Client help - Hosting and domains help
Plain-English answers on hosting, domain names, renewals, and what happens if they lapse.
Common questions
What is included in motorsport website hosting?
Secure, high-performance hosting, email hosting, domain management, and support for the content management system your site runs on, all monitored to keep your site reliable.
Do I need to already be a Grid Media web design client to use your hosting?
Hosting is typically provided alongside a Grid Media-built website, but get in touch to discuss your specific setup — including migrating an existing site to our hosting.
Will hosting keep my site fast and available on race weekends?
Yes, our hosting is built for reliability and performance so your site stays available when sponsors, fans, and media are most likely to visit — including during race weekends.
What is hosting, and do I need it?
Hosting is the rented space on a server where your website files live so people can reach them on the internet. Yes, every live website needs hosting. We can host your site for you and look after updates, backups, and security, or your site can be hosted elsewhere if you prefer.
What is the difference between a domain and hosting?
Your domain is your address (for example grid-media.co.uk). Hosting is the building that address points to. You rent them separately, and both need to stay paid up for your site and email to keep working.
What happens if I stop paying for hosting or a retainer?
Hosting is what keeps your site online, so if it lapses the site and any email on it stop working until it is renewed. A retainer can be paused or cancelled with notice as set out in your agreement; your site stays online as long as hosting is active.
Glossary
The terms that come up most on this topic, in plain English.
- Domain name
- Your website address, such as grid-media.co.uk. You rent it, usually a year at a time, and it points visitors to wherever your site is hosted.
- Hosting
- The rented server space where your website files live so they are available on the internet. Every live site needs it; we look after this for you.
- SSL / HTTPS
- Security that encrypts the connection between a visitor and your site. It shows as a padlock and an "https" web address, and it is expected on every modern website.
- Backup
- A saved copy of your website taken regularly, so the site can be restored if something goes wrong. Included on hosting we manage.
- Renewal
- Domains and hosting are rented, not bought outright. They have to be renewed on time — if they lapse, your website and email stop working until they are paid up again.