Confused. Please Help... BASIC Basics... Thanks!

[iqbal624]

Ok,
So i've been searching and searching but can't seem to get my heard around this. Please help me understand.
I am looking to get my own website up and running.
I have purchased just the domain name from godaddy.com.

Now I am a little confused. I want to use the site to display my images and have somewhere for clients to go to proof and purchase images.

I was going to sign up with Zenfolio but then i am doing some more research on smugmug and EM.

I was thinking about purchasing a site from Bludomain.

What I am confused about is the hosting. What does that mean and do i need that if i have a Zenfolio type account in addition to the Bludomain site?

Any help you could provide would be great. Just break down the basics for me.

Thank you again in advance.

[readysetgocapture]

as far as i know all you need is smugmug/zenfolio and your domain name thats it. but im no expert.

[Mike R]

I have a site with EM but my domain through GoDaddy.com The domain is mapped to bring people direct to my EM site. A lot of people pay to have a website so they can have other content on it. In this case, when someone clicks on their web page for photos, That page will automatically open the site they have with EM or one of the others. The customer has no idea that they even left the website. Domains are cheap without a site to go along with them so if cost is a concern and you don't need a full web site, just purchase a doman and map it to your sales site. If you only get the "site" through EM,Zenfolio or one of the others, Their name becomes part of your address which will allow people to find out your costs.