Many times when we mention the terms DNS, domain name registration or web hosting, potential and existing clients’ eyes glaze over, heart rates increase and beads of sweat well up on their foreheads. Because we care about your comfort and welfare, we’ve rounded up some details to help explain the whole dealio in less stressful terms.

The Domain Name

Domain names are part of the URL that is used to identify where your webpage is on the Internet. Each domain name is unique, that’s why it’s one of the first things we ask clients to set up if they don’t have one.

When selecting a domain name, make sure it’s related to your business, memorable and most importantly… available. A quick check on whois.com will reveal what names are up for grabs or not. If a domain name is available, then it’s important to claim it by registering it to your personal or company name.

Registering a Domain Name

Once you’ve selected a domain name and confirmed it is available, you need to register it. Registering it assures that once a customer types in your URL it will take them to your website and not somewhere else!

There are several domain name registrars available who will be more than happy to manage your sparkly new web address. Be sure to explore your options and select a service that is accredited within the country you are located in. Fees vary depending on what company and service package you select.

Once your domain name is selected and registered, it will then be translated into an IP address per the Domain Name System, or DNS. This happens because computers and servers don’t speak human and need to understand commands in order to exchange files. As a result, http://www.stantonstreet.com translates to: 98.129.229.188.

Web Hosting

Web hosting is a necessity because without it, a website wouldn’t exist. This is where all of your website files will be stored and managed. A majority of the time, a web developer can host your website and all of the associated files on their server. Since a website is renting space on a server, providers charge for that space. Those fees go toward server maintenance and updates.

How it All Comes Together

Once your domain name is registered and you have a host in place, a developer will create the site. When the site is finished and launched, it will be accessible through the designated URL which is translated to an IP address. Instead of boring you to tears with the full explanation, let me put this righhhht here:

See? That wasn’t bad. Best part is that we can handle all of this for you! We can feel your stress levels decreasing already. Start the process by filling out our contact form or giving us a call at (915) 351-8440.

Learn More:
Video: DNS Explained
Stanton Street’s Frequently Asked Questions
Domain Name Fumbles Equal Online Troubles

Naomi Dhillon

Naomi Dhillon is an Account Manager/Multimedia Specialist at Stanton Street, a web design and development company in El Paso, TX. Naomi has worked at Stanton Street since 2010 and has over 25 years of project and client management experience in the multimedia realm.

About Stanton Street
We help organizations amplify their online presence by building engaging websites, creating successful digital marketing campaigns, and tackling the $%^#/, so they can build their brand, grow their business, and reach their full potential.