.

Help the right internet servers find your website  

When you purchase a domain name, you’re purchasing it through a domain name registrar, like Domain.com, which is accredited by ICANN, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers.

As their website states, “To reach another person on the Internet you have to type an address into your computer … That address must be unique so computers know where to find each other. ICANN coordinates these unique identifiers across the world. Without that coordination, we wouldn’t have one global Internet.”

ICANN is also “committed to implementing measures to maintain timely, unrestricted and public access to accurate and complete WHOIS information, subject to applicable laws.” Unlike ICANN, WHOIS is not an acronym, it’s a query protocol that searches independent registries and registrar databases to determine who owns a specific domain.

When you register a domain name, your personal information is made visible to all WHOIS queries unless you choose to use domain privacy. You, the registrant, are responsible for giving accurate and reliable contact details, and maintaining the accuracy of that information.

What happens if you’re forgetful? It’s a good thing we’ve got you covered. We’ll email you a reminder each year asking you to verify the accuracy of your information. Keeping your information current is an obligation, and part of every registrar’s Terms of Service agreement.

What happens if you give the wrong information anyways?

You may live life on the wild side, eschewing rules and regulations, but in this case, the stakes are too high. WHOIS states, “If you give wrong information on purpose, or don’t update your information promptly if there is a change, your domain name registration may be suspended or even cancelled.”

Could you imagine how terrible it would be to find your domain name gone? Your domain name is the address that leads people to your website, so without the right information,  you lose both traffic and revenue.

Help your customers find your business online

Once you lose your domain name it becomes available for others to purchase, and there’s no guarantee that you can ever get it back.

Let’s set the stage for a sinister scenario: You’re relaxing on the sofa watching a movie, resting after a busy day of work. You spent the day optimizing your website to show up higher on the search engine results page. This should bring more traffic to your website, and in turn, more revenue. During a commercial break you realize you forgot one little task, so you log in to manage your site. But something is amiss. Your precious domain name – that you matched perfectly to your business name — is gone. Your customers knew your domain name. They trusted it. What now?

If someone decides to run a WHOIS query on your domain name and finds that you’re using fake information, they can report you. Who could have done such a thing? Anyone. Once you’ve been reported you have a short window of time to update your information, or you can lose your domain name.

Maintain your privacy and still keep your domain name secure

Don’t lose your domain name because of an alias. Instead, you can have the best of both worlds, privacy and security, using domain privacy. With domain privacy you never have to worry about coworkers discovering you’re the genius behind a Backstreet Boys Adult Fan Club website. You can rest easy knowing you’re also secure against any inaccuracy complaints that could cost you your domain name. So register your domain name today using accurate information – your secrets are safe with us.

It all starts with the right domain. Get yours today at Domain.com.

In this post, we’re going to talk about everything you need to know about ICANN, and the vital role it plays within the worldwide web.

It all starts with the right domain. Get yours today at Domain.com.

What is ICANN?

ICANN, which stands for Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, is a non-profit organization that was established in the United States in 1998 to help maintain the security of the Internet, and allow it to be usable by all. Anytime you register a domain on the Internet, you go through a domain name registrar, who pays a small fee to ICANN to register your domain as part of the domain registration process.

While ICANN doesn’t control what content goes on the Internet, meaning it cannot regulate Internet access or help to stop spam from occurring, it does help keep the web safe by developing and enforcing policy on the Internet’s unique identifiers. These unique identifiers are the name and number that you type into the address bar when conducting a search for a given site. The address for that site has to be unique so computers know where to find each other.

By helping to coordinate these unique identifiers all over the world, ICANN allows us to have a global Internet. In doing so, ICANN also helps promote competition on the web and plays a vital role in the expansion and evolution of the Internet.

How is ICANN related to the Domain Name System?

There is a system that exists to make the Internet accessible to human beings. This system, called the Domain Name System, or DNS, makes it easier for us to remember a web address, or IP address.

An IP address is a complex series of numbers that each correlate to a different device, however, it would be quite difficult for a human to remember these long lists of numbers. The DNS steps in to convert these numbers to a series of letters instead. The IP address links this series of letters to the precise series of numbers.

When this conversion is done, you can find a given website with its name, rather than a seemingly random series of numbers. The computers still communicate with each other and know the address by these numbers, but for humans, we just need to remember to Domain.com, for example.

The DNS, therefore makes it much easier for people to use the Internet. It also prevents a domain from being tied to one specific computer, since it is easy to change a particular domain and IP address. When a change occurs,, it takes the entire Internet less than 48 hours to recognize the change because the ultra-flexible DNS infrastructure is constantly updating.

A domain is comprised of two elements, including what comes before and after the dot. What comes to the right of the dot, such as a “com,” “org,” or “net,” is what is known as a top-level domain, or TLD. For each particular TLD, there is one company, or registry, that is in charge of all domains that end with that specific TLD. This registry has access to the full list of domains that are directly under that name, in addition to any IP address with which those names are associated.

The part before the dot is likely the name of your company, or organization, and is the domain name that you register. This domain is used for your website, email, and more.

The DNS, therefore, makes it possible for people to find particular websites on the Internet, through the information provided during the domain name registration process. Email and many other online uses are also based upon this system.

