How Web Hosting Works

When you want to start a business in the real world, you need a physical location to set up, store, and sell your products. The same rules apply in the digital world when setting up a website. 

When you set up an online business, you have a series of files, images, and HTML code that make up your website. These files take up space and need a place to live. Without an online home, your files would just sit on your computer and no one would ever see them. A hosting provider will provide a place on a web server to store all of your files and are responsible for delivering the files of your website as soon as a browser makes a request by typing in your domain name. 

When you pay for hosting services, you are simply renting storage space on the internet — just like you would rent a physical store for your business.

What is a Domain Name? 

Before we go into more depth, let’s talk about domain names. When you first thought about starting an online business, you purchased a domain name. A domain name is your company’s address on the internet. 

Think of it this way: if you are renting space at a physical location for your business, you give customers your street address so they can find you. If you are renting space on the internet, you give customers your domain name. 

Whenever someone types in your domain name, it is converted into an IP address.

The hosting company then locates all the files connected to the website for example ours which is MARKETINGMATTERSONLINE.COM and your IP address and returns all of the pictures, videos, and words that make up your website to that search. 

Just like every street address is unique, so is every domain name. Whenever you start a new website, you get the opportunity to choose a name that perfectly reflects your brand. 

If you need any help or advice in this important part of setting up your new website please feel free to get in touch...

Paul G-Wood

+44 752 500 6255

www.marketingmattersonline.com

paul@marketingmattersonline.co.uk

DIGITAL MARKETING & GRAPHIC DESIGN

Creating & Delivering...Websites, Graphic Designs, Print, Motion Graphics, Animations, Videos, & SEO Google Ranking Results

Ai & Chat GPT Management & Consultancy Services

Certified Digital Marketing Specialist

Should You Use Hyphens in Your Domain Name?

When choosing a domain name for your business, one key consideration is whether to include hyphens. While hyphens might seem like a simple way to secure a domain name that’s already taken or improve readability, they come with several drawbacks that could impact your brand’s credibility and online success.

Why You Should Avoid Hyphens in Your Domain Name

1. Harder to Remember

People tend to forget hyphens when typing URLs, which can lead to lost traffic. A domain without hyphens is easier to recall and share.

2. Increased Risk of Typosquatting

Hyphenated domains are more vulnerable to typosquatting—where others register similar names without hyphens to capture misdirected traffic.

3. Negative Brand Perception

Domains with hyphens can sometimes appear less professional or even spammy. A clean, simple domain looks more credible and trustworthy.

4. Poor User Experience

A domain without hyphens is quicker to type and easier to communicate verbally. Saying "Visit my-business-site.com" is less intuitive than "mybusinesssite.com."

When a Hyphen Might Be Acceptable

While avoiding hyphens is generally best, there are rare cases where they might be useful:

• Clarifying Meaning – If combining words without a hyphen creates an unclear or misleading phrase, a hyphen can improve readability.

• Domain Availability – If your ideal domain is unavailable, using a hyphen may be a workaround—but it's still not ideal.

The Bottom Line

For branding, usability, and credibility, it's usually best to choose a domain without hyphens. If you must use one, consider the long-term impact on user experience and brand trust. A short, clean, and memorable domain name will always serve your business better in the long run.

Paul G-Wood

+44 752 500 6255

www.marketingmattersonline.com

paul@marketingmattersonline.co.uk

DIGITAL MARKETING & GRAPHIC DESIGN

Creating & Delivering...Websites, Graphic Designs, Print, Motion Graphics, Animations, Videos, & SEO Google Ranking Results

Ai & Chat GPT Management & Consultancy Services

Certified Digital Marketing Specialist

Terms & Conditions

AI Visibility and Schema Markup Guide from Marketing Matters Online

www.marketingmattersonline.com

AI Visibility and Schema Markup Guide for Marketing Matters Online.pdf

Download PDF • 2.65MB

www.marketingmattersonline.com www.marketingmattersonline.co.uk

This guide explains how to improve your website's visibility in AI-generated search results, including specific steps for implementing schema markup on Wix websites. It also serves as a resource to share with our existing and prospective clients.

SEO – Search Engine Optimisation – Google, Bing, Yahoo

AEO – Ask Engine Optimisation – Ai search results – Chat GPT, Perplexity, Gemini, Co-Pilot

+44 (0) 752 500 6255

Why Optimise for AI Searches?

