Your domain name is the address people type into their browser to reach your website, such as smithplumbing.co.uk. It gives your business a memorable web address, but it is not the website itself.
What is a domain name in simple terms?
Think of the domain as the address for your business online. When somebody enters that address, internet services use DNS information to work out where the website should be found.
Example: a roofing company may own example-roofing.co.uk. That domain can stay the same even if the company later replaces its website or moves the website to a different hosting provider.
Is a domain the same as a website or hosting?
No. They are connected, but they are separate things.
- Domain name: the web address people use.
- Website: the pages, content and functionality visitors see.
- Website hosting: the service that keeps the website available online.
If you want a fuller explanation of the third part, see what website hosting is.
Who should control the domain?
Where your business owns its domain, it is sensible for the registration and account control to remain with the business or an authorised person acting for it. A domain can be an important business asset because customers, email addresses and marketing may all rely on it.
Keep the account email address current, protect the login and make sure somebody in the business knows which company manages the registration.
Why might Toolbelt Websites need access during a launch?
Connecting a new website can sometimes require a change to DNS or nameserver settings held in the domain account. Toolbelt Websites may therefore ask for access, or ask you to make a specific change, as part of the launch.
This does not mean the domain needs to be transferred to Toolbelt Websites. If you are unsure which company holds the domain account, start with how to find out who manages your domain.
Last updated: 8 September 2026