Last updated: April 2nd, 2025
1. Introduction
At Smart Web Creative, we are dedicated to providing reliable, high-performance web hosting solutions and domain assistance customized to our clients’ needs. This Domain Names and Web Hosting Policy defines the scope of our services, our responsibilities, and client expectations. We aim for transparency and a seamless experience. This policy may be updated periodically, with significant changes communicated via email or on our website.
2. Domain Name Services
2.1 Not a Domain Registrar
Smart Web Creative is not an ICANN-accredited domain registrar, nor do we sell or register domain names directly. Our focus is on helping you integrate your domain with our hosting services.
2.2 Assistance with Domain Purchases
We offer guidance for clients purchasing domain names from third-party registrars (e.g., Namecheap, GoDaddy, Google Domains). Our team can suggest trusted registrars, explain domain options (e.g., .com, .org, .net), and provide step-by-step support upon request. Domain ownership, management, and renewals remain the client’s responsibility unless otherwise agreed in writing.
2.3 DNS and Nameserver Management
Once your domain is secured, we configure DNS settings and nameservers to link it to your hosting account with us, including:
- Nameserver Assignment: For most clients, we point your domain’s nameservers to our Smart Web Creative Cloudflare account, leveraging free-tier benefits like performance enhancements, caching, and basic DDoS protection at no additional cost.
- DNS Modifications: We manage DNS records (e.g., A records, CNAME, MX for email) to support your website and services hosted with us.
- Limitations: We use Cloudflare’s free plan only and do not provide premium features unless separately contracted. DNS changes for external services must be handled by the client or their third-party provider.
3. Web Hosting Services
3.1 Hosting Overview
Smart Web Creative provides Linux-based web hosting designed for performance, security, and flexibility. Our hosting plans include features like unlimited email accounts, free SSL certificates, cPanel access, and daily backups (depending on the package). We aim to keep your website online 24/7 with fast load times and robust security. Optimized web performance is included for WordPress-based websites hosted with us, though it does not guarantee a perfect speed or optimization score due to factors like site design or content.
3.2 Hosting Responsibilities
- Our Commitment: We maintain server infrastructure, apply updates, and monitor performance for high uptime. For sites hosted with us, we address issues like downtime or errors within a reasonable timeframe—typically within 24 hours of notification.
- Client Responsibilities: Clients manage their website content, ensure legal compliance, and report issues promptly. For sites hosted elsewhere, our troubleshooting is limited to identifying problems and offering advice.
3.3 Acceptable Use
Clients must use our hosting responsibly. Prohibited activities include:
- Hosting illegal content (e.g., pirated material, malware).
- Excessive resource usage impacting other clients (e.g., unapproved resource-intensive scripts).
- Sending unsolicited emails (spam) from our servers. Violations may result in service suspension with prior notice where feasible.
4. Cloudflare Integration
4.1 Benefits of Cloudflare
Pointing your nameservers to our Smart Web Creative Cloudflare account offers free-tier benefits:
- Performance: Caching and content delivery for faster load times.
- Security: Basic protection against threats like DDoS attacks.
- Reliability: Global DNS resolution for consistent access.
4.2 Limitations and Disclaimers
- We rely on Cloudflare’s free plan and cannot guarantee its uptime or performance, as it’s a third-party service.
- Clients needing premium Cloudflare features (e.g., custom SSL, WAF rules) must upgrade independently and coordinate with us.
- If you opt out of our Cloudflare setup, you may point nameservers elsewhere, and we’ll adjust DNS accordingly.
5. Support and Communication
5.1 Hosting Support
We provide full support for sites hosted on our servers, including assistance with cPanel, email setup, and troubleshooting. Contact us during business hours (Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM PST) via:
- Phone: Call one of our listed numbers.
- Contact Form: Submit via our Contact page.
- Email: Reach us at [email protected]. Urgent issues should be reported via email or phone for the quickest response.
5.2 Domain Support
We offer limited domain-related support as a courtesy, such as configuring DNS or pointing your domain to our servers. Issues like renewals or registrar disputes must be resolved with your registrar.
