“Having a website is one of the best steps you can take for your business, as it is the one place over which you have complete control of your information.” ~ Kat Milner

Introduction:

If you’re diving into the world of websites, you may have heard terms like “domain name” and “domain registration.” They sound similar, but they aren’t the same thing—and it’s important to understand the difference, especially when setting up your online presence.

Let's break it down with a helpful analogy:

1. The Domain Name is Your Website's Address

Think of a domain name like your website’s address on the internet. Just as you’d give someone an address to find your physical business location, a domain name helps people locate your website. Examples of domain names include example.com or yourbusinessname.com.

When you register a domain name, you’re essentially reserving that address for a specific period. You’re saying, “This will be my online location.” However, simply reserving that address doesn’t mean your website is live or accessible yet. You’re only laying claim to the name so others can’t use it

2. The Domain Itself is the Physical Location of Your Website

If the domain name is your address, then the domain is the actual “building” where your website files live. This is your website’s home on the internet — a place where all the text, images, and content that make up your website are stored and ready to be accessed.

3. Why It Is Easy to Get Confused

Since people often talk about “getting a domain” when setting up a website, the line between domain name registration and the actual domain can blur. Here’s a quick summary to make things clearer:

4. Domain Name Registration

This is your purchase of the name itself, like reserving an address. It’s managed by a domain registrar, and you’re essentially renting it for a specified period (usually a year or more).

5. Domain Hosting

This is the physical space for your website files. When people visit your domain name, they are directed to this space to see your content.

6. Subdomains

Subdomains are commonly used for landing pages or other specialized sections of a website. Let’s say you’re running a specific campaign or promotion, and you want a unique page with its own URL to focus solely on that offer. A subdomain like leadmagnet.yourbusiness.com or launch.yourbusiness.com can give you a dedicated space for that purpose, without having to add the landing page to your main site structure.

7. Why Use a Subdomain for Landing Pages?

With a subdomain, you can easily monitor traffic and engagement specific to that page, separate from the rest of your website's analytics (think Facebook Ads and pixel tracking).

A subdomain keeps your branding consistent. Rather than using an entirely separate URL, visitors can still see your primary domain name, which reinforces your brand.

Using a subdomain keeps your main website organised, while keeping visitors focused on specific content.

Examples of Common Subdomains:

- landing.yourbusiness.com: For a dedicated landing page.

- blog.yourbusiness.com: Often used for company blogs.

- shop.yourbusiness.com: For e-commerce or online stores.

8. Setting up a Subdomain

Most domain registrars and hosting providers make it easy to set up subdomains. You’ll just add the subdomain in your hosting account, and once it’s configured, it will act as a part of your main website.

Subdomains give you flexibility and organization without needing to register an entirely new domain. For coaches, this can be especially helpful when running focused campaigns or providing a unique user experience for specific audiences.

Now that you understand the difference between domain names, domain registration, and subdomains, you’re ready to make more informed decisions about your online presence. Remember, your domain name is the unique address that leads people to your website, while your hosting is the space that brings your content to life. And when you need a dedicated space for campaigns or landing pages, a subdomain lets you expand your site with ease, keeping everything organized under one brand. With this clarity, setting up and managing your website becomes a whole lot simpler!

Breaking down the differences between Domain Registration, Domain Hosting, and how to use a Subdomain

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