Your website contains files, images, databases and scripts. A hosting server stores this content and delivers it whenever someone visits.
The visitor types your website address into a browser or follows a link.
Your domain's DNS records point the visitor to the correct hosting server.
The server locates the requested content, website files and database information.
The content is sent to the visitor's device and displayed in their browser.
You need both services to give your website an address and a place to live online.
A domain is the memorable address people use to find your website, such as yourbusiness.com. It directs visitors to the server where your website is hosted.
Hosting is the server space where your website's files, databases and content are stored. It keeps your website available through the internet.
Hosting supplies the infrastructure required to store, process and deliver your website.
Store website files, images, databases, emails and important account data.
Processing power and memory help your website respond to visitor requests.
Hosting security helps protect your website, information and online reputation.
Create email accounts that use your domain name for a professional identity.
Backups can help restore your files and databases if something goes wrong.
Enable secure HTTPS connections to protect information exchanged with visitors.
The right option depends on your website's traffic, software, resources and required level of control.
Price matters, but performance, security, support and room to grow are just as important.
Consider these requirements before selecting your hosting plan:
Hosting can indirectly affect search engine optimisation through page speed, availability, server reliability, HTTPS security and the ability to handle traffic. Hosting alone cannot guarantee rankings, but slow or unreliable hosting can limit an otherwise well-optimised website.
Common questions about domain names and web hosting.
Yes. A website's files must be stored on a server connected to the internet. Some platforms include hosting, while self-managed websites require a separate hosting account.
Yes. You can register and hold a domain without hosting. You will require hosting or another connected platform when you are ready to publish a website.
In most cases, yes. Files, databases and email data can usually be transferred. The exact process depends on the website platform and hosting control panels involved.
Some plans support multiple websites or domains, while entry-level plans may support only one. Check the plan inclusions before ordering.
Hosting storage is the space available for files, databases, emails and account data. Websites containing large images, videos or downloads generally require more storage.
Bandwidth is the amount of data transferred between your hosting account and its visitors. More traffic, downloads and media content can use more bandwidth.
Not necessarily. Standard hosting normally includes a control panel that simplifies common tasks. Unmanaged VPS and dedicated servers may require administration experience.
Shared hosting often suits a new or smaller website. Growing businesses, online stores and specialised applications may require business hosting, VPS hosting or a dedicated server.
Choose a secure, manageable hosting solution that gives your website room to grow with AU Hosting Domains.