6. Billing and Costs
6.1 Transparent Pricing
Our hosting fees reflect our commitment to quality servers, security, and support. Current pricing (effective April 2, 2025) is:
- Basic Hosting: $40/month ($35/month with Auto-Pay) – 6 GB of Hard Drive Space, 100 GB of Monthly Bandwidth, cPanel Access, 5 FTP Accounts, 50 Email Accounts, 5 Email Lists, 5 Databases, 5 Sub Domains, Daily Backups, (1) Free Self-signed SSL, Full Hosting Support, Free Cloudflare CDN, Optimized Web Performance, Elementor Pro (included for Smart Web Creative-built WordPress sites)
- Advanced Hosting: $60/month ($55/month with Auto-Pay) – 12 GB of Hard Drive Space, 250 GB of Monthly Bandwidth, cPanel Access, 10 FTP Accounts, 50 Email Accounts, 10 Email Lists, 10 Databases, 10 Sub Domains, Daily Backups, (1) Free Self-signed SSL, Full Hosting Support, Free Cloudflare CDN, Optimized Web Performance, Elementor Pro (included for Smart Web Creative-built WordPress sites)
- Premium Hosting: $100/month ($95/month with Auto-Pay) – 20 GB of Hard Drive Space, Unlimited Bandwidth, cPanel Access, Unlimited FTP Accounts, Unlimited Email Accounts, Unlimited Email Lists, Unlimited Databases, Unlimited Sub Domains, Daily Backups, (1) Free Self-signed SSL, Full Hosting Support, Free Cloudflare CDN, Optimized Web Performance, Elementor Pro (included for Smart Web Creative-built WordPress sites)
- Webmail Limited Hosting: $7/month ($5/month with Auto-Pay) – 100 MB Hard Drive Space, 5 GB Monthly Bandwidth, 5 Max Email Accounts, 25 MB Max Quota Per Email Address, 10 Max Hourly Emails Relayed, 100% Max Failed/Deferred Messages Per Hour, 1 Max Team User, cPanel Access, (1) Free Self-signed SSL
- Domains: We do not charge for domain registration or renewals, as these are managed by your registrar.
- DNS/Nameserver Services: Basic DNS management and Cloudflare integration are included free with hosting.
- Additional Fees:
- Websites not built by us incur a one-time $35 setup fee.
- Website transfer service: $65 per website (includes files, database, DNS redirect); exclusions apply (e.g., complex builds, virus-infected files).
- Webmail accounts: $15 per account creation if needed; $25 transfer fee per email account; up to 1 GB per account, $15 per additional GB.
6.2 Payment Terms
Hosting fees are billed monthly. Non-payment may lead to service suspension after a 15-day grace period, with prior notification sent to the client’s registered email.
7. Limitations of Liability
Smart Web Creative strives to ensure that domain name assistance, DNS configuration, nameserver management, and web hosting services are set up correctly and operate smoothly. We make every reasonable effort to deliver a reliable experience through proper configuration, timely support, and proactive monitoring. However, we cannot be held liable for:
- Downtime, data loss, or disruptions caused by third-party services (e.g., domain registrars, Cloudflare).
- Issues from client-managed content or third-party hosting.
- Costs related to domain renewals or registrar disputes.
- Incidental actions beyond our control—such as server failures, internet outages, client-side errors, or third-party service interruptions—that may result in website downtime, loss of sales, reputational damage, or other financial or operational impacts. While we aim for excellence, we cannot guarantee uninterrupted service due to external factors (e.g., force majeure, third-party outages). Clients are responsible for maintaining backups and mitigating risks tied to their online presence.
8. Policy Updates
We may revise this policy as our services evolve. Clients will be notified of changes via email or a notice on our website. Continued use of our services after updates signifies acceptance of the revised terms.
9. Contact Us
Questions about this policy? Reach out at [email protected], call us, or use our Contact page form. We’re here to support your online success!