Now you might be wondering where ICANN comes in…

Domains are sold by registrars. There is no single registrar that rules over all domains, but rather a vast network. These registrars can charge whatever they want for a domain, but each registrar has to pay a set per-domain fee to the appropriate registry in which the domain is being registered.

ICANN has contracts with each of these registries and runs an accreditation system for registrars. This system of checks and balances provides the stable domain name environment, which gives us an open Internet.

What is ICANN’s role in IP addresses?

The relationship between ICANN and IP addresses is similar to that of the domain names used by humans. Just as you cannot have two domains of the same name, there also cannot be identical IP addresses.

ICANN does not run this system, but serves in an administrative role. It helps coordinate how IP addresses are handed out so no repetitions occur. ICANN also serves as the central repository for IP addresses. In this repository, ranges are supplied to regional registries, who then distribute them to network providers.

What does ICANN have to do with root servers?

There are thirteen root servers in all, meaning, more technically, that there are thirteen IP addresses where root servers can be found. These servers that have one of the thirteen IP addresses can be located in dozens of different physical areas of the web. However, all of these servers store a copy of the same file that acts as the main index of the Internet’s address books. Each top-level domain has an address listed where you can find that registry’s address book.

Root servers are not consulted very frequently, since once it is known by computers on the network, the address of a top-level domain is retained. They only check back in occasionally to make sure that the address has not changed. However, root servers are still an important piece of the Internet and help to keep it functioning smoothly.

The operators of the root servers are able to remain largely autonomous. However, they still need to work with each other and make sure the system stays up-to-date with ICANN and the changing Internet.

What is ICANN’s primary purpose?

The main role of ICANN is to make the Internet run smoothly all over the world. This is more commonly known as “universal resolvability.” This term means that you get the same results when you access the network, no matter where you are in the world. This gives us one Internet, rather than an experience that works differently depending on your location.

How is ICANN structured?

ICANN as a whole is actually made up of several different groups, which each represent a different section of the Internet. Each group contributes to any final decisions made by ICANN. These supporting organizations of ICANN represent IP addresses, domain names, and country code top-level domains.

There are also four advisory committee teams that offer ICANN advice. These advisory committee groups represent government bodies and international treaty organizations, root server operators, Internet privacy and security, and the at-large community (referring to the average Internet user).

Finally, there is a technical liaison group that works with organizations to provide basic protocols for Internet technologies.  

All ICANN final decisions are made by its Board of Directors. The Board has 21 total members, 15 of whom have voting rights, while the remaining six are non-voting liaisons. Eight of the voting members are chosen by an independent nominating committee, while the rest are nominated by supporting organizations.

ICANN also has a President and CEO, who direct the ICANN staff and its work. This staff is located all over the world in different countries and coordinates their efforts with supporting organizations and advisory committees.

What is the ICANN decision-making process?

Since ICANN has a pretty important job to do, you may be curious about how they go about making changes to the Internet.

The supporting organizations suggest changes to the current network, or bring up any concerns that they or an advisory committee identifies. These changes are discussed, and eventually, a report is created and released for public review. When the suggested changes impact another group within the ICANN system, that group is given the opportunity to review the suggested changes and offer opinions on the matter. This group’s views are then released to the public, as well.

Each of these reviews is put into a single report that is put before the ICANN Board of Directors, including a list of recommendations based on the feedback. The Board then goes over the list, and either approves or denies the changes. The Board can approve all changes, or approve some and deny others, or even perhaps deny the entire proposal. Often, the issue is sent back to one of the supporting organizations involved, with an explanation of what needs to be amended before the matter can be approved.

The process repeats until every group involved, and the Board of Directors, can agree to a compromise or a final decision on the report is made.

Who holds ICANN accountable?

There are both external and internal accountabilities for ICANN.

As far as external accountabilities are concerned, ICANN as an organization is incorporated under the law of the State of California. ICANN, therefore, must abide by United States’ law and can be taken to court by the U.S. judicial system. As a public non-profit organization, ICANN and its directors are also held legally responsible for upholding their duties under corporate law.

ICANN also holds itself accountable through its bylaws, the global Board presence, an independent nominating advisory committee (which selects some Board members), senior staff who are annually elected by the Board, and dispute resolution procedures, including a Board reconsideration committee, an independent review panel, and an ombudsman.

Keeping the Internet open

ICANN serves a primary role in the efforts to keep the Internet open for all. It does this through its model of multi-stakeholder control, although some have expressed concerns about ICANN operating as an independent body, fearing that no single business, government, or individual should be in control of the Internet.

It should be stated once more that ICANN’s role is not to regulate content that appears online, however, there are concerns about the content that may emerge when the DNS is controlled by international governments. There are additional concerns over how ICANN handles controversial content, and other matters, since domain-level takedowns could be viewed as violations of freedom of speech and/or freedom of the press.

The processes ICANN has incorporated serve to ensure that the Internet remains open to all users, all over the world, on one connected network.

ICANN helps to keep your website online

As you can see, ICANN plays a pivotal role in maintaining the Internet as we know it and continues to mold and evolve the Internet of tomorrow. Anytime you register a domain, ICANN gets a small piece of the fee, and oversees your domain to help maintain the security of the web.

It all starts with the right domain. Get yours today at Domain.com.