These services work together, but they are not the same thing. Understanding the boundaries makes it much easier to move providers, diagnose problems and avoid losing control of a critical business asset.
The short version
- Your domain is the address, not the website itself.
- Hosting stores and serves the website files and data.
- Email can use the same domain while running on a separate platform.
- Keep ownership, recovery details and renewal dates documented.
The domain: your address
A domain such as example.com.au is a registered name. DNS records attached to it direct visitors to your website and messages to your email provider. The domain should be registered in the correct business or owner name, with recovery access you control.
Website hosting: where the site runs
Hosting provides the server resources that deliver your pages, images, forms and database. Quality differences show up in speed, backups, security, support and how easily the site can be restored or moved.
- Australian server location where appropriate
- Automated off-site backups
- SSL and current software
- Resource and uptime monitoring
- A documented recovery process
The website: the content and experience
The website is the code, content, images and database that customers use. A domain can point to a different website, and a website can move between hosts. Make sure your contract explains whether you can export the site and which licences are transferable.
Business email: its own service
Email uses DNS records on your domain, but mailboxes are usually hosted separately. Moving a website should not interrupt email when records are handled carefully. Before any migration, record the current MX, SPF, DKIM and DMARC settings and take a mailbox backup.
The five details to keep
Maintain a simple asset register so a future staff member or provider can help without detective work.
- Registrar and domain owner
- Renewal dates and payment method
- DNS management location
- Website hosting account
- Email provider and administrator
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