Questions? We got answers!
Everything people ask us about domains, hosting, email and websites.
Domains
What is a domain name?
A domain name is your website name. It is the address where internet users can find your website. Computers find each other using IP addresses, which are long strings of numbers. Because people struggle to remember numbers, domain names were created to identify websites instead.
A domain name can be any combination of letters and numbers, used with extensions such as .com, .net, .co.zw and more.
A domain name must be registered before you can use it, and every domain name is unique. No two websites can have the same one. If someone types www.yourdomain.com, they reach your website and no one else's.
What is web hosting?
Web hosting, also called online or internet hosting, is a service that gives you disk space to put your website online so it can be reached on the internet at any time.
Setting up a website is much like setting up a small business. You choose a business name, rent a shop, move in and decorate. A registrant establishes a domain name, leases a block of server space and uploads their web pages. Soon anyone with an internet connection can browse the site.
The domain name provides the address of the server, and the server is rented space where the data that makes up your pages is stored. This is called delegation: the domain name points to your specific hosting account on a particular server.
The server's main job is to serve files to the browser that asked for them. Just as a landlord manages a property, the server is managed by a web host.
Who are web hosting services aimed at?
Web hosting plans suit anyone who wants an easy way to run a professional website, a personal blog or several websites without worrying about the hosting platform.
These plans respond to a wide range of needs and support a large number of projects, so they work for everyone from individuals to large companies.
How do I pay for my domain name?
You can pay by EcoCash, InnBucks, PesePay, PayPal, bank transfer, or in cash at our office.
Can I buy a domain name without web hosting?
While they work together, the domain name and the hosting service are two different things.
A domain name can be bought without hosting. These domains are parked until their nameservers are pointed to a web host. So you can buy your domain from LittleGlow and use another hosting company. Advanced DNS records can also point to other servers if you know the IP address, or the domain can be redirected to another domain.
How long will it take to activate my domain?
All domain names are activated within 24 hours.
Will my domain name be approved?
The .co.zw registry is managed by the Zimbabwe Internet Service Providers Association (ZISPA). It is not an open registry like .com where it is simply first come, first served. Every application is vetted under these policies:
Known company and organisation names will not be registered without authority from the body concerned. For example, you cannot register google.co.zw without authorisation from Google. If there is doubt, ZISPA may ask for proof of company registration.
Names of schools, clubs, churches and similar bodies must be registered in the name of that organisation, not an individual.
Zimbabwean place names are reserved for the matching national or local government authority.
As long as your domain name does not go against ZISPA's terms and conditions, it will be approved.
Web hosting
What is web hosting?
Web hosting, also called online or internet hosting, is a service that gives you disk space to put your website online so it can be reached on the internet at any time.
Setting up a website is much like setting up a small business. You choose a business name, rent a shop, move in and decorate. A registrant establishes a domain name, leases a block of server space and uploads their web pages. Soon anyone with an internet connection can browse the site.
The domain name provides the address of the server, and the server is rented space where the data that makes up your pages is stored. This is called delegation: the domain name points to your specific hosting account on a particular server.
The server's main job is to serve files to the browser that asked for them. Just as a landlord manages a property, the server is managed by a web host.
What is a domain name?
A domain name is your website name. It is the address where internet users can find your website. Computers find each other using IP addresses, which are long strings of numbers. Because people struggle to remember numbers, domain names were created to identify websites instead.
A domain name can be any combination of letters and numbers, used with extensions such as .com, .net, .co.zw and more.
A domain name must be registered before you can use it, and every domain name is unique. No two websites can have the same one. If someone types www.yourdomain.com, they reach your website and no one else's.
Who are web hosting services aimed at?
Web hosting plans suit anyone who wants an easy way to run a professional website, a personal blog or several websites without worrying about the hosting platform.
These plans respond to a wide range of needs and support a large number of projects, so they work for everyone from individuals to large companies.
Will there be advertising such as banner ads or pop-ups on my website?
No. You are paying for your own web space and you are in complete control of what you put on your website. If you want ads on your site you can have them, but that is entirely your choice.
If I have my site designed myself, can I still host with you?
Yes, absolutely. We would love to host your site regardless of who designed it.
How do I pay for my web hosting?
