We have been asked this question over the years. And it’s a good one. There are multiple parts to a website, some are mandatory and others are optional.
See below for what makes up a website.
This is what a person would type in a browser bar to get to your website. It is usually the name of the business or person or product. Each domain has an extension (.com, .net,. org, etc.) which are called Top Level Domains (tlds). There are dozens if not over a hundred of these and each country has their own. Popular ones are the three mentioned earlier but others include .online, .co, .us, and .me.
Domains are purchased from a registrar and are valid for at least one year and it’s possible to buy multiple years at once.
As we add new domains every day (33K per day) we are slowly running out of the obvious names. For instance, Markwhite.com has long been registered by someone else, presumably by Mark White :-).
This is where we sometimes need to be creative. Abbreviating the name, adding something to the name (like adding LABS to my name) are just some of the options.
Domains at reputable registrars start at around $25/year. Some can cost up to $60-$70 a year or even more.
Hosting services include the actual space the website files needed to display the website are “hosted” or kept. There are multiple hosting companies to choose from and most are reliable. Like anything it’s wise to do some research here.
We have used IONOS for almost 20 years and have had very very few issues. We recommend them for our customers. Use this link to get money back when you sign up for a new hosting package.
Hosting providers also offer backup services, email, and other related services.
There are two options for your website hosting. We can take care of everything for a monthly cost (starting at $9.99/mo.) or you can purchase your own hosting package. We work with both.
This is where the creativity comes in. The design of the website is a collaborative process between the customer and us. Because of the almost endless options available for designs it’s imperative that we work together to design the best look and feel of your website.
Some websites are just online brochures, small sites that showcase your business or product. Others are e-commerce stores with hundreds of products for sale. Some websites change their content constantly (think inventory levels) and others rarely update their content. This is really up to the customer and is normally dictated by the type of site and it’s purpose.
In 2025 most websites are what is deemed “secure” meaning any information or data transmitted to/from the website is encrypted and secure from prying eyes.
This is accomplished by what are called SSL Certificates. These certificates are bits of code that are installed on the hosting server and keep your data safe. When you fill out a form on a website and hit submit, or you make an online purchase, your data goes directly to the intended recipient and no one else.
While it’s not technically required for you to have a SSL certificate (unless you have an online store), we strongly recommend them for any site we develop. We have all seen the notice from the browser that the site you’re visiting is not safe. While that may be ok for sites with no contact forms, and never ask for information, it’s not very reassuring. SSL certificates start at $79/year.
If you have ever bought something online you have used a e-commerce store. Obviously Amazon.com is the largest store online (at least in the US) but even the local artist you buy a CD from online, or the school you buy an event ticket from, has their own store.
While not as popular as they were back in the 90’s websites in 2025 still have areas where their users can communicate, ask questions and build community.
Event calendars, downloadable documents, complex forms for information gathering, appointment setting and chat capabilities are just some of the additional features that can be incorporated into a website.
A Memphis based design agency.
