What a business website needs: domain, hosting, SSL and email
Getting a business website online takes only a few things, but it pays to choose in the right order. Here is the essential list.
1. The domain
It is the address of your site (for example yourcompany.com) and of your email. Choose a short name and register it in the company's name, not in the name of an individual or of the web developer. Search for your domain.
2. Hosting
This is where the site lives. For a WordPress site there are managed plans that take care of updates and security (WordPress hosting); custom applications often need more control.
3. The SSL certificate
The padlock in the browser and the https address. Today it is practically mandatory: without it browsers flag the site as not secure. Many hosting plans include it; for details read Do you need an SSL certificate?.
4. Professional email
Addresses like name@yourcompany.com look more credible than a free mailbox and stay owned by the company. See professional email.
5. Backups and security
A website can break or be attacked. Regular backups and site protection let you recover quickly.
Checklist
- Domain registered to the company, with auto-renewal.
- Hosting suited to the type of site.
- SSL active on the whole site.
- Company email on your own domain.
- Automatic backups and a tested restore.