My first client already had a domain and hosting. My question, though, is what do you do when a client doesn't have either? What's the easiest way to do it?
For instance, do you just setup a godaddy account for the client, and then buy the domain and hosting there?
But, if you are only doing the design and development and then not handling their hosting, i recommend that you let them set up an account on Godaddy and send you the username and password to upload.
If they wanted me to set it up for them, I'd simply setup the hosting based on their needs and wants which I find to be quicker than putting together the documentation for them to do it themselves and supporting it if something breaks when they configure it.
By the way I'm assuming that this is a small client by the fact that they haven't already done this....
This how I usually see it done. Another option is to create a domain in your own personal account. In that case you have more control, but you also have more responsibility. Sometimes it's good to be done and done.
I recommend against using GoDaddy. Very confusing interface. Check out Dreamhost.