What Is GoDaddy and How Does It Work?
TL;DR: What Is GoDaddy?
GoDaddy is a popular all-in-one platform for domains, web hosting, website building, email, and online stores.
It’s beginner-friendly and ideal for small businesses that want a fast, simple setup.
Key features include domain protection, SSL certificates, premium DNS, and 24/7 support.
Downsides include upsells, limited design flexibility, and higher renewal costs.
Schulze Creative can help you decide if GoDaddy fits your goals, or recommend better tools if it doesn’t.
Over 84 million domain names are managed by one company. That company is GoDaddy.
It’s a name you've probably heard (or seen those weird commercials 20 years ago), whether you're launching your first website or running a business that’s overdue for a digital refresh. But here's the thing: GoDaddy isn't just about buying domains anymore. It's evolved into a full-blown platform offering everything from web hosting and email to e-commerce tools and marketing add-ons.
Still, not all of those tools are created equal and not all of them are worth your money.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly what GoDaddy is, what it's used for, and how to tell if it’s the right fit for your business goals. We'll go beyond the sales page. I'll show you which features matter, which ones don’t, and how to avoid the most common (and costly) mistakes people make when using GoDaddy.
What Can You Use GoDaddy For?
GoDaddy is mainly known as a domain registrar and website hosting company, but it actually offers a lot more than that. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Buy a domain name (like yourbusiness.com)
Host a website (store your site files so others can visit your website online)
Build a website using GoDaddy’s drag-and-drop builder
Create a professional email address with your domain name
Sell products online with their e-commerce tools
Use marketing tools like email campaigns, SEO helpers, and social media integrations
GoDaddy is often described as an all-in-one platform, which makes it a popular choice for small businesses, freelancers, and people launching passion projects.
What Makes GoDaddy Different?
There are a lot of companies out there offering domains and web hosting. So why GoDaddy?
Here’s what sets GoDaddy apart:
Simple setup – Great for beginners, with easy walkthroughs.
24/7 customer support – You can call or chat anytime.
All-in-one services – Everything from your domain to marketing tools is in one place.
Performance – Fast load times and multiple data centers around the world.
Big user base – Over 20 million customers and 84 million domains managed.
That said, GoDaddy isn't perfect. We’ll get into the drawbacks later.
Can You Build a Website on GoDaddy?
Yes! And it’s one of the main reasons people choose GoDaddy.
You can use their website builder, which is a drag-and-drop tool with pre-designed templates. Here’s how it works:
Pick a template based on your industry or design style
Customize it by adding your logo, images, and text
Add features like contact forms, booking buttons, or online stores
Connect your domain (which you can also buy from GoDaddy)
Publish your site and share it with the world
Pros of the GoDaddy Website Builder
No coding needed
Mobile-friendly templates
Built-in SEO and social media tools
Easy integration with GoDaddy’s other services
Cons
Less flexible than WordPress
Hard to move your site if you switch providers later
My recommendation, don’t build your website on GoDaddy, there’s much better builders like Wordpress, Squarespace, and Wix.
Main Features of GoDaddy
Let’s break down some specific GoDaddy tools and what they actually mean.
What Is a GoDaddy Server Name?
A server name is basically the address of the computer where your website lives. When you connect your domain to GoDaddy’s hosting, they’ll provide a server name (also called a nameserver) so the internet knows where to find your site.
You usually don’t need to worry about this unless you’re connecting to a third-party service.
What Is GoDaddy Domain Protection?
When you register a domain, your personal info (like name and address) is listed publicly. GoDaddy’s Domain Protection hides this info to protect your privacy and reduce spam.
They also offer features like:
Auto-renewal protection
Transfer lock (prevents unauthorized domain transfers)
Recovery for expired domains (with some plans)
What Is GoDaddy Premium DNS?
DNS (Domain Name System) is like the phonebook of the internet. Premium DNS gives you faster, more secure performance for your site.
You get:
99.999% uptime guarantee
Faster load times
DDoS protection
Better reliability if you run a business website
What Is a GoDaddy SSL Certificate?
