What You Get With a Website: Hosting, Domain, Maintenance, Revisions

Most website misunderstandings aren’t about design - they’re about: what exactly do I get, who pays for hosting, and what happens after launch?

Here’s a simple breakdown, without marketing fog.

1. Domain

The domain is the address (yourcompany.com).

• You can buy it yourself
• Or I can help with purchase and DNS setup
• You own the domain - a developer shouldn’t hold it hostage

Important: domains renew yearly. If it expires, the site “disappears” even if the code is fine.

2. Hosting / deploy

Hosting is where the site lives.

For modern React / Next sites I often use Vercel (or similar):

• HTTPS included
• fast CDN
• simple deploys from code

Alternative: your existing hosting/server if you already have one.

You keep the accounts. I set things up and hand over access.

3. Revisions during build

Revisions are part of the process - but there’s a difference:

• Normal tweaks (copy, colors, layout, small UX) → included
• Scope changes (new section, new language, shop, login…) → re-quoted

That’s why we define what’s in the quote up front.

4. Post-launch support

After go-live there’s usually a short support window:

• bug fixes
• small adjustments
• help with content / access

It’s not infinite free work. It’s a calm launch guarantee.

5. Long-term maintenance

After the support window:

• on demand - pay when you need a change
• monthly package - updates, small edits, priority
• you handle it - if you have a CMS and someone technical

Maintenance in practice:

• dependency updates
• text/image changes
• new sections
• checking forms/analytics
• domain/DNS help

6. Code and ownership

On delivery:

• source code is yours
• access (hosting, domain, repo) is handed over
• another developer can continue

That’s a healthy setup.

Checklist before you sign

Ask:

1. Who pays for domain and hosting?
2. How many revision rounds are included?
3. How long is post-launch support?
4. What does monthly maintenance cost?
5. Do I get the code and access?

If answers are vague - that’s a red flag.

Want a website without hidden line items? Contact me - you’ll get a clear quote: what’s included, what’s not, and what happens after launch.