You can pay by EcoCash, InnBucks, PesePay, PayPal, bank transfer, or in cash at our office.
Can I buy web hosting without a domain name?
While they work together, the domain name and the hosting service are two different things.
A domain name can be bought without hosting. These domains are parked until their nameservers are pointed to a web host. Advanced DNS records can also point to other servers if you know the IP address, or the domain can be redirected to another domain.
Without a domain name, however, there is no way to reach the information stored in your hosting account, so hosting cannot function without one.
You can also host a domain you already own with us. You don't have to buy your domain from us to use our hosting.
How long after payment will I get my account?
We set up your hosting control panel within 24 hours of receiving your payment. We email you instructions on how to access and use your hosting account.
I have a question that I did not see on this page
We want to hear from you. We host websites from only US$5.50 a month. Call +263 787063444 or email sales@littleglow.co.zw.
Email hosting
What is business email hosting?
A business email is an email address used specifically for a business. It carries the company name, like employeename@companyname.co.zw. This professional address shows that a person can act on behalf of a company, and it works as advertising because the business name is visible in every message your team sends. Building a brand is only one advantage of business email.
A business email hosting service makes your communication more professional and raises your brand value. Customers trust a business that writes to them from its own domain.
What are the benefits of business email hosting?
Professional communication: whether you write to staff, customers or stakeholders, business email sounds more professional. A proposal sent from a free email account is unlikely to make an impact. The same proposal from your business address looks more convincing.
Trust: customers trust a business email account more than a free one.
Cost effective: an email account costs very little compared with the benefits. Many businesses see it as a wasteful expense until they start using it and see the real value.
Will there be advertising such as banner ads or pop-ups in my email?
No. You are paying for your own email hosting and you are in complete control. You will not see any adverts.
Do I have to pay for the domain name?
All our email hosting packages come with a free .co.zw domain name for the first year.
Can I have a company email without a website?
Absolutely. You can have a professional email for your company without a website. You may not have the budget for web design yet, or your company may not need a website. Not having one does not stop you from having a professional email address.
How do I pay for my email hosting?
You can pay by EcoCash, InnBucks, PesePay, PayPal, bank transfer, or in cash at our office.
Can I access my email on any computer?
Our email hosting comes with webmail, which lets you reach your email from any internet-enabled device, anywhere in the world. As long as you have internet access, you can read and send email.
Web design
How much do you charge for website design?
Prices start at $50 for a one-page site and $70 for a 3-page website. Our 5, 15 and 30-page packages are $150, $300 and $500.
My brother, nephew or employee says they can design my site for free. Why shouldn't I let them?
Just because someone offers a free service doesn't mean they are good at it, especially if it is not their full-time job. Plenty of people can build a website. Most won't know how to get that site to show up well on search engines like Google, Yahoo and Bing.
A friend who has fixed cars since he was a kid can probably fix my car. But if he offered to do my taxes because he did it once for a relative, I might not take the chance. A mistake there can cost money. A website built by someone without internet marketing experience can cost you potential business. It usually pays to hire a professional in the first place.
My business isn't in your city. Can you still build my website?
Yes. We build websites for clients across Zimbabwe, and even worldwide.
Will my website work on mobile devices?
Yes. Using responsive design, we make sure our sites work on all devices, including desktops, laptops, tablets and phones.
Will my website be search engine friendly?
Yes. All our websites are created with search engines in mind, and the design follows search engine guidelines.
Can you provide all our web design and hosting services?
Yes. We are your one-stop shop for all your web services. You will never wonder who to call when something goes wrong. We can register your domain name, design your website, host it and set up your email accounts.
Will there be advertising such as banner ads or pop-ups on my website?
No. You are paying for your own website and you are in complete control of what you put on your website. If you want ads on your site you can have them, but that is entirely your choice.
Do I own my website?
Yes. Everything we build is 100% owned by you. Most of our clients stay with us for the life of the website. But if you decide to move your site to another host or have another company service it, we will happily help you make the move as smoothly as possible. The website is yours, and we want you to take it wherever you go.
How do I pay for my web design?
You can pay by EcoCash, InnBucks, PesePay, PayPal, bank transfer, or in cash at our office.
How long will it take to design my website?
The time depends on the size and complexity of your site. Your website will be ready in 3 to 10 working days.