Quotes for a website are full of terms that are rarely explained. Once you understand four of them, it becomes much easier to compare offers and to avoid paying for things you do not need.
The four words you need to know
Domain
Your address on the internet, such as yourshop.com. You rent it by the year, and it must be renewed on time or you can lose it.
Hosting
The computer where your website's files live, online day and night. It is also a yearly cost. Cheap hosting is often what makes a website slow.
SSL
The padlock in the browser, and the “s” in https. It protects what visitors send to your site. Without it, browsers warn visitors your site is not secure. It should be part of any website today.
CMS
The admin panel that lets your staff change text, photos and notices without calling a developer. If you plan to update your site, ask to see the CMS before you agree.
Which domain should you choose?
- .com is the one people know best. It is a safe choice for most businesses.
- .com.bd clearly shows that you are a Bangladeshi business.
- .edu.bd is the usual choice for schools, colleges and other educational institutions.
- .org and .org.bd suit organisations and non-profits.
Choose something short and easy to say over the phone, and avoid hyphens and unusual spellings. If you can, buy the .com and the .com.bd together, so no one else can use your name.
A warning about ownership
Make sure the domain is registered with your organisation's correct details, and that you can get the login whenever you ask. Disputes over who controls a domain are unpleasant, and they are easy to prevent at the start.
What your first website really needs
Forget the animations. A visitor mostly wants to know who you are, what you offer and how to reach you.
- A clear description of what you do, right at the top
- Your services or products, with honest details
- Your phone number and WhatsApp, easy to find on every page
- A page that works well on a phone, since many visitors will use one
- Fast loading, even on a mobile connection
- Basic SEO, so people can find you on Google
A school or college also needs notices, admission information, results, and teacher and staff lists. An online shop needs a product catalogue, online orders and order management.
Remember the second year
The price you are quoted usually covers the first year. Always ask about renewal, because domain, hosting and maintenance continue every year. A low first price with a high renewal is not a bargain.
Compare our packages
Our website packages list what is included, how long delivery takes and what renewal costs. You can also see current domain prices.