Domain, hosting, and design are different
- Domain: the address people type to find you. Registration and renewal are separate from designing the site.
- Hosting: the service that runs or serves the website. Some website platforms include it; a self-hosted WordPress site needs a compatible hosting plan.
- Website design and development: the agreed work to create the pages, structure, styling, and functionality.
- Tools: scheduling, payments, email, licensed assets, and other services may have their own fees.
You can keep your domain at one provider and host elsewhere. Confirm the destination before changing DNS, and preserve existing email records.
When SiteGround could be a sensible fit
We recommend considering SiteGround for suitable WordPress projects, including content sites and some service websites or stores. The exact plan depends on the website, supported software, and maintenance needs. A store needs more than hosting: checkout, fulfillment, policies, and ongoing operations must also work.
If Athena is building on Sites, or your chosen storefront or website builder already includes hosting, a separate SiteGround plan may add a bill you do not need. Tell us about an existing plan before purchasing another one.
Compare the full bill, not just the headline
| Check | Question to answer before paying |
|---|---|
| First-term total | What will be charged today, for how many months, and with which optional extras? |
| Renewal | What is the regular renewal total and when will it be charged? |
| Domain and email | Are these included for the period you need? What do they renew at? |
| Website requirements | Does the plan support your platform, expected usage, and required software? |
| Backup and recovery | What is backed up, how often, and how would you restore it? Confirm any charges. |
| Ownership and access | Is the account in your name, with appropriate collaborator access for your developer? |
| Maintenance | Who handles updates, security configuration, monitoring, and recovery? |
| Cancellation | What are the current refund, cancellation, and automatic-renewal terms? |
Promotional and renewal prices change. Use the current provider checkout and terms as the source of truth. We do not quote a special Athena discount or promise savings we cannot verify.
A simple purchase sequence
- Choose the business model and define the website’s main job.
- Ask Athena to confirm the platform and hosting requirements.
- Compare total upfront and renewal costs. Remove extras you do not need.
- Create the hosting account yourself and keep control of billing.
- Arrange appropriate collaborator access; do not send passwords or verification codes through a project form.
- Confirm domain connection, email continuity, and the launch checks with your developer.
Do you have to use our link?
No. The hosting recommendation should suit your project. Our affiliate relationship means we may earn a commission on qualifying purchases through our link. It does not make SiteGround necessary for every customer. Hosting is a separate purchase from Athena’s website-design service.
Provider information
Check SiteGround’s WordPress hosting page and its current checkout for features and billing details. For guidance on disclosed commercial recommendations, see the FTC endorsement guidance.