So you’re looking (or ready) to buy a domain and/or website hosting huh? But where do you start? Do you fall victim to Danica Patrick’s claims that GoDaddy is your best bet? What about more expensive website hosting through Media Template? Is it worth it? Should you purchase your domain and hosting through the same company?

No worries my friend, we’re here to help. Below, we’ll dive into the world of domain and website hosting so that we can help you find the best fit for your needs. So sit back, grab a cold one, relax and enjoy the read.

1. Where to Start

Before you jump into purchasing a domain and/or website hosting, it’s important to answer a few critical questions.

What is the purpose of the domain? In other words, how will you be using it? Will you be simply using it for email? Will you be using it for a comprehensive wordpress-based website?

What domain features do you need? Are you looking for domain forwarding? Do you need access to advanced DNS settings?

What are your website hosting requirements? Do you simply need basic website hosting for an html landing page? Do you need shared or dedicated website hosting? How much bandwidth and storage do you need?

What kind of support do you want? Are you looking for fully-managed or self-service support? Do you prefer phone, email or chat? How important is timely domain and website hosting support to your business.

2. Buying a Domain

It’s easy to register a domain name but what company should you use and do they offer everything that you need? If you’re looking for the best place to purchase a domain, we recommend the domain hosting companies below. They feature affordable prices, great customer support and loads of great features.

Namecheap

namecheap

Don’t let the name fool you. Namecheap may have affordable prices but they also have first-rate customer support and a set of really nice domain-specific services. Domain pricing starts at $3.98/year.

Check out Namecheap: www.namecheap.com

GoDaddy

godaddy

While we DO NOT recommend GoDaddy for website hosting, their domain hosting is surprisingly good. With a recent dashboard redesign, it’s easy to manage your domains and GoDaddy offer’s a wide range of tools and features. Domain pricing starts at $7.99/year.

Check out GoDaddy: www.godaddy.com

Google Domains

googledomains

Yes, Google is now in the domain registration game. And yes, it’s about as good as everything else they do. Simple, easy and supported – Google Domains is pretty awesome. While it’s still in “beta”, the program looks to be a serious player. Domain pricing starts at $12/year.

Check out Google Domains: www.domains.google.com

3. Buying Website Hosting

While purchasing a domain may be fairly easy, buying website hosting is like the wild west and it’s more important than ever to select the right hosting company. Below are a few of our favorite hosting providers.

WP Engine

wpengine

If you have a wordpress website, stop what you’re doing RIGHT NOW and switch your hosting to WP Engine. With a specialized wordpress hosting environment, automated updates, daily backup points and awesome support; WP Engine is hands down the best wordpress website hosting company on the market today. Website hosting pricing starts at $29/mo.

Check out WP Engine: www.wpengine.com

Siteground

siteground

Siteground is one of our favorite “affordable” website hosting companies. Like GoDaddy, HostGator, Dreamhost and others – Siteground offers inexpensive hosting. The difference is their great support and phenomenal administration tools. Another big perk is Siteground includes email in their hosting packages which is a big bonus. Website hosting pricing starting at $3.95/mo.

Check out Siteground: www.siteground.com

Bluehost

bluehost

Bluehost is another great “affordable” website hosting company that features good support, management tools and features. While their interface isn’t our favorite, they are a solid choice. Website hosting pricing starting at $3.95/mo.

Check out Bluehost: www.bluehost.com

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