I generally try to leave the hosting of websites to the clients. I don’t want them to feel like they’re held hostage and I can shut them off at any time unless they yield to my demands. Definitely, register your domains in your own name. Whoever registers the domain owns it.
Sure, many client’s aren’t technically savvy and don’t want to hassle with some hosting company. I can be a one stop shop, but I don’t want a client to be chained to us and whatever fees we feel like charging. I’ve had challenges getting clients to change the DNS info and other issues, but I feel comfortable and ethical making sure they maintain ownership of their websites.
Also, beware of the web designer who will set you up with their proprietary content management system (CMS) with a monthly charge. If you decide to switch hosting or move the site, can you? Will the site even exist without the CMS? Without a static html page, you just have information in a database that is useless without the package you have to pay for.
Some sites are vast and require a database-driven solution and a monthly fee, but make sure your site can live without your webmaster.
Make sure you own your site and not your designer.
