When someone types in your web address it connects their web browser to a computer elsewhere in the world that has your web pages stored on it. Hosting basically refers to the computer that stores your web pages.

You will almost definitely need to use a third-party hosting service to ensure high-speed access to your web pages. Guidance on how to source a third-party service is given in the Set-Up section.

Along with a hosting service you will need to buy a domain name. This is basically your web address that points to your hosting.

Think about your target customers are they domestic or international – do you need a .co.uk or a .com web address? Make sure you don’t infringe another company’s copyright by searching for existing domain names.

You will find that hosting companies normally offer domain search / registration services. There is more information on the types and compatibility of hosting in the Set-Up section.