Hosting · Two options available

Hosting & Domain

Your SmartGroom software needs a place to live on the internet and an address so your clients can find it. Here is what that means and what your options are.

What is Hosting?

Think of hosting as renting space on a computer that is always turned on and connected to the internet. Your SmartGroom software — the booking calendar, client records, reminders, everything — runs on that computer (called a server).

Without hosting, your software would only work on your own laptop while it is open. With hosting, it runs 24/7 so clients can book appointments at midnight, receive reminders automatically, and you can check your schedule from your phone.

Real-world analogy: Hosting is like renting a shop space. The software is your equipment inside it. Without a shop, your equipment sits at home and nobody can walk in.

What is a Domain?

A domain is the web address people type to reach your booking page — something like www.yourgroomingbusiness.com.

You register (purchase) a domain name for a yearly fee. The name is yours as long as you keep renewing it. Once registered, it points to the server where your software is hosted, so clients visit your address and land on your booking system.

Real-world analogy: If hosting is the shop space, the domain is the street address on Google Maps. People need the address to find your shop.

Your Options

You have two ways to get your SmartGroom software online. We can host it for you at $5/month (free for the first year), or you can host it on your own server with your own domain.

Simplest option

We Host It for You

$5 /month

Free for the 1st year

Your software runs on SmartGroom servers. No setup needed. We handle everything — updates, backups, security.

Your booking address

app.smartgroom.app/your-name

✓ No server to manage
✓ Automatic updates and backups
✓ SSL security included
✓ No domain purchase needed
✓ Ready to use immediately

Best for

Groomers who want to get started fast without worrying about technical setup.

Optional

Host on Your Own Server

Varies by provider

Install SmartGroom on your own hosting server with your own custom domain name. Hosting cost depends on the provider you choose — we help you pick one and get set up.

Your booking address

www.yourgroomingbusiness.com

✓ Your own custom domain name
✓ Full control over your server
✓ Professional branded URL
✓ We help you set it up
✓ Data stays on your server

Costs you pay separately

Hosting: Depends on your provider (Hostinger, DigitalOcean, cPanel hosts, etc.)
Domain: ~$10–$20/year depending on the name you choose

Full Cost Breakdown

No hidden fees. Here is exactly what you pay.

Software License

$599 one-time

Lifetime software license. Pay once, own it forever.

Hosting

$5/month

Free for the 1st year

If we host it for you. If you host on your own server, you pay your hosting provider directly.

Support & Updates

Free first year

$50/year after

First year of support, updates, and bug fixes included with your license. From year two, $50/year to continue receiving updates and support. Applies to both hosting options.

Domain (optional)

$10–$20/year

Only if you host on your own server and want a custom domain. Not needed with SmartGroom hosting.

Quick Comparison

SmartGroom Hosted

Monthly cost$5/month (1st year free)

Domain costIncluded

Your URLapp.smartgroom.app/you

SetupNone

Server mgmtWe handle it

SupportYear 1 free, then $50/yr

BrandingSmartGroom subdomain

Your Own Server

Monthly costVaries by provider

Domain cost~$10–$20/year

Your URLwww.yourbusiness.com

SetupWe help you set up

Server mgmtYou manage (we assist)

SupportYear 1 free, then $50/yr

BrandingYour own brand

Common Questions

Do I need to buy hosting and a domain to use SmartGroom? +

No, you do not need to buy your own hosting or domain. SmartGroom can host your software on our servers for $5/month (free for the first year). Your software will be live at app.smartgroom.app/your-name — no domain to buy, no server to manage. Hosting on your own server with a custom domain is completely optional — it is for groomers who want their own branded web address.

Can I start with SmartGroom hosting and switch to my own domain later? +

Yes. Start with SmartGroom hosting, and when you are ready, you can move to your own server and domain at any time. Your data transfers over — nothing is lost.

What does a domain name cost? +

A domain name typically costs between $10 and $20 per year, depending on the name and extension you choose (.com, .net, etc.). Popular registrars include Namecheap, GoDaddy, and Google Domains. The exact price depends on availability — common words cost more.

Will you help me set up my own server? +

Yes. If you choose to host on your own server, we walk you through the entire setup — purchasing hosting, connecting your domain, and installing SmartGroom. You do not need any technical knowledge.

Is SmartGroom hosting limited compared to my own server? +

No. SmartGroom hosting gives you the exact same software, features, and performance. The only difference is your web address will be a SmartGroom subdomain (app.smartgroom.app/your-name) instead of a custom domain like www.yourgrooming.com.

Still have questions?

Not sure which option is right for you? Reach out and we will help you decide — no pressure, no commitment.