Demystifying the Internet - Your [dot]com
There are a few things that you should understand about how the internet works in relation to your business and other businesses. These things are domain names, DNS, web hosting, and email hosting. These four things can all be done by one vendor, or they can each be done by a different vendor. Having them all done by one vendor seems like a good idea, but it isn't. I can't think of one vendor that I'd recommend for all, two or three, yes; all no, not, negative.
Domain Name Registrar
A domain name (e.g., microsoft.com) is your name on the internet. Registering a domain name should be one of the first things you do when starting a new business. I recommend registering a domain name even before you firm up your business name. If you can't get a good ".com" or ".ca," consider choosing a different business name. You may want to consider a domain name for your website that includes a company description (e.g., plutomicrobusiness.com) and a different domain for email (e.g., plutomicro.com). The longer name helps Google find you faster; the shorter name helps people remember and type your email address faster.
When you are thinking of a domain name, you search for it and register it at a domain name registrar. Perhaps the most widely known registrar is GoDaddy. GoDaddy is an example of an internet host that can do it all, but I have come to only appreciate their registration services, and that appreciation is waning.
My favorite domain name registrar is namecheap.com. As their name suggests, they are among the least expensive domain name registrars. Domain name registration is a basic service and should not be expensive or padded by the costs of elaborate marketing.
Pro Tip: When you're not sure about a domain name but you found one that might work for you, register it for one year, that will cost you less than $20. When you are confident in a domain name, register for a more extended period. It will cost less, and you won't have to worry about renewing it. If you miss renewing a domain name, your website will go down, and your email will quit working.
DNS (Domain Name Services)
DNS is the global address book of the internet. Usually, your domain registrar will include DNS, which is sufficient for most micro businesses. DNS tells the world where your website is hosted and where your email is hosted. It is like telling everybody what skyscraper your office is in and where you receive your mail.
As mentioned, DNS can be directed to a different provider, such as cloudflare.com, but that would be for very complex DNS needs and security.
Most people can get through registering a domain name but wouldn't know how to choose a specific DNS provider, web host, or email host. So they end up going with the easy suggestions made by GoDaddy. Don't do this. Call us; we can help. Continue reading to learn about selecting an email provider and web host.
Web Hosting
Your web host is the vendor that provides the server where your website lives. There are three kinds of web hosts to know about, only two that a micro business should consider, and probably only one provider I'd recommend.
The first type of web host I'll call traditional; you can code your website from scratch or put any content management system that you choose. Avoid this, as you will waste a lot of time and money doing something that the second two are better at.
WordPress specialists are the second type of web host to consider. WordPress has long been the most common and popular CMS (content management system) and is worth your consideration if your site already runs on WordPress, and you don't feel the need to change your site. There are millions of website developers that can help you with your WordPress site, including Pluto Micro, though we are typically more expensive than others. WordPress is easier to use to create a website than a traditional web host, but not that easy.
Page builders are the third type of web host to consider, and our first recommendation. We specifically recommend Squarespace. Page builders use a controlled set of tools to enable almost anybody to create a website from scratch or edit it later. Page builders also are self-hosted, meaning you don't have to manage your content management system separately; it is one place to get your website up and going. Page builders can provide domain registration and DNS services, which is okay. Page builders might offer to take care of your email, but DON'T do that.
Email Hosting
There are only two email providers that are worth mentioning. Those are Google Workspace and Microsoft 365. Don't get sucked in by free or cheap email, or Workspace and 365 added-on by a 3rd party such as GoDaddy or Squarespace. You should be able to manage your Workspace or 365 directly, but getting your 365 through a 3rd party, GoDaddy for example, will often cost more while hobbling your 365 and preventing you from proper management options.
One of the main reasons we only recommend Workspace or 365 is the security features provided. Other providers cannot offer modern multifactor security, leaving you more susceptible to phishing and email hackers. Your email is the gateway to your bank, customer communication, and other intellectual property and should not be left up to free or cheap providers.
Our first recommendation for email hosting is Microsoft 365; it has the most bang for your buck in terms of extra tools such as OneDrive, Teams, and Microsoft Office. Google Workspace also comes with a great suite of tools. We have years of experience on both platforms and are happy to support you in your choice.
Conclusion
Understanding how the internet works in relation to your business and the different vendors that offer domain name registration, DNS, web hosting, and email hosting is crucial for building a strong online presence. While it may seem like a good idea to have all of these services provided by one vendor, it is not recommended. Instead, it's better to select different vendors based on their expertise in each area. For domain name registration and DNS, namecheap.com is a good option, and the best place to host your website is a page builder like Squarespace. When it comes to email hosting, it's important to invest in secure providers like Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, rather than opting for free or cheap options. Ultimately, choosing the right vendors for your online presence can make a big difference in your business's success.