Quick answer
A website needs three basics: a domain name (the address, like yourname.com), hosting (where the site is stored and runs) and an SSL certificate (the https padlock that encrypts the connection). You can buy and set up each yourself or choose an all-in-one website plan. In Nextchain.site monthly plans, hosting and SSL are included in the monthly fee, while a custom domain is registered directly with a domain provider.
Key takeaways
- A domain is the website address, hosting is where the site lives and SSL is the encryption that shows the https padlock.
- Without SSL, browsers warn that the site is "not secure", which makes visitors hesitate to fill in forms.
- A custom domain is optional at the start; you can use a free address and connect your own domain later.
- DIY means extra work on setup, backups, updates and yearly renewals; an all-in-one plan folds these into a monthly fee.
- According to Google Keyword Planner (Vietnam), "hosting là gì" gets about 5,400 searches a month, "tên miền là gì" about 1,600 and "ssl là gì" about 1,000.
What is a domain name and how should you choose one?
A domain name is the address visitors type to reach your website, such as yourname.vn or yourname.com. It works like a street address: when people remember it, they can find you again.
Domains are registered and renewed yearly with a domain provider. Keep control of the registration account and renewal date, because an expired domain makes the website unreachable.
- Pick a short, readable, memorable name close to your brand.
- Avoid hyphens and numbers unless needed.
- Register with your own account to keep ownership.
- Note the renewal date and the email that receives notices.
What is hosting and why does it affect website speed?
Hosting is the server that stores all the files, images and data of your website so visitors can open it at any time. Slow or unreliable hosting makes visitors leave before they see your content.
When choosing hosting, look at speed, stability, regular backups and who is responsible when something breaks. If you rent hosting yourself, you must monitor these things yourself.
- Page load speed on mobile.
- Regular backups and the ability to restore.
- Technical support when the site fails.
- Storage and bandwidth that fit your pages and images.
What is SSL and does a small website need it?
SSL is a certificate that encrypts the connection between the visitor and your website, showing a padlock and an address that starts with https. Any website that collects a name, phone number or email through a form should have SSL enabled.
Browsers often warn that a site without https is "not secure". That warning makes visitors hesitate to enter information. Enabling SSL is also part of protecting the personal data visitors leave on your site.
What does a website need to buy and maintain?
Beyond the three basics, a website also needs design, content, basic SEO and maintenance. The table summarises each item and what you must do if you set it up yourself.
| Item | What it does | If you do it yourself |
|---|---|---|
| Domain name | The website address | Register and renew yearly |
| Hosting | Stores and runs the site | Choose a plan, set up, monitor, back up |
| SSL (https) | Encrypts the connection, removes warnings | Install and renew the certificate |
| Design and content | Helps visitors understand and get in touch | Design, write and adjust for mobile yourself |
| Basic SEO | Helps Google understand the page | Set titles, descriptions, sitemap, Google Maps |
| Maintenance | Updates, fixes, content changes | Monitor and fix when the site breaks |
What does an all-in-one website plan include?
According to the Nextchain.site price list, monthly plans have no setup fee and the monthly price covers design, hosting, an SSL certificate, technical maintenance, backups and a number of content updates depending on the plan. The Starter plan is 249,000 VND per month (excluding VAT) for one landing page, Growth is 790,000 VND per month and Professional is 1,490,000 VND per month.
You are not required to buy a domain: the site can use a free address like your-name.nextchain.site. If you want a custom domain (.com, .vn), you register it with a domain provider and Nextchain connects it for you; the domain fee is paid directly to the provider.
- High-speed hosting and an SSL certificate (https) are in the monthly fee.
- A free address, or connect your own domain.
- You review and approve the design and content before the website goes live.
Should you do it yourself or choose an all-in-one plan?
If you enjoy building things and have the time, DIY gives you control over every detail. If you want a site quickly, do not want to deal with technical work and prefer to focus on customers, an all-in-one plan saves effort. You can also read our comparison of monthly plans and one-time payment to choose the payment model that suits you.