AI tools rely on advanced indexing methods and natural language processing to deliver search results. By tailoring your website to these methods, you can:

• Enhance Visibility: Appear prominently in AI-powered search results.

• Improve Click-Through Rates: Rich results (like FAQs and reviews) attract more users.

• Establish Credibility: Present a professional and authoritative online presence.

Strategies for Improving AI Search Visibility

1. Optimise for Structured Data

Structured data helps AI tools understand your website better. Implementing schema markup on your Wix site allows search engines to deliver richer search results.

2. Target AI-Specific Keywords

Use natural language phrases and conversational queries to optimise content. Using our business, Marketing Matters Online Examples may include:

• "Who provides top website design in Nuneaton?"

• "Best online marketing experts near me in Nuneaton."

3. Create AI-Friendly Content

Publish detailed, user-focused content such as:

• Blog posts answering industry-specific questions.

• FAQ sections addressing common client concerns.

4. Enhance Local Search Presence

Ensure your business is optimised for local SEO by:

• Keeping your Google Business Profile updated.

• Adding location-optimised meta descriptions and titles.

5. Build Credibility

• Collect and display customer reviews.

• Partner with local businesses for backlinks.

What Is Schema Markup?

Schema markup is structured data added to your website’s HTML that helps search engines understand your content better. It uses formats like JSON-LD, Microdata, or RDFa to organise information.

Why Use Schema Markup?

• Improves your chances of appearing in rich results (e.g., FAQs, reviews, business info panels).

• Helps AI tools provide more accurate and engaging search results.

Types of Schema Markup for Your Business

1. Local Business Schema

Defines key business information like name, address, and operating hours. Using our business, Marketing Matters Online as an example:-

Example Code:

{

  "@context": "https://schema.org",

  "@type": "LocalBusiness",

  "name": "Marketing Matters Online",

  "address": {

    "@type": "PostalAddress",

    "streetAddress": "133 Nuneaton High Street",

    "addressLocality": "Nuneaton",

    "addressRegion": "Warwickshire",

    "postalCode": "CV11 5XX",

    "addressCountry": "UK"

  },

  "telephone": "+44 0752 500 6255",

  "openingHours": "Mo-Fr 09:00-17:00",

  "url": "https://www.marketingmattersonline.com"

}

2. Service Schema

Highlights specific services you offer.

Example Code:

{

  "@context": "https://schema.org",

  "@type": "Service",

  "serviceType": "Website Design",

  "provider": {

    "@type": "LocalBusiness",

    "name": "Marketing Matters Online",

    "url": "https://www.marketingmattersonline.com"

  },

  "areaServed": {

    "@type": "Place",

    "name": "Nuneaton"

  }

}

3. FAQ Schema

Displays frequently asked questions directly in search results.

Example Code:

{

  "@context": "https://schema.org",

  "@type": "FAQPage",

  "mainEntity": [

    {

      "@type": "Question",

      "name": "What services does Marketing Matters Online offer?",

      "acceptedAnswer": {

        "@type": "Answer",

        "text": "We offer website building, SEO, and online marketing services tailored to businesses in Nuneaton."

      }

    }

  ]

}

Implementing Schema Markup on Wix Websites

Step 1: Add Custom Code

1. Log in to your Wix account and open your website editor.

2. Go to Settings > Advanced > Custom Code.

3. Paste the JSON-LD schema markup into the designated area.

Step 2: Validate Schema

1. Use Google’s Rich Results Test to verify your schema implementation.

2. Address any errors or warnings to ensure accuracy.

Step 3: Monitor Performance

1. Track schema-related performance in Google Search Console under the "Enhancements" tab.

2. Regularly update schema as your business evolves.

Summary of Key Actions

• Optimise Content: Use AI-focused, natural language keywords.

• Implement Schema: Add relevant schema types like Local Business, Service, and FAQ.

• Monitor and Adjust: Regularly check performance and refine strategies.

Following these steps, will improve online visibility and help any business with an online presence (i.e. Website) to achieve and maintain similar ranking and SEO as well as AEO success.

www.marketingmattersonline.com www.marketingmattersonline.co.uk