What Do You Actually Need to Put a Business Online?
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Getting a business online sounds more complicated than it needs to be. You do not automatically need every web service at once. The easiest approach is to start with the pieces your business actually uses.
1. A domain: your online business name
A domain is the address people type to find you, such as yourbusiness.com. If you still need one, start with Single Domain Registration.
2. A website: what customers see
Your website can be a simple information site, a sales page, or a full online store. If you want something ready to personalize, see the Ready-Made Business Website. If you prefer a simple builder, see the Website Builder package.
3. Hosting: where the website runs
Most websites need hosting unless the platform already includes it. If you already have a site and simply need a reliable place for it to run, see Web Hosting. WordPress users can compare the Managed WordPress Hosting plans.
4. SSL: encrypted connections
SSL enables HTTPS and helps encrypt information moving between a visitor and the website. If your website does not already include SSL, see the SSL Certificate.
5. Business email: look professional in every message
Instead of using a generic address, business email lets you use your own domain in your email address. See Business Email or the larger 30 GB Enterprise Email mailbox.
6. DNS: the connections behind the scenes
DNS points your domain to the correct website, email and other services. If you do not want to handle those records yourself, see DNS Setup & Management.
What should you buy first?
If you are starting from zero, the usual order is domain first, then website, hosting if required, SSL if it is not included, and business email. DNS is what connects those services together.
KelTech’s rule: buy what solves the problem you have now. You can add the rest when your business needs it.