Important information every business owner should know about domain names and hosting.

Whether you host with Old City Web Services or not, there are a few important details that you should know about your website. Every website has to have a domain name and a host. But what are these things? Who owns them? How do they work?

We’ve put together a quick list of frequently asked questions that we receive along with some simple explanations that will help you manage your business presence online.

Questions:

1. What’s the difference between domains and hosting?

A domain name is the exact URL where you website can be found (i.e. www.oldcity.com) whereas hosting is the storage and maintenance of your website files. Think of it like this: Your domain name is like your office building, your hosting is like your utilities. You pay rent to occupy the space where you run your business and you pay the electric bill to keep the lights turned on. You can have a domain name without hosting, but you won’t be able to run your online business without it.

2. Who owns my domain name?

You should personally own your domain name. Be wary of any web designer or associate who wants to put his/her name on your domain—this is the Internet equivalent of someone else putting their name on your lease or property title.

3. How can I update the contact information on my domain name registration?

It is critical to keep your contact information up to date on your domain name registration. If you do not have your correct e-mail address listed, you will not receive notifications when your domain comes up for renewal, which could lead to you losing your website. If your domain is registered through Old City Web Services, we can update your contact information free of charge.

4. Why do I need to know where my domain name is registered?

Almost any time you need to make changes on your website, you’ll need to know the log-in information for your domain and/or hosting account. The same goes when you launch a new website. Your designers and developers have to be able to access your website files to make any changes.

5. What are the advantages to registering my domain with Old City Web Services?

When we register a domain for you, our contact information goes on the registration along with yours so that we receive the same notifications that you do. This is an extra, personal measure to protect you from losing your domain when it comes up for renewal. We notify you at 90, 60 and 30 days before your domain expires to make sure that you have a chance to renew your domain. We can also update your contact information on your domain registration at no additional charge.

6. How much does it cost to register a domain at OCWS?

Domain registrations are ordered in annual increments up to five years at a time. We charge $20 per year or a total of $90 if you register the domain for five years. The longer you register your domain for, the better it looks to the search engines. It’s a sign that your website is legitimate and will be around for a long time.

7. What is included in my hosting charges at Old City Web Services?

In addition to regular hosting and technical maintenance of your website, your hosting service with us includse 500 MB of storage space and up to ten e-mail addresses at your domain, with more available for a nominal fee. You will also receive three free listings on OldCity.com (a $25 per month value) and a link in the footer of your website to OldCity.com. This link reciprocation will enhance your website’s search engine rankings.

If you have a question about hosting or domains that we haven’t answered, please feel free to give us a call. The best thing about hosting and domain maintenance from Old City Web Services is the personal attention we give to your business. Don’t get caught in the changing tides of technology, we’re here to help.