Lesson 2: What products do I need to build my site?
Ok, so you have an amazing business with your business or non-profit already and now you want an amazing website to match. First things first, what do you need to get started?
If you want to create a website, you need two things: a domain name and a hosting account. These are the foundational building blocks to any website. Let’s talk about the difference between a domain name and a hosting site and why you need both.
Domain names
A domain name is like a street address for your business. Just like your street address is not the same thing as your building, your domain name tells people where to find you online, but it is not actually your website. Even though you may not use the term “domain name” often, you use domain names all the time. For example, when you type https://www.godaddy.com/ into your internet browser, you are typing in a domain name.
Hosting accounts
On the other hand, a hosting account is like leasing a storefront in a shopping center for your business. The hosting account is the computer (webserver) where your website files are saved. Saving your website files in your hosting account is like you moving in and personalizing your storefront.
In order to have a functioning website, you need both a hosting account to store your website files and a domain name to help people get to your site. You can learn more about the difference between these two things in the video below.
Now you know that a domain name and a hosting account are essential to creating your website, but how do you know which types you need? Let’s break down what features to put on your must-have list when purchasing a domain name and hosting account.
Choose a domain name with privacy in mind
First, you need a domain name with privacy (to avoid being spammed). When you buy a domain name, the purchase can become public information where anyone can look up the associated name, address, and email.
This means your name and contact information will be available to anyone. Companies use this information to spam you and try to sell you stuff, so it’s better to buy privacy so that your personal information is hidden.
For example, GoDaddy masks this information automatically when you buy a domain from us. If you own a domain, you can check what information is public at https://www.godaddy.com/whois.
PRO-TIP
Get a branded email (to look professional). While you technically only need a domain name and hosting account to get your website off the ground, we highly recommend getting a branded email address to create a professional online presence.
It feels a lot more legit to email a business when the email address matches the website name. For example, if you were considering hiring a caterer for a big event, how would you feel contacting grace12345@gmail.com versus info@cateringwithgrace.com? A branded email will make you look like a pro and build trust with your customer.
Choose a hosting account with SSL
Second, you need a hosting account with SSL (to keep your customers safe). Basically, SSL (Secure Socket Layer) is a feature that encrypts the data transferred to and from your site.
This protects the information that is shared between your website and the people who visit it. Hosting with SSL also helps your search engine ranking, making it easier for customers to find you. You can buy some hosting accounts without an SSL, but this makes it easier for someone to steal your or your customers’ data.
So, you really want to make sure you purchase a hosting account with SSL. In particular, if you have a contact form where a customer inputs information through your site, or if you sell products online, an SSL is mandatory. It is a best practice that is standard in today’s online world.
Do you have a website but you’re not sure if there is an SSL? Look at the web address at the top of the screen. If it shows an https (instead of an http) or has the symbol of a lock, you have an active SSL. Check out the link below if you want to learn more about SSL Security and why it will help your business.
Using SSL Certificates | GoDaddy
Watch this helpful video from the GoDaddy team to learn more about SSL Certificates.
You’ve got your list of essentials. Now, let’s dive into the details. Continue to the next lesson to learn how to choose a stellar domain name.