Getting a Website Online: From Domain to Platform Made Simple

Building a website can seem overwhelming, especially with so many terms thrown around — domains, hosting, cPanel, WordPress, Wix, and more. But don’t worry — in this guide, we’ll break it down so that you understand exactly what you need to get your website live.

By the end of this blog, you’ll know:

• What a domain name is

• What hosting does

• What a control panel is

• How platforms like WordPress and Wix fit into the picture

• And most importantly, how to make the right choice for your business

Understanding the Three Key Components

To run a website or online store, you need three main components:

1. Domain Name → Your website’s address (e.g., ecinfosolutions.com)

2. Hosting → The server where your website files are stored

3. Platform → The software used to build and manage your site

What is Hosting?

Hosting is like renting space on the internet. Just as a shop needs a physical location, your website needs server space to run.

• Hosting companies like Hostinger, Bluehost, or even EC Infosolutions provide this space.

• When you buy hosting, you get storage, bandwidth, and server resources to keep your website live 24/7.

What is a Control Panel?

When you buy hosting, you also get access to a Control Panel (like cPanel or Plesk).

This control panel is your dashboard to:

• Manage your website files

• Set up email accounts under your domain (e.g., info@yourcompany.com)

• Manage databases and backups

• Install software like WordPress with one click

It’s like the toolbox for your website.

What is a Platform?

The platform is the software layer that helps you build your website without writing code (or with minimal coding).

Some popular examples:

• WordPress → Ideal for blogs, company websites, and e-commerce with WooCommerce

• Wix → A drag-and-drop website builder for beginners

• Shopify → Best for e-commerce stores

• OpenCart & Magento → Used for more complex online stores

Wix vs WordPress — Which Should You Choose?

Now that you know the basics, the next big question is: Should I use Wix or WordPress?

Let’s break it down:

Feature	Wix	WordPress
Ease of Use	Drag-and-drop, beginner-friendly	Steeper learning curve
Flexibility	Limited customizations	Highly customizable with plugins
Cost	Monthly plans	Free software + hosting cost
Scalability	Suitable for small websites	Can handle blogs, stores, big sites
SEO & Performance	Basic SEO tools	Advanced SEO plugins are available
Ownership	Hosted on Wix servers	You control hosting & data

When to Choose Wix

• You want a simple, small website

• You prefer an all-in-one solution (hosting + website builder)

• You don’t want to handle technical tasks

When to Choose WordPress

• You want full control over your site

• You want to scale in the future (blogs, e-commerce, multiple features)

• You want better SEO and customization options

Pro Tip:

Even if you outsource website development, know the basics so you always have access to your domain, hosting, and platform logins.

Common Mistakes Beginners Make

• Buying hosting without knowing the difference between shared and dedicated hosting.

• Using only free website builders without understanding limitations.

• Not setting up backups and SSL from day one.

• Giving full control to developers without retaining admin access.

Final Thoughts

To get a website online, you need:

• A domain name → your online address

• Hosting → where your website lives

• A platform like Wix or WordPress → to build your site
  

Either way, understanding these basics helps you stay in control of your online presence.