An SSL certificate secures your site and shows a little padlock in the browser. It’s crucial for any site that collects personal info or sells products.
GoDaddy offers different SSL plans, and many hosting packages include a free SSL for the first year. After that, there’s a renewal fee.
Other Helpful Tools and Services from GoDaddy
Here are a few extras that many people don’t know GoDaddy offers:
GoDaddy Email & Microsoft 365
You can set up a professional email like you@yourdomain.com and manage it with Microsoft Outlook.
GoDaddy Marketing Tools
Includes:
Email marketing
SEO tools
Social media post schedulers
Website analytics
GoDaddy Payments & Online Store
If you sell products, GoDaddy has tools for:
Inventory tracking
Secure checkout
Mobile-friendly store pages
Downsides to Using GoDaddy
No platform is perfect. Here are a few things to watch out for:
Higher prices after first year – Many plans start cheap but renew at higher rates.
Upsells during checkout – The platform tries to add extras you may not need.
Limited flexibility – Especially with their website builder.
Basic starter plans – The cheapest plans have limited features and storage.
If you're looking for full customization or low-cost long-term hosting, it’s worth comparing GoDaddy with other platforms like Bluehost, Hostinger, or Squarespace.
GoDaddy Pricing: What Does It Cost?
GoDaddy offers four main shared hosting plans. Here’s what they include:
Economy Plan
1 website
10 GB storage
Free domain (1st year)
Free email (1st year)
Good for personal sites
Deluxe Plan
Unlimited websites
25 GB storage
Better performance
Best for small business websites
Ultimate Plan
More processing power
Free SSL for full term
Great for medium-traffic websites
Maximum Plan
Highest performance
Ideal for large or growing websites
Advanced security features
Keep in mind: Prices vary depending on promos, contract length, and whether you pay monthly or annually.
Is GoDaddy Worth It?
GoDaddy is a solid all-in-one solution for beginners and small business owners. If you want to get online fast without worrying about tech, it’s a great option.
But if you’re more tech-savvy or want total control over your site and hosting, you might prefer other platforms.
Use GoDaddy if you:
Want a simple website with a professional look
Need everything (domain, email, hosting) in one place
Like having 24/7 support
Avoid GoDaddy if you:
Are on a tight long-term budget
Need deep customization or plan to switch platforms later
Final Thoughts
GoDaddy has come a long way from being “just a place to buy domains.” Today, it’s a full-service platform offering domain registration, web hosting, email, website builders, online stores, and even marketing tools all under one roof. It’s built for convenience and simplicity, especially if you’re a beginner or a small business owner who wants to get online fast without a steep learning curve.
But it’s not for everyone. While the platform is beginner-friendly and packed with features, it can come with higher renewal costs, upsells, and limitations in customization.
At Schulze Creative, we help business owners cut through the noise and choose Digital Marketing tools that actually move the needle. Whether you want to set up a site on GoDaddy or explore other options that fit your brand and goals, we’re here to guide you.
Need help deciding if GoDaddy is right for you? Let’s talk strategy and get your website working for you.
FAQs About GoDaddy
What is GoDaddy?
GoDaddy is a company that sells domain names, web hosting, email, and website building tools.
Is GoDaddy good for beginners?
Yes. GoDaddy is easy to use and offers support for everything in one place.
Does GoDaddy come with email?
Some hosting plans include a free Microsoft 365 email for the first year.
Can I use GoDaddy for an online store?
Yes! Their e-commerce tools are designed for small shops.
Is GoDaddy safe?
Yes. They offer SSL, DDoS protection, and privacy tools, but you may need to pay extra for some of these.
Can Schulze Creative help me set up a GoDaddy website?
Absolutely. We can help you register your domain, choose a plan, and build a beautiful site on GoDaddy.
Does Schulze Creative recommend GoDaddy?
It depends on your needs. For simple sites, GoDaddy is a great fit. For custom projects, we might recommend other platforms.
Can Schulze Creative help migrate my GoDaddy site?
Yes, we handle migrations, redesigns, and upgrades, even if you started with GoDaddy.
