Summary: This guide clarifies the distinct roles of a domain name (your website's online street address) and a Site (the actual content and functionality visitors see), helping you understand how these two essential components work together to form your church's online presence.
Before You Begin
- Both a Domain Name and a Site are necessary for a live online presence.
- They are often confused but serve distinct purposes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Register a Domain Name. [Acquire your website's address (e.g., yourchurch.com) through a registrar like GoDaddy or Hover.]
2. Point the Domain's DNS Settings to the Site's Hosting. [Configure your registrar's DNS settings to direct traffic to the hosting service.]
3. Build the Site content and functionality. [Create pages, add giving, calendars, sermons, and other features within the Tithely Site builder.]
4. Launch the Site. [Finalize the connection so that visitors typing your domain name see your completed Site.]
What is a Domain Name?
- Role: Your website's address on the internet; the online street address.
- Registration: Purchased and owned for a specific period (usually yearly) through a domain registrar (e.g., GoDaddy, Hover).
- Key Function: Provides DNS (Domain Name System) settings to tell browsers where the website is hosted.
What is a Site?
- Role: The actual content, pages, and functionality visitors see.
- Hosting: Tithely provides the hosting (the service that stores the files and makes them accessible online).
- Content: Includes all your church's pages, images, text, videos, and archives.
- Functionality: Includes features like online giving, event calendars, sermon archives, and more.