Tip: Keep Domain Name Server Separate From Web Site Hosting
This was recommended to me by several sources and it makes sense. The domain name server is where you’ll buy your domain name and the Web hosting service is where all of your files for your web site will be stored. Most of the web services companies offer to bundle all sorts of services, such as domain registry, email, web hosting, e-commerce… But, if something went wrong with a company overseeing both your domain name and your hosting server, you could have trouble. Also, if you ever wanted to change hosting companies later, they may not allow you to transfer your domain name away from their company. In this case, it’s better to spread the wealth. This way you can always transfer your domain name to a different server, or, transfer your web site’s database to a different server later on, if necessary. You will see offers for “free domain registry” with hosting accounts, and though it sounds convenient and like you’ll save money up front, I would purchase the two from different companies.
I Like Blue Host
Upon a hands-down recommendation from my tech buddy, I signed up for web hosting at bluehost.com (←click the link for pricing & info). For less than $7/month (about $84/year) you can get hosting for an unlimited number of web sites. I purchased hosting for 1 year when I started www.MusicianTip.com so I don’t have to mess with it each month, and because I knew that I needed to commit to my efforts for success in affiliate marketing – not just “try it out” for a month or two. Whenever I purchase new domains, I don’t have to worry about the cost of hosting – I pay the yearly fee once and that’s it, no matter if I have 1 web site or 100!
It’s been smooth sailing for the 3 years since I signed up for web hosting from Bluehost and their support staff has helped me through some of my newbie-don’t-know-how moments very quickly and thoroughly. They are like magicians, to me!
Follow Set-Up Guide
Follow the instructions at Blue Host to “point the name servers” from your domain name registry company to Blue Host. You’ll find the info you’ll need under “manage your domain” at your domain registry site (like 1 & 1, Go Daddy, or DotYou).
(Cost so far for this business – with education discussed in Step 2 and your Domain Name Purchase from Step 6: $235.75 – without education: $95.75)
