What Is A Domain Name?

The Domain Name System (DNS) helps users to find their way around the Internet.

Every web server on the internet has a unique address, like a telephone number, and is a long string of numbers. This is called an “IP address” (IP stands for “Internet Protocol”).

The DNS makes it easier by allowing a familiar string of letters (the “domain name”) to be used instead of the IP address. So instead of typing 213.165.55.88, you can type www.yourwebsitename.co.uk and view your website.

How Do I Register And Buy A Domain Name?

You can register and buy a domain name from a number of domain name registrars. One recommended registrar is UKreg.com.

For your convenience, Adam Grannell oversees the domain name registration and puts the registration in your name, sets it to work with your website, and carries out the renewals when required.

Who Owns My Domain Name?

When you register and buy the domain name you want, you own it for a certain period of time by paying renewal fees every year or every two years.

For admin purposes it is easier for Adam Grannell to retain control of the domain whilst providing you with web hosting and email services. However, should you ever wish to move away then transferring your domain to your chosen provider is no trouble and free of charge..

What is Web Hosting?

Once a website has been built, the next stage is to put it ‘live’ on the web. In order to do this, the website must be published onto a computer called a web server. This is where all the files and images for your website are stored and accessed by visitors.

The web server is a computer that is constantly switched on and connected to the Internet, all day and every day. This computer stores everything to do with your website and can be found by typing in a domain name.

When somebody wants to visit your web site and see a page on this site, their computer uses various internet systems to find the web server and the web server pulls the page out of its memory and sends it to their computer.

You can set up your own computer as web server, configure it and leave it permanently on and connected to the internet so that people requesting to visit your website can access it day and night. This can be costly and require a lot of work to keep it running.

Alternatively, it is much easier to get another company to “host” the website for you.
This is essentially what web hosting is. In addition to keeping your website live, the web server also provides any email services that are associated with your domain name. Each time you send or receive an email, it passes through the web server where it is sent to the appropriate email address.

What Does My Monthly Hosting Fee Cover?

Your monthly hosting fee covers the cost of keeping your website live on the internet and your email accounts active.

What about Search Engines?

Optimisation for search engines is built in from the beginning so that your website has a good chance of ranking well in the search engines. Regular maintenance and updates also help optimisation, as well as links to and from your website from similar sources.

Here are just some of the basics:


• Unique Page Title For Each Page
• Unique Meta Tags for Each Page (Meta Keywords, Meta Descriptions)
• Your keywords in the content